Producer Karan Johar has addressed the trolling and harsh criticism received by Nadaaniyan, a romantic comedy film starring Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan. The film, positioned as Khan’s debut vehicle, is produced by Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, the digital arm of Dharma Productions.
Streaming on Netflix, Nadaaniyan was roundly mocked for its poor writing and inept execution.
“People who know me know that my relationship with film critics never changes based on what they write,” Johar said. “It is their right and their job. I don’t have conspiracy theories that they are on a mission to bring down a film.”
Johar, however, expressed displeasure with harsh language used by critics. “A critic wrote about Nadaaniyaan: ‘I want to kick this film’. When you write like that, I have a problem with that.”
The use of such language reflects badly on the person and not on the film, Johar argues. “I find it disturbing because intellectual cinema lovers should have a sensitive and compassionate side. Nobody wants to be kicked because kicking is violence. In the real world, words can be equally violent.”
Johar was speaking at the trailer launch of his first Punjabi production, Akaal: The Unconquered, in Mumbai on Tuesday (March 18). A historical drama celebrating the valour of Sikh warriors, the film is written and directed by Punjabi actor-singer Gippy Grewal.
Grewal also stars in the film alongside Nimrat Khaira.
Akaal is set to release on April 10 ahead of Vaisakhi, 2025 in both Punjabi and Hindi. Johar’s banner, Dharma Productions, had earlier produced the historical actioner Kesari, also centred on a true story of Sikh fortitude.
ALSO READ:‘Nadaaniyan’ movie review: Ibrahim Ali Khan’s debut film doesn’t pass the test
Johar joked that, on social media, he often feels like Akaal Singh fending off a ‘troll army’. “I don’t have the wherewithal to fight the way he does,” said Johar.
He added, “Every single day is a challenge in the entertainment industry. I don’t feel defeated but neither do I feel I have conquered everything. My father always said, the closest ally to success is failure. They go hand in hand.”
Earlier, director Hansal Mehta defended Khan and Khushi amidst backlash against the movie. The Scam 1992 and Scoop director said youngsters and debutants must be wary of choosing projects, adding that directors must provide necessary training and guidance to rookie actors. Hansal also slammed advisors who convince young actors about “high-speed entry into the industry.”
Published – March 18, 2025 02:32 pm IST
Indian cinema
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Hindi cinema
