Top critic
NDTV
Film review ·
...saddled with the unbearable lightness of a story that rests on vacuous contrivances built around a clash of social strata and personal predisposition.


Weighted from a 4.3 average · Why?
Charming leads can't save a screenplay that feels decades out of touch.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for Nadaaniyan is overwhelmingly negative, with the majority of reviewers finding the film formulaic, dated, and emotionally hollow. The screenplay drew the sharpest criticism, with critics consistently describing it as thin, contrived, and derivative of earlier Karan Johar productions without their redeeming qualities. The film's depiction of class conflict and Gen Z sensibility was widely called out as inauthentic and tone-deaf. The sole dissenting voice praised the lead pair's chemistry and performances, though this view was firmly in the minority.
8 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
The Monk Score is weighted from a plain average of 4.3 · how scores work
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 11 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
...saddled with the unbearable lightness of a story that rests on vacuous contrivances built around a clash of social strata and personal predisposition.
Top critic
Film review
This is a film which has been created by-and-for hashtags, with zero insights into the demographic it represents. The whole thing comes off as tone deaf, and offensive, in a plot that feels like a rehash of every Karan Johar rom com ever made, without his trademark sparkle.
Film review
Nadaaniyan is a simple, heart-touching romance that a lot of Gen-Z kids might relate to, backed by beautiful arcs and stellar performances from Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor whose chemistry is believable and effortless.
Film review ·
...formulaic treatment of the film fails to impress. An absolutely dated storyline that doesn't really make any sense.
Film review ·
Nadaaniyan is a yawn fest with a bland screenplay that fails to engage. The film is so bland it makes you nostalgic for the silly, frothy fun of Student Of The Year, and it's astonishing that the same production house which bankrolled decent romances could produce this misstep.
Film review ·
Unfortunately, at no point did his diabetes-averse parable make me think: I want to eat this film.
Film review ·
Their conflicts, the family issues, the confusion and aspirations are all dated.
Film review ·
This uninspired, unsure film hangs Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan out to dry
Film review ·
A childish attempt at Bollywood romance, falls flat
Film review ·
The mostly breezy and quickly forgettable film rolls out the requisite packaging needed to justify itself. You have the bright lighting, modish costumes and appropriate Gen Z lingo, but not the compelling characters or unexpected scenarios that might generate emotional investment in exaggerated conflicts.
Film review ·
A gossamer-thin romantic comedy that comes across as Karan Johar's latest home assignment for star kids to pass the Bollywood entrance test, Nadaaniyan doesn't pass muster. Reflecting the armchair sensibility of the Bandra school of filmmaking, the love story strains credibility and tests patience.
Credits
Ibrahim Ali KhanArjun Mehta
Khushi KapoorPia Jaisingh
Mahima ChaudhryNeelu Jaisingh
Suniel ShettyMr. Rajat Jaisingh
Dia MirzaMrs. Nandini Mehta
Jugal HansrajDr. Sanjay Mehta
Apoorva MukhijaRhea Vorha
Aaliyah QureishiSahira Nair
Archana Puran SinghMrs. Braganza-Malhotra
Meezaan JafriPrince Rudra
OrrySpecial Appearance
Riya SenSpecial Appearance
Barun ChandaDhanraj JaisinghHindi films like Nadaaniyan