It’s a fact that the audience has high expectations and is quick to judge when star kids act in films. It’s only a chance at their debut to make a mark or downfall. Well, let’s say the recent Netflix disaster Nadaniyaan is quite the victim.
This teen romantic film has put all their efforts into marketing, but the lacking plotline couldn’t save it. Let’s discuss why this film received that much negativity, it is necessary or not?
Classic Karan Johar’s High School Love
The college diva, Pia Jaisingh, gets into chaos when her friend’s assumed crush is crazy for her. She decides that it is only intelligent to fake a boyfriend and avoid the situation, while they are introduced as the best friends trio (cliche). Then starts her search for a non-existent perfect boy that should check all her boxes, even six-packs.
She meets Arjun, the new resident student with very clingy middle-class parents. Well, they get into a reward agreement as a secret boyfriend & a grand reveal. But, as slowly sparks lit up, they get caught up in personal issues like her father’s infidelity and the random entry of a second ML, causing a bad breakup. Will they get a happy ending or not? forms the rest of the story.
Vibe: Betrayals and a Fake boyfriend
When“The Archies” film failed even by an experienced director like Zoya Akhtar, it’s only because of the comfort rather than the effort in acting. Boasting a trail of Starkids, that film was made in ease like an acting assignment with a weak plot or chemistry between characters. The same with Nadaaniyan as well, presumably, actors just do what they do.
Neither the protagonists gave sizzling chemistry, nor did the story have enough content depth to hold up the values. The situations seem quite fake, as if the high school is made up of wrong ideals. As much as Pia conspires the whole boyfriend thing, her friends are selectively shown in scenes, and they betray just like that. Likewise, Arjun’s parents treat him like a kindergarten kid who has no access to privacy. All these scenes are skippable.
Crafting Characters
The film’s major drawbacks, like bad lip syncs of characters and poor choice of dialogue, killed the essence. Thus, noticeably became a subject of satire and nepotism on social media. Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor have a lot of homework to do when it comes to character portrayal. Compared to peers, Rashi Tadani or Vedang Raina, this movie’s limited scope and poor execution have potentially ruined their images. Many netizens say, good-looking faces, nothing more to add.
Soundtrack
The wardrobe and songs are the best part of Nadaaniyan. It’s composed by Sachin-Jigar; They have given noteworthy songs like “Ishq Mein” by Sachet Tandon and “Galatfehmi” by Tushar Joshi, which add a love colour to the film. Lyrics are excellent. Further songs like “Nadaaniyan” & “Tirkit Dhom” do enough justice as the story moves.
Final Verdict
Nadaaniyan is okayish if you watch it with low expectations and clichés of Karan Johar’s films. Most scenes might feel like skipping, but the songs and some scenes seem cute. Despite lacking a story and struggling acting, this is watchable if you have nothing on your watchlist. Else, just skip and go for Azaad or Chavva. So, will you watch or not?
IMDb: 2.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 13% My Rating: 2/5
Written by: Meghana Pinninti