By Karan Johar Defends Nadaaniyan Stars Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan Amid Intense Trolling: Calls for Compassionate Criticism
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Filmmaker Karan Johar has spoken out against the harsh criticism of Nadaaniyan, starring Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan. Amid the Netflix film’s backlash, Johar urged critics to show sensitivity, emphasizing that the actors being trolled are also someone’s children. He condemned the cruel language used in reviews, calling for more compassionate criticism. Read on for Johar’s full statement, industry reactions, and the growing impact of online trolling on Bollywood.
Karan Johar Urges Critics to Be More Sensitive in Nadaaniyan Reviews
Renowned Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar recently addressed the ongoing criticism of his latest production, Nadaaniyan, which premiered on Netflix on March 7, 2025. The film, starring debutants Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan, has faced heavy backlash for its uninspired storyline and the actors’ lackluster performances.
However, Johar has now stepped in to defend the young stars against the online trolling and derogatory reviews. During the trailer launch of a Punjabi film, Johar criticized the cruel language used by some reviewers, urging for more empathy and compassion.
Johar Condemns Cruel Remarks in Film Reviews
While speaking at the event, Johar expressed his disapproval of the harsh language used by some critics.
“A critic wrote, ‘I want to kick this film.’ I have a major issue with such comments. Criticism is fine, but such language crosses a line. It doesn’t reflect the film—it reflects the person writing it,” he stated.
The filmmaker highlighted the emotional impact of such remarks on the actors and their families.
“The people being targeted are someone’s son, daughter, or sibling. Imagine how their families feel reading such cruel comments. We need to be kinder in our criticism,” Johar added.
Nadaaniyan Faces Backlash for Performances and Weak Script
Despite being produced under Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment banner, Nadaaniyan failed to impress critics or audiences. The film was widely panned for its shallow writing, weak direction, and the underwhelming performances of its lead actors.
Khushi Kapoor, daughter of Boney Kapoor and the late Sridevi, and Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, were brutally trolled on social media. Netizens ridiculed their acting skills, with some labeling them as “products of nepotism” rather than deserving talents.
Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram were flooded with memes and sarcastic reviews mocking the film’s predictable plot and lack of emotional depth.
The Nepotism Debate: Star Kids Under Fire Again
The backlash against Nadaaniyan has reignited Bollywood’s nepotism debate. Many viewers argued that star kids like Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan receive preferential treatment, often bagging major projects despite their limited acting experience.
Karan Johar, who has long faced accusations of promoting nepotism, came under fire once again. Over the years, his production house, Dharma Productions, has launched several celebrity children, including Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Ananya Panday.
Critics argue that by repeatedly casting star kids, Bollywood sidelines talented outsiders who struggle to get a break. Johar’s defense of Nadaaniyan has only intensified the conversation, with some accusing him of shielding celebrity children from genuine criticism.
Industry Reactions: Bollywood Divided Over Johar’s Plea
Karan Johar’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions from the Bollywood industry. While some celebrities backed Johar’s call for kinder criticism, others pointed out that genuine feedback should not be silenced.
Actor Varun Dhawan expressed his support, saying,
“Constructive criticism is welcome, but let’s not forget that actors have feelings too. Cruelty online can be damaging.”
However, several social media users disagreed, arguing that Johar was using the empathy card to deflect valid criticism.
“If the film is bad, people have the right to say it’s bad. Asking for sensitivity is just an excuse to protect nepotism products,” one X user commented.
Online Trolling and Its Impact on Bollywood Stars
The Nadaaniyan controversy sheds light on the growing toxicity of online discourse in Bollywood. With the rise of social media, actors and filmmakers are increasingly subjected to personal attacks and public shaming.
While Johar’s plea highlights the emotional toll on actors, it also raises questions about where to draw the line between fair criticism and online bullying.
The incident is a reminder of how relentless trolling can impact the mental health of public figures, particularly young actors making their debuts.
Conclusion: Balancing Criticism and Compassion in Bollywood
Karan Johar’s defense of Nadaaniyan stars Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan is a call for empathy in Bollywood criticism. While audiences and critics have every right to express their opinions, Johar’s plea highlights the importance of mindful language.
As the nepotism debate rages on, Johar’s remarks have sparked a larger conversation about how far criticism should go before it becomes personal. In an era where online trolling is rampant, his call for compassionate criticism is a timely reminder that celebrities, too, are human.