Bollywood has been churning out rom-coms for decades, but every once in a while, a film comes along that reminds us why the genre needs a serious upgrade. Nadaaniyan, directed by Shauna Gautam, had the potential to be a fresh, modern take on teenage romance, but instead, it delivers a half-hearted, uninspired story that fails to leave a mark.
Starring debutants Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor, the film follows a typical fake-dating setup: Pia, a privileged South Delhi girl, hires Arjun, a middle-class Noida boy, to be her pretend boyfriend. It’s a formula we’ve seen before, and sadly, Nadaaniyan does little to make it feel new or exciting.
Performances That Don’t Quite Land
Let’s address the elephant in the room—this film is supposed to be Ibrahim Ali Khan’s grand debut, and while he certainly looks the part, his acting leaves much to be desired. His expressions are often blank, his dialogue delivery feels rehearsed, and overall, he struggles to bring any real charm or depth to Arjun. There are glimpses of potential, but this performance won’t be the one that wins audiences over.
Khushi Kapoor, on the other hand, has a confident presence but is let down by weak characterization. Pia is supposed to be a complex, layered character—a girl who appears spoiled on the outside but has her own struggles. Unfortunately, the script barely allows her to explore that side, making her come across as just another rich-girl cliché.
The supporting cast, including seasoned actors like Rajesh Sharma and Sheeba Chaddha, do their best with what little they’re given, but their characters are mostly one-note. The film wastes their talent by reducing them to background noise rather than allowing them to add depth to the story.
The Script: A Patchwork of Predictability
One of the biggest issues with Nadaaniyan is its lazy writing. The film plays it too safe, sticking to predictable rom-com tropes without adding anything new. The dialogue is flat, the conflicts are rushed, and there’s little emotional investment in the romance. Instead of meaningful character growth, we get surface-level drama that resolves itself too conveniently.
The humor, which should have been a saving grace, mostly falls flat. The film tries to be witty, but the jokes feel outdated and forced. And don’t even get me started on the unrealistic portrayal of Gen-Z—do Bollywood filmmakers think teenagers only communicate in Instagram captions and forced slang?
What Works (Barely) and What Doesn’t (Almost Everything Else)
✔ Nice Cinematography – The film is visually appealing, with a polished look and vibrant settings that capture the contrast between Delhi’s elite and working-class areas.
✔ Light, Easy Watch – If you’re looking for something that requires zero brainpower, this film might serve as background noise.
❌ Weak Chemistry – The romance feels forced rather than natural, making it hard to root for the main couple.
❌ Unconvincing Acting – The lead performances don’t do enough to carry the film.
❌ Zero Emotional Depth – The movie tries to touch on deeper themes but only skims the surface, making it hard to care about the characters’ struggles.
Final Verdict: Nadaaniyan Is a Nada From Us
If Nadaaniyan had put in the effort to develop its characters, refine its script, and take some creative risks, it could have been a fun, fresh addition to Bollywood’s rom-com scene. Instead, it settles for mediocrity, relying on style over substance.
At best, it’s a one-time watch if you’re in the mood for something mindless. At worst, it’s a forgettable debut for its leads that does nothing to prove they’re Bollywood’s next big stars.
⭐ Rating: 2/5 ⭐
