Nadaaniyan, streaming on Netflix and produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, aims to be a fun and engaging romantic comedy. However, while it has its lively moments, it ultimately falls short due to a weak storyline and predictable plot twists. Directed by debutant Shauna Gautam, the film features Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor in lead roles, but their charm isn’t enough to save the movie from its superficial script.
A Predictable Love Story
The movie revolves around Pia Jaisingh (Khushi Kapoor), a privileged girl from a wealthy family, and Arjun Mehta (Ibrahim Ali Khan), a middle-class boy with big dreams. They study at Falcon High, a prestigious Delhi school where students dress like fashion models and barely attend classes. The story kicks off when Pia, in an attempt to keep her friend circle intact, pretends to be in a relationship with Arjun. This fake romance quickly takes on serious undertones, leading to a series of dramatic twists and turns.
A Weak Plot With No Depth
While Nadaaniyan tries to tackle important social issues like class differences, patriarchy, and family expectations, it does so in a very shallow way. The film presents these themes but never truly explores them. Pia’s struggles with her overbearing family and Arjun’s challenges as an outsider in a rich school are merely touched upon, failing to leave a lasting impact. The script feels like a mix of old Karan Johar movies (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham) but lacks their emotional depth.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
Ibrahim Ali Khan makes his debut in Bollywood with this film. He plays Arjun with confidence and manages to hold his own in most scenes. However, his character feels too perfect—he is a swimming champion, a debating team leader, and an all-around nice guy, making him somewhat unrealistic. Khushi Kapoor, in her third film, delivers a decent performance as Pia, though the character itself is one-dimensional.
The supporting cast includes Suniel Shetty as Pia’s strict father, Mahima Chaudhry as her emotionally distant mother, and Dia Mirza as Arjun’s caring schoolteacher mother. Archana Puran Singh plays the principal, bringing in nostalgia from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, but her exaggerated acting doesn’t add much to the film.
Forced Drama and Unrealistic Situations
The film’s biggest weakness is its exaggerated and forced drama. From over-the-top school debates to unrealistic social clashes, many scenes feel out of place. The elite vs. middle-class contrast is heavily stereotyped, making the conflicts seem superficial rather than genuine. Additionally, the film tries too hard to appeal to Gen Z with excessive social media references and trendy dialogues, which feel forced rather than natural.
