Karan Johar recently responded to the backlash surrounding Nadaaniyan, a film starring Khushi Kapoor (daughter of Boney Kapoor and Sridevi) and Ibrahim Ali Khan (son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh), which was produced under his banner, Dharmatic Entertainment. The film, released on Netflix on March 7, has been the subject of widespread trolling, mainly for the performances of the star kids and the film’s plot and execution.
In response to the online backlash, Karan Johar spoke out at a recent trailer launch event for a Punjabi film. He condemned the harsh language used by critics in their reviews. Johar expressed his discontent over the comment of one critic who wrote, “I want to kick this film.” He said, “I have major issues with these people. I have no issues with the industry, trolls, opinion makers, social commentary. I happily accept people’s opinions. In the same way, we have also our Nadaaniyan, Gustakhiyaan, and Gehraiyaan. But when you write such things in your review, it is not a reflection of the film, it is a reflection of you.”
Karan Johar emphasized the need for sensitivity when criticizing individuals, especially those who are children of celebrities. He reminded everyone that the people they are targeting—Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan—are someone’s son or daughter and deserve respect. Johar's statement reflects his concern for the emotional toll such harsh criticisms can have on the young actors, pointing out the personal aspect of these critiques.
The controversy surrounding Nadaaniyan continues to spark debates about the treatment of star kids in the film industry, their acting abilities, and the nature of public discourse in entertainment.