Karan Johar Defends ‘Nadaaniyan’ Amidst Criticism, Calls Out Harsh Critics

Producer Karan Johar has addressed the trolling and harsh criticism faced by Nadaaniyan, a romantic comedy film starring Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan. The film, which marks Khan's debut, has been streaming on Netflix under Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, the digital arm of Dharma Productions. Despite the excitement around its release, Nadaaniyan received heavy backlash for its writing and execution, with critics and viewers mocking the film for its shortcomings.

 

Speaking at the trailer launch of his first Punjabi production, Akaal: The Unconquered, Johar expressed his respect for critics but also called out those who took their reviews too far. “I love every critic, my salute and love to them all, I really respect them and this is something everyone knows,” Johar said. “But sometimes, when you read some stuff about Ibrahim and Khushi, those are someone’s son and daughter... even their parents read those reviews. One critic wrote, ‘I want to kick this film (Nadaaniyan).’ When you write stuff like that, I have a problem with it.”

 

Johar clarified that while he has no issue with opinions or social commentary, there is a limit to how harsh or violent one should be in their criticism. "I have no problem with industry or trollers or opinion makers, or social commentary, I respect your opinion. But when you say stuff like that, it reflects on you, not the film," he explained. He continued, "As intellectual cinema lovers, you should have a compassionate, sensitive, loving side. Nobody wants to be kicked. Kicking someone is violence. Words can be violent too, and they should be condemned."

 

Johar's comments highlight the growing concern over the tone and nature of public discourse, particularly in the world of film criticism. As a filmmaker who has always embraced criticism, he stressed the importance of being respectful, even in disagreement. The producer, known for his vast contribution to the Indian film industry, also mentioned that Akaal, his historical drama about Sikh warriors, will release on April 10, 2025, ahead of Vaisakhi, in both Punjabi and Hindi.

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