Netflix & Karan Johar’s Nadaaniyan Movie Review

Bollywood has given us some iconic love stories over the years, but Netflix’s Nadaaniyan is not one of them. Directed by Shauna Gautam, the film attempts to blend romance and drama but ends up being a bland, predictable, and uninspiring watch. Starring Ibrahim Ali Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Mahima Chaudhry, Dia Mirza, and Suniel Shetty, this movie struggles to offer anything new or engaging. Let’s dive deep into what went wrong with this so-called “romantic dramedy.”

The Same Old, Boring Storyline

If you were expecting something fresh, think again. Nadaaniyan follows the age-old trope of a rich girl falling for a middle-class boy, and the two navigating their differences in a high-school setting. Sounds familiar? That’s because we’ve seen this formula a thousand times before, from Karan Johar’s Student of the Year to countless other Bollywood films. The only difference? Nadaaniyan somehow makes it even more lifeless and predictable.

The Plot: A Love Story Without Depth

The movie revolves around Pia (Khushi Kapoor), a privileged South Delhi girl who dreams of a picture-perfect love story, and Arjun (Ibrahim Ali Khan), an ambitious middle-class student from Noida who wants to become the debate team captain. Their paths cross when Pia convinces Arjun to pretend to be her boyfriend as part of a transactional deal. But, surprise surprise, feelings get involved, and they fall for each other.

Now, if you’re thinking this sounds cliché, you’re absolutely right. The storyline lacks originality, and even the so-called twists feel forced and uninspired.

Character Development: Where Is It?

One of the biggest flaws of Nadaaniyan is its lack of well-developed characters. The protagonists live in a fantasy world that feels completely disconnected from reality. Today’s young adults are sharp, ambitious, and aware of real-world struggles, but the characters in this film seem stuck in an outdated, superficial bubble.

• Pia (Khushi Kapoor) is a one-dimensional character whose entire personality revolves around finding love. She lacks depth, and unfortunately, Khushi Kapoor’s performance does nothing to elevate her role.
• Arjun (Ibrahim Ali Khan) tries his best to bring some charm, but even his earnest efforts can’t save a weak script. While he has the looks and screen presence, he needs a strong director to help him unlock his full potential.
• Dia Mirza, Mahima Chaudhry, and Suniel Shetty play supporting roles, but they are completely underutilized. Even when given opportunities to shine, their characters feel irrelevant to the core story.

Direction: A Complete Misfire

Shauna Gautam’s direction is one of the weakest aspects of Nadaaniyan. The movie seems unsure of what it wants to be— is it a coming-of-age drama, a romantic comedy, or an emotional love story? Instead of blending genres effectively, it ends up being an awkward mess.

At times, the film even attempts to normalize infidelity, especially in the character played by Suniel Shetty. Another outdated and cringe-worthy subplot revolves around Pia’s mother (Mahima Chaudhry), who is obsessed with having a son. These regressive elements make the film feel like it belongs in the early 2000s, not in 2025.

Netflix’s Decision: What Were They Thinking?

In an era where audiences crave meaningful, gripping content, it’s shocking that Netflix decided to greenlight Nadaaniyan. With so many high-quality films and series available on the platform, this film sticks out like a sore thumb. It lacks originality, fails to engage viewers, and feels outdated from start to finish.

Performance Review: Who Stands Out?

• Ibrahim Ali Khan tries his best to salvage the film, and while his performance is not terrible, the weak script does him no favors.
• Khushi Kapoor disappoints yet again. With an expressionless face and a lack of emotional depth, she struggles to make an impact.
• The supporting cast, including Dia Mirza, Mahima Chaudhry, and Suniel Shetty, are wasted in forgettable roles.

A Love Story Without Passion

The essence of any romantic film lies in its chemistry, but Nadaaniyan completely lacks passion. The interactions between the lead pair feel forced, and their love story has no emotional weight. Where the intensity? Where’s the drama? Where’s the depth? If love stories are supposed to make us feel something, this one just makes us feel bored.

Technical Aspects: A Glossy Yet Hollow Film

The only saving grace of Nadaaniyan is its cinematography. The film looks polished, with aesthetically pleasing visuals, but that’s about it. A good-looking film without a strong story is like an expensive gift box with nothing inside—pretty, but pointless.

Final Verdict: A Forgettable Watch

At a time when Bollywood is experimenting with bold and meaningful storytelling, Nadaaniyan is a step backward. It is outdated, shallow, and painfully predictable. Despite a visually appealing setup and Ibrahim Ali Khan’s sincere attempts, the film fails to leave any lasting impact. Netflix has given us some brilliant films, but this one is definitely a miss.

Rating: 1.5/5

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Conclusion

In the world of streaming, where compelling storytelling is king, Nadaaniyan is an embarrassing failure. It is proof that star kids alone cannot carry a film; strong direction, a solid script, and meaningful performances are what truly matter. If you were considering watching this movie, do yourself a favor and pick something else instead.