In today’s world, the concept of love has undergone a significant transformation. With the rise of dating apps, fake dating, and AI-assisted chats, the younger generation is redefining what it means to be in a relationship. It seems that everyone is afraid to commit, fearing that their feelings, priorities, and lives might be disrupted. But what happens when someone special comes along, and you’re willing to take a chance? The new movie “Nadaaniyan” explores this theme, starring Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan.
The Story Unfolds
The film’s narrative is reminiscent of Karan Johar’s signature style. Khushi Kapoor plays Pia Jayasingh, the daughter of a wealthy lawyer who owns a large law firm in Delhi. Pia has it all – a luxurious lifestyle, a high-end car, and access to the best schools in the country. However, she lacks the one thing that truly matters: her parents’ love and trust. Her family is rooted in patriarchal values, where boys are expected to excel in their careers and take over the family business. As a result, Pia faces taunts from her grandfather (Barun Chanda) and struggles to spend quality time with her father (Suniel Shetty). Her parents’ relationship is also strained, leaving Pia to find solace in her group of friends.
When a new boy, Ayaan Nanda (Dev Agarwal), joins their circle, things start to go awry, and Pia resorts to lying to her friends about having a boyfriend. This marks the beginning of her fabricated life, complete with a handsome, intelligent, and charming partner. As Pia navigates her way through the challenges of finding the perfect fake boyfriend, she eventually meets Arjun Mehta (Ibrahim Ali Khan), a six-pack sporting, intelligent, and charismatic individual.
Arjun, the son of a doctor (Jugal Hansraj) and a teacher (Dia Mirza), is a hardworking and ambitious individual who wants to make a name for himself. However, his aspirations are limited by his financial constraints. He’s confident, yet non-conformist, and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. As Pia and Arjun’s paths cross, they engage in a series of witty repartees and uncomfortable moments, eventually leading to a beautiful friendship.
Ibrahim Ali Khan’s Debut
Directed by Shona Gautam and written by Reema Kagti, “Nadaaniyan” offers a refreshingly desi twist on a familiar story. The dialogue, penned by Jahane Handa and Ishita Moitra, is crisp and engaging. Although the film’s performance has its flaws, the supporting cast delivers impressive performances. Khushi Kapoor’s acting, however, is marred by her weak dialogue delivery, which often feels forced and unnatural. It’s as if her role was dubbed by someone else. Ibrahim Ali Khan, making his debut, shows promise, but his dialogue delivery is also lacking in energy.
The chemistry between Khushi and Ibrahim is endearing, but their romantic moments lack a certain spark. The friendship and camaraderie they share, though, are genuinely heartwarming. The supporting cast, including Apoorva Makhija, Aaliya Qureishi, Neel Dwiwedi, and Dev Agarwal, deliver notable performances. The senior actors, including Mahima Chaudhary, Suniel Shetty, Dia Mirza, and Jugal Hansraj, bring depth and nuance to the film.
The first half of the movie feels like a predictable, tried-and-tested Karan Johar formula, complete with an opulent school setting, an underdog protagonist, and a wealthy heroine. However, the second half delves deeper into the characters’ emotions, offering a more engaging viewing experience. The film’s music and background score are also noteworthy.
Overall, “Nadaaniyan” has its share of enjoyable moments, such as the hilarious scene where Pia and Arjun use AI to understand what couples do in a relationship. The film’s message is clear: love and relationships require effort, commitment, and understanding. If you’re a fan of Karan Johar’s high school romance films, “Nadaaniyan” might just be the movie for you.
