Bollywood’s latest high school romance, Nadaaniyan, starring debutant Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor, falls flat with its weak screenplay and uninspired performances. Directed by Shauna Gautam, the film attempts to capture youthful romance but lacks depth, making it a forgettable addition to the genre.
A Story Lacking Substance
The film follows Pia (Khushi Kapoor), a wealthy girl grappling with personal struggles while maintaining a cheerful façade. Arjun (Ibrahim Ali Khan), a career-focused student, has no interest in distractions. A misunderstanding with her friends leads Pia to strike a deal with Arjun—he pretends to be her boyfriend in exchange for money. Predictably, emotions come into play, but beyond this, there isn’t much to the narrative.
The screenplay, penned by Ishita Moitra, Riva Razdan Kapoor, and Jehan Handa, fails to engage the audience. The film attempts to replicate the vibe of Student of the Year but lacks the charm and entertainment value. One of the most cringeworthy moments arrives when Arjun, in a bid to win a school debate competition, lifts his shirt to reveal his abs—highlighting the film’s misplaced priorities.
Adding to the predictable plot is a subplot about Pia’s dysfunctional family, featuring Suniel Shetty, Mahima Chaudhary, and a strict grandfather. However, this emotional angle fails to make an impact.
Disappointing Performances
Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, fails to leave a mark in his debut role. His expressions remain monotonous throughout the film, making his performance uninspiring. Khushi Kapoor, though slightly better, struggles with dialogue delivery despite having a more emotionally layered character.
The supporting cast, including Dia Mirza and Jugal Hansraj as Arjun’s parents, delivers decent performances, but their roles are underwhelming. Suniel Shetty feels wasted in his role as Pia’s father. Archana Puran Singh’s return as Mrs. Braganza Malhotra (a callback to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai) seems like a desperate attempt to invoke nostalgia.
Lackluster Execution and Forgettable Music
While Nadaaniyan comes from a production house known for successful romantic films like I Hate Luv Storys and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, it lacks the same charm. The visuals feel more like a low-budget school play rather than a grand Bollywood romance.
The film’s music, composed by Sachin-Jigar, is equally forgettable, with only Ishq Mein standing out.
Final Verdict
Nadaaniyan is a weak attempt at recreating the magic of Bollywood romance. The film neither engages nor entertains, serving as a stark reminder that the genre needs fresh storytelling rather than rehashed, soulless narratives. The best part about the film? It’s not a big-screen release. Maybe it’s time for Bollywood to revisit classics instead of churning out uninspired romances.
Sources By Agencies
