Filmmaker Karan Johar has finally addressed the criticism surrounding his latest project, ‘Nadaaniyan’. The film, which premiered on Netflix on March 7, has garnered attention, particularly for the performances of Khushi Kapoor, daughter of Boney Kapoor and Sridevi, and Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh.
Karan Johar on criticism surrounding Nadaaniyan
Amid the backlash, Karan Johar, the producer of the film under his Dharmatic Entertainment banner, has spoken out. During a recent trailer launch event for a Punjabi film, Johar condemned the harsh language used by critics in their reviews of ‘Nadaaniyan’.
Speaking to media at an event, Karan said, “Those who know me, know that my relationship with critics doesn’t change based on what they have written or not written. My relationship with them remains the same. If you didn’t like the film or liked the film, that’s your perspective. It’s your work to write. I have always believed that there are no conspiracy theories, and it wouldn’t be anyone’s mission to bring a film down, though I know some trollers do that. But then, they are faceless people behind screens.”
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He added, “My problem is with those critics— with all due respect to all the critics, I respect them, and everyone knows that. I am one of the few filmmakers who has attended critics’ awards as well. But there are times when I’ve read something and felt bad because they are someone’s daughter or someone’s son. One critic wrote, ‘I want to kick this film.’ When you write such things, I have a problem with it. I don’t have a problem with the industry, trollers, filmmakers, or social commentary. It’s your opinion, and I respect it and accept it. But when you make personal attacks, it reflects on you, not the film. It is disturbing. People who have said these things are film critics, intellectual cinema lovers. You should have a compassionate, sensitive side. Because nobody wants to be kicked. Kicking is violence. It is physical violence. You are not allowed to use violence in the real world; even words can be equally violent. You should be careful not to be violent.”
Bollywood celebs defend Ibrahim and Khushi
Despite the criticism, Ibrahim and Khushi have received support from industry figures. Filmmakers Vikram Bhatt, Hansal Mehta, and actor Sonu Sood have spoken out in their defence, standing up against online abuse.
In an interview with Galatta India, Bhatt compared Ibrahim to his father, Saif Ali Khan’s performance in his debut film. He said, “ “That (comparison) will happen. Ibrahim also looks like Saif, so how will you not compare? But he proves himself even by that comparison. I think he is at par with Saif and way better than Saif’s performance in his debut films. I can give you in writing that Ibrahim will be a big star.”
Directed by Shauna Gautam, the film also stars Mahima Choudhary, Suniel Shetty, Jugal Hansraj, and Dia Mirza in pivotal roles. ‘Nadaaniyan’ premiered on Netflix on March 7, 2025.
