Jobaaj Stories
Bollywood has long been known for its grand romantic films, but Nadaaniyan, starring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor, proves that not every love story is worth telling. This high school drama, directed by Shauna Gautam, attempts to deliver a fresh take on youthful romance but ends up feeling outdated and uninspired.
A Predictable and Weak Storyline
Nadaaniyan revolves around Pia (Khushi Kapoor), a rich girl dealing with personal struggles while maintaining a happy facade. She crosses paths with Arjun (Ibrahim Ali Khan), an ambitious student who wants to focus on his career. After a misunderstanding with her friends, Pia convinces Arjun to act as her fake boyfriend in exchange for money. Predictably, emotions get involved, leading to unnecessary drama and an unconvincing romance.
While the premise could have worked with a strong script, the writing by Ishita Moitra, Riva Razdan Kapoor, and Jehan Handa is disappointingly bland. The film lacks the charm and energy of past Bollywood high school romances like Student of the Year, making it difficult for the audience to stay engaged.
Unconvincing Performances
Ibrahim Ali Khan, in his debut film, delivers a lackluster performance. His expressions remain mostly confused or disinterested, making it hard to connect with his character. While it’s understandable that he’s new to acting, his lack of preparation is evident. On the other hand, Khushi Kapoor does a slightly better job, especially in emotional scenes, but her dialogue delivery needs improvement.
The supporting cast, including Suniel Shetty, Dia Mirza, and Jugal Hansraj, do their best with the limited material they are given. Archana Puran Singh returns as Mrs. Braganza Malhotra, clearly an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia, but it feels forced rather than fun.
A Shallow and Forgettable Experience
One of the biggest problems with Nadaaniyan is its unrealistic portrayal of school life. It creates a world where trivial matters are treated as earth-shattering events, making it difficult to take the story seriously. Scenes like Arjun lifting his shirt to win a debate competition make the film unintentionally comical.
Even the film’s production quality is disappointing. The visuals resemble a low-budget school play rather than a polished Bollywood romance. The music by Sachin-Jigar is forgettable, except for Ishq Mein, which stands out slightly.
Final Verdict
Nadaaniyan is a weak attempt at a modern romance, lacking both charm and depth. With a predictable plot, uninspired performances, and a shallow narrative, the film fails to make an impact. The best thing about Nadaaniyan is that it wasn’t released in theatres—saving audiences from spending money on a disappointing experience.
