Filmmaker Karan Johar recently addressed the criticism surrounding his latest production Nadaaniyan, starring Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan. The film, which premiered on Netflix on March 7, has been the subject of online memes and heated discussions, drawing mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. Speaking at a Mumbai event for his Punjabi film Akaal, Johar firmly took a stand against personal attacks aimed at the young actors involved in Nadaaniyan, urging for more respect and sensitivity in the world of film criticism.

Karan Johar’s Response to Criticism

When asked about the backlash against Nadaaniyan, Johar responded with a line from the iconic Bollywood song, "Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna..." ("People will always talk, that's what they do..."). He acknowledged that criticism is a natural part of being in the industry but drew the line at deeply personal and often cruel remarks aimed at the film's stars.

Johar, known for his strong personality and sometimes polarizing presence in the film industry, made it clear that he does not let criticism affect his relationships with the critics. "Those who know me understand that my relationship with critics doesn’t change based on their reviews," he said, reiterating that everyone is entitled to their own perspective, whether they liked or disliked the film.

However, Johar condemned the nature of certain comments, especially those that crossed the line from critique to personal attack. "I have always believed that there’s no grand conspiracy to pull a film down, though trolls will do that. But these are frustrated, faceless people behind screens. I pity them," he added. Johar’s remarks reflect his experience in the industry, where he has often faced both praise and criticism, but he has always maintained a balanced and diplomatic approach.

The Aggression in the Criticism

Johar expressed particular concern about the aggressive tone in some reviews, recalling one in which the reviewer stated, “I want to kick this film.” The filmmaker was clearly upset by such venomous comments. "When you write things like this, I have a problem with it. Criticism is fine, but attacking someone personally? That’s unacceptable," he said, emphasizing that while differing opinions on a film are natural, the personal nature of such attacks is what bothers him the most.

His concerns about the cruelty of certain remarks are valid, especially in an age where online interactions can often become hostile and inflammatory. Johar called for a more compassionate approach from critics and the public, urging them to understand the power of words and the impact they can have.

The Importance of Constructive Criticism

Johar went on to admit that Nadaaniyan, like some of his other past projects, may not have turned out exactly as he envisioned. He acknowledged that no film is perfect, saying, “Humaari bhi nadaaniya hai, gustaakhiya hai, toh kabhi gehraiyaan hai” (We too make mistakes, sometimes the depth is lacking). Despite this, he pointed out that films are a collaborative effort and that they cannot be expected to be flawless.

He further stressed that personal attacks on actors—especially those who are relatively new to the industry—reflect more on the critic’s character than on the film or the stars themselves. “I have no problem with criticism. If you don’t like the film, say so, but there’s no need to drag people down personally,” Johar emphasized.

Words as Violent as Actions

Johar made a powerful analogy, comparing verbal abuse to physical violence. He stated, “Words can be as violent as actions. You are not allowed to be physically violent in the real world—verbal violence should also be condemned.” His remarks are a call for more responsibility in how we communicate and express opinions, especially in the public sphere.

As someone who has worked in the industry for many years, Johar understands that films are not just products—they are the result of the hard work, creativity, and passion of many people. Personal attacks on actors or filmmakers undermine this effort and reflect poorly on the culture of criticism.

A Call for Sensitivity

Johar’s message was clear: while criticism is essential to the creative process and helps filmmakers grow, it must be constructive and delivered with empathy. He urged critics to be sensitive, especially towards young actors like Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan, who are just starting their careers.

The filmmaker emphasized that the future of these young talents depends on the support and guidance they receive, not on cruel remarks. “These are young actors, starting out in the industry. Let’s be kind. Let’s be compassionate. Everyone is trying their best,” Johar said.

The Reception of Nadaaniyan

Nadaaniyan, which marks the debut of Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan, has sparked a lot of conversations since its release. Despite some harsh criticism, the film has also garnered a significant following and is part of a growing trend of content-driven stories making waves in the digital space. The film’s presence on Netflix has allowed a wider audience to engage with it, and the ongoing dialogue surrounding it proves that it has sparked interest and debate, something every filmmaker desires.

Johar’s statement also serves as a reminder of the challenges new actors face in the industry. While established stars like him can weather criticism more easily, newcomers often feel the weight of these public opinions much more intensely. Therefore, the call for kindness and compassion becomes all the more important.

Karan Johar’s defense of Nadaaniyan and his stand against personal attacks in film criticism are a crucial reminder of the impact words can have. While criticism is an important part of the film industry, Johar’s call for respect and empathy should resonate with all who engage in public discourse. As the film industry continues to evolve, it’s essential that we approach criticism with the same level of compassion we expect in other areas of life.

For Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan, the journey ahead will undoubtedly come with its fair share of challenges. But with the support of people like Karan Johar, who stand up for them, they can continue to grow and thrive in their careers without being weighed down by the negativity that can sometimes dominate the conversation.