Filmmaker Karan Johar has responded to the backlash surrounding his latest production, 'Nadaaniyan', which has been criticised for its cringe-worthy dialogues and the performances of its lead actors, Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan. At a Mumbai event for his Punjabi film 'Akaal', Johar addressed the trolling and defended the young actors.

When asked about 'Nadaaniyan' and the online trolling of Ibrahim and Khushi, Johar quoted a classic Bollywood song, saying, "Main bas ye hi kahunga, ek purani film ka alfaaz hai ki kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna... chhodo bekaar ki baatein, beet na jaaye raina" (I would just say this—there’s a famous line from an old film: People will always talk; it's their job to do so… let go of unnecessary chatter before the night slips away).

He also addressed the harsh reviews from critics and online trolls.

"My relationship with the critics never changes towards them according to their reviews. That is your work. I don't have any conspiracy theory that they are doing it deliberately to bring down the film. Kabhi kabhi trollers karte hain, voh bhi benaam log hai, bechare unka apna problem hai, voh hum par nikal rahe hain. Unke liye mujhe bas taras aata hai aur kuch nahi" (Sometimes, trolls do these things, but they are nameless people, poor souls who are venting their own problems on us. I only feel pity for them, nothing else).

Defending the young actors

Karan Johar further expressed concern about personal attacks on actors.

"I genuinely respect all the critics. But when you read certain things, you think they are someone's daughter and son, their parents also read those things. A critic wrote, I want to kick this film. I have a problem with those people who write this."

He also playfully referenced his films, saying, "I don't have problem with any critics, Aapki raaye hai, hum accept karte hain, humari bhi Nadaaniyan hai, kuch Gustakhiyan hain toh kabhi Gehraiyaan hain" (You have your opinions, and we accept them. We too have our moments of naivety, some missteps, and at times, even deep emotions), which drew cheers from the crowd. He added, "But when you say such things, it’s a reflection on you and not on the film."

About Nadaaniyan

'Nadaaniyan' is a teen romantic comedy directed by Shauna Gautam in her directorial debut. The film marked the debut of Ibrahim Ali Khan, alongside Khushi Kapoor. Released on Netflix on 7 March, it opened to negative reviews.