Karan Johar breaks silence on 'Nadaaniyan' backlash

Filmmaker on compassion and film critics

Karan Johar has finally responded to the criticism surrounding his recent production, Nadaaniyan, which launched Ibrahim Ali Khan in Bollywood. Starring Khushi Kapoor as the other lead, the film faced significant backlash for its dialogues and performances, with audiences and critics alike questioning its merit. During the trailer launch event of his upcoming production, Akaal, Karan addressed the trolling and criticism head-on, reported The Indian Express.

When asked about the negative reception of Nadaaniyan, Johar quoted an old Bollywood song, saying, "I'll just quote an old film's song: Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna / Chhodo bekaar ki baatein, beet na jaaye raina." He acknowledged the inevitable nature of public opinion and suggested that people will always have something to say, regardless of the situation.

Karan also shared his perspective on harsh reviews from critics and online trolls, stating, "My relationship with the critics never changes towards them according to their reviews. That is your work. I don't have any conspiracy theory that they are doing it deliberately to bring down the film." He made a distinction between critics and online trolls, emphasising that trolls often operate anonymously and use social media as a platform to vent personal frustrations. "Sometimes it's the trolls who are doing this. Nameless people for all we care, and that's their personal problem that they are projecting on us. I just pity them, nothing else," he added.

Critics vs trolls

However, Karan drew the line at certain types of criticism. He recounted an instance where a critic expressed a particularly harsh sentiment, saying they wanted to "kick this film." He strongly disagreed with such remarks, arguing that actors and filmmakers are human beings with families who also read these comments. "I genuinely respect all the critics. But when you read certain things, you think they are someone's daughter and son, their parents also read those things."

In his characteristic style, Karan also playfully referenced some of his past film titles to make a point. "I don't have a problem with any critics. We accept your criticism, but we have our own Nadaaniyan, Gustakhiyan, and Gehraiyaan," he quipped, drawing cheers from the audience. He reiterated that criticism often says more about the critic than the film itself.

Nadaaniyan is a teen romantic comedy directed by Shauna Gautam in her directorial debut. Released on Netflix on March 7, it opened to largely negative reviews, with audiences criticising its dialogues and the performances of the lead actors. The film also features Archana Puran Singh, Meezaan Jafri, Dia Mirza, Jugal Hansraj, Suniel Shetty, Mahima Chaudhry, and others in supporting roles.

Johar also took the opportunity to promote his upcoming Punjabi film, Akaal, directed by Gippy Grewal. This marks Karan's first venture into Punjabi cinema as a producer. The film stars Nimrat Khaira, Nikitin Dheer, Gurpreet Ghuggi, and others in key roles.

Announcing the collaboration on Instagram, Karan expressed his excitement, writing, "Our happy faces lapping up all the excitement that you guys showed for our collaboration - Akaal! Standing tall on the cusp of changing horizons of films - marking our entrance into Punjabi cinema with the strongest, kindest & warmest hands to guide us through - Gippy Grewal and team. Thank you for being our pillars of strength, we cannot wait to experience this magic with you. It's true, true Punjabis have big hearts. Thank you for giving us a home in your hearts and in your cinemas. Akaal [is] releasing worldwide in cinemas on April 10, in Punjabi and Hindi."