** 1/2 (2.5 of 5) STARS
As an 80s kid, I expected it to be cringeworthy, a desperate attempt to appeal to Gen-Z sensibilities. But surprisingly, I found myself enjoying it. While the story itself is a no-brainer, the film addresses modern issues that deserve attention, making it more than just another campus drama.
At its core, Nadaaniyan feels like Student of the Year for the new generation. It carries the same glossy, youthful energy but updates its themes to be more relevant. The film introduces fresh concepts such as ‘rent a boyfriend,’ the startup culture, and a more mature approach to divorce—topics that are highly relevant today but rarely explored in mainstream Bollywood.
Understated Performances in a Drama-Hungry Industry
As far as acting is concerned, it is understated, which is a good thing but not pleasing to the audiences because Indian audience are fed on an overdose of melodrama.
Our entertainment landscape is dominated by melodramatic serials and films that rely on excessive crying, screaming, and hyper-stylized emotions. In contrast, Nadaaniyan opts for realism, which might go unnoticed by an audience conditioned to expect exaggerated performances.
Take Bollywood’s mass entertainers, for instance—gravity-defying fight sequences, unrealistic action, and dialogues dripping with bravado. People flock to watch Salman Khan effortlessly take down twenty goons, but a grounded film struggles to get the same traction. What acting do you see there? That’s a hyperstylised caricature of a human being.
The Lead Pair: Chemistry of Buddies, Not Lovers
Much discussion has been around the chemistry between Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan. To me, the chemistry exists, but it’s that of close friends rather than lovers. This perhaps stems from their real-life camaraderie. Since they seem to have grown up knowing each other, the romantic spark feels somewhat muted.
Ibrahim, while resembling his father Saif Ali Khan, lacks the same endearing innocence that made Saif a charmer on screen. His features are more model-like, giving him a distinct presence but not necessarily the boy-next-door appeal. Khushi Kapoor, on the other hand, performs decently but has an on-screen presence that sometimes gets overshadowed by her natural features. Her jaw structure tends to draw attention, which might be one reason for the criticism she faces. However, this has little to do with her acting abilities.
A Familiar Story with a Fresh Perspective
Plot-wise, Nadaaniyan treads familiar territory. Bollywood has told this story countless times—friendships, rivalries, romance, and youthful ambitions. However, what elevates this film is its high production quality, giving it an almost Hollywood-like feel.
More importantly, the film subtly brings attention to contemporary issues. The concept of ‘rent a boyfriend’ might seem bizarre to some, but it is a reality in many urban spaces. The film portrays it in a way that neither trivializes nor sensationalizes it, making it part of a broader conversation about women’s empowerment. Similarly, the treatment of divorce is handled with maturity. Unlike typical Bollywood narratives that indulge in male-bashing or excessive victimization, Nadaaniyan presents both perspectives. Suniel Shetty’s character explains why he walked out of a love-less marriage, while Mahima Chaudhry’s character is depicted as someone who has depended financially on her ex-husband. This nuanced approach is refreshing.
Nostalgia Meets Contemporary Relevance
A highlight of Nadaaniyan is the return of many yesteryear actors. For those who grew up watching them, it’s heartwarming to see them get substantial screen time and well-written subplots. Archana Puran Singh’s portrayal of Mrs. Braganza Malhotra—a nod to her Kuch Kuch Hota Hai character—adds a nostalgic touch that fans will appreciate.
The film also reflects modern Indian society’s shifts, especially regarding startups and entrepreneurship. It cleverly incorporates these elements without making them feel forced. If audiences can tolerate the slapstick humor of The Kapil Sharma Show, then they should have no complaints about the conversations in this film.
Realistic Dialogues with Genuine Moments
One of the strongest aspects of Nadaaniyan is its dialogue. A standout moment is when Ibrahim’s character lashes out at Khushi in college without knowing the full story. His reaction feels raw and real, highlighting how misunderstandings shape relationships. Another relatable moment is Ibrahim’s frustration with his intrusive mother, played by Dia Mirza. When he repeatedly asks for ‘space,’ it shows the extreme intrusive nature of Indian parents. What if he was sha**ing and the mother walks in, that’s a very real chance of happening. The scene where Dia’s character reads her son’s letter without his consent sparks an important conversation about boundaries.
Better Than Most Bollywood Offerings
While Nadaaniyan is not groundbreaking, it is certainly better than the majority of Bollywood films that flood the market with recycled plots and senseless action. It succeeds in being a youthful, visually appealing film that incorporates relevant themes without being preachy. It is an average movie but much better than 99% of Bollywood films, which are nothing but trash.
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