Karan Johar Slams Trolls Over 'Nadaaniyan': 'Ibrahim & Khushi Have Emotions Too!'

This year saw the much-anticipated OTT release 'Nadaaniyan', marking the acting debut of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh's son, Ibrahim Ali Khan. Starring alongside Janhvi Kapoor, the teen rom-com was directed by debutante Shauna Gautam and backed by Karan Johar’s production house, Dharma Productions.

Despite the buzz, 'Nadaaniyan' turned out to be a major failure, becoming the subject of massive online trolling. From being ridiculed for its performances and plot to getting mocked for phrases like “greatest Noida,” the film was relentlessly criticized. The backlash wasn’t just limited to the storyline — lead actors were also body-shamed, and the film was branded yet another example of Bollywood nepotism.

Karan Johar takes the entire onus of Nadaaniyan's performance on himself

In a recent candid interview with Galatta Plus, Karan Johar addressed the criticism surrounding the film. Acknowledging its failure, he said, “Nadaaniyan was a big failure and was subject to massive trolling, especially revolving around nepotism, performances, and references such as 'greatest Noida'.”

The filmmaker revealed that his team had even reached out to certain YouTubers, asking them to move on from Nadaaniyan. However, the response they received was disheartening. “They claimed that bashing the film gave them massive engagement,” Karan said, adding that criticizing Nadaaniyan had become “fashionable.”

He passionately defended the debutants, stating, “Apparently, they’re not meant to have emotions because they come from privilege. But they also have fragile hearts. They’re making their first steps in this business — they have emotions too, and they’re going to feel terrible. Say you didn’t like it once, but why are you saying it ten times?”

Karan Johar also shouldered the blame for the film’s reception, suggesting that had he not been the producer, the newcomers might not have received such intense backlash. “I attract negativity and hatred,” he admitted.

On Dharma productions casting ONLY star kids

Amid criticism that he only casts star kids, Karan clarified that 80% of Dharma’s current talent roster comprises outsiders. He cited the example of Lakshya and Raghav Juyal from the action film Kill, both of whom do not come from film families.

Despite the fallout from Nadaaniyan, Johar’s remarks shed light on the growing culture of online hate, especially against individuals associated with industry privilege — a conversation that continues to polarize audiences and creators alike.

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