Director: Shauna Gautam  

Cast: Ibrahim Ali Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Mahima Chaudhry, Dia Mirza, and Suniel Shetty  

Rating: 1  

Duration: 119 Minutes  

What results from combining a script that appears to have been conceived during a sleep-deprived night at a high school gathering, casting a few star offspring lacking in acting prowess, and directing it with the finesse of a child playing dress-up? The outcome is Nadaaniyan, a film on Netflix that exemplifies cinematic failure, replete with themes of privilege, clichéd tropes, and an exceedingly predictable romantic narrative, transforming it into an hour-and-a-half-long ordeal of self-imposed suffering.  

Under the direction of Shauna Gautam, whose debut serves as a stark reminder that some aspirations are best left unpursued, Nadaaniyan explores themes of privilege, superficiality, and a painfully shallow depiction of love. The film attempts to navigate the well-worn trope of a wealthy girl falling for a middle-class boy, yet it does so with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

Let us examine the characters of Pia (Khushi Kapoor) and Arjun (Ibrahim Ali Khan), whose development is as shallow as a children's swimming pool. Pia, a socialite from South Delhi, appears to spend her time in upscale cafés rather than attending school, and she persuades Arjun, a diligent middle-class student from Noida, to pose as her boyfriend. This arrangement is intended to be purely "transactional," but, as one might expect, it culminates in the predictable twist of them falling in love. How innovative.

The film resembles a budget-friendly imitation of Student of the Year, lacking both the enjoyment and charisma of its predecessor. The characters exist in a sheltered environment where dilemmas are resolved through shopping excursions and the occasional trophy from a debate competition. Additionally, there are painfully awkward scenes featuring Pia’s mother (Mahima Chaudhry), who yearns for a son—a narrative thread that feels as outdated as the tea towels of previous generations. The film appears to be trapped in the 1990s, attempting to present these antiquated themes as "relatable" to contemporary viewers, but they simply are not.

Furthermore, the performances raise concerns. Khushi Kapoor delivers her dialogue with the emotional resonance of a damp paper towel. Each expression suggests she is on the verge of complete immobility, reminiscent of an influencer who lacks acting skills yet believes her surname will suffice. Ibrahim Ali Khan makes a commendable effort, yet it is evident that he is struggling to keep up. While he possesses both charm and good looks, it is challenging to excel when one is ensnared in a web of inadequate direction and a narrative that fails to engage.

Suniel Shetty's presence in the film raises questions. His role is intended to portray a morally ambiguous father figure; however, he ultimately serves as a reminder that even iconic figures cannot salvage a failing project. Dia Mirza and Mahima Chaudhry are significantly underutilized, to the extent that their performances appear to have been hastily recorded during a lunch break and edited in later.

The most exasperating aspect of Nadaaniyan is its lack of clarity regarding its identity. Is it a romantic comedy, a drama, or a coming-of-age narrative? It attempts to encompass all these genres yet fails to execute any of them effectively. The script lacks ambition, the storyline is painfully predictable, and the entire production seems to strive for relatability without grasping the genuine challenges faced by contemporary teenagers. The era of idolizing characters who merely flaunt expensive attire is long gone; today's youth are far too discerning and skeptical for such superficial entertainment.

Introducing Ibrahim Ali Khan in this chaotic project was a precarious decision. He had the potential to shine under appropriate mentorship, but this debut feels more like a nightmare than a promising start. Perhaps it is merely a matter of timing—this film appears to belong to the early 2000s, a time when audiences were enamored with "ideal" high school romances and fairy-tale conclusions. In contrast, modern viewers seek substance, depth, and relatable characters. Nadaaniyan fails to deliver on any of these fronts.

In summary, Nadaaniyan is a significant cinematic failure, as superficial as the privileged lifestyle it attempts to portray. It is predictable, tedious, and embarrassing, lacking any genuine effort to elevate it beyond a mere glossy facade of a concept that should have been abandoned from the outset. This film manages to be both dull and frustrating, leaving one to wonder how it even received approval from Netflix.

Avoid this film—unless you want to punish yourself.

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