Karan Johar recently responded to the criticism surrounding his latest production “Nadaaniyan” which stars newcomers Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Karan Johar addressed the negativity surrounding the film, particularly the personal nature of some remarks directed at the young actors.
Reflecting on the backlash, Karan Johar acknowledged that criticism is inevitable, quoting a famous Bollywood song, “Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna…” which means that people will always say something as it is their nature to comment on everything. While he accepted that every film receives mixed reviews, he strongly opposed the kind of deeply personal and harsh comments aimed at the cast.
He pointed out that his relationship with critics has remained unchanged regardless of their opinions on his films. In his view, whether someone likes or dislikes a film is their personal choice but he dismissed the notion of a deliberate effort to bring a project down. He attributed much of the trolling to anonymous individuals online, expressing pity for those who engage in such behaviour.
Recalling a particularly aggressive review where someone expressed the desire to “kick” the film, Karan Johar questioned the need for such hostility. While he welcomed constructive criticism, he found personal attacks unacceptable, emphasising that such remarks reflect more on the critics than on the film itself. He admitted that, like some of his previous projects, “Nadaaniyan” might not have turned out as intended but that does not justify targeted aggression.
Drawing a parallel between verbal and physical violence, Karan Johar stressed that just as society does not tolerate physical harm, harsh words should also be condemned. He urged reviewers to maintain a sense of responsibility and empathy, especially when evaluating the performances of young actors who are at the beginning of their careers.
“Nadaaniyan” premiered on Netflix on March 7, quickly becoming a topic of discussion online, sparking memes, debates and polarized opinions.
Have you watched the movie? What is your review?
