
Nadaaniyan Review: Khushi Kapoor & Ibrahim Ali Khan Shine in a Fun, Frothy Love Story That Plays It Safe
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Nadaaniyan story:
What initially appears to be a harmless agreement soon evolves into an unforeseen situation for both parties involved. The film narrates the intense love story between Khushi Kapoor's character, Pia Jai Singh, and Ibrahim Ali Khan's character, Arjun Mehta, who come from contrasting backgrounds and believe they have everything managed until their feelings overwhelm them. Set against the backdrop of South Delhi, the film features Pia, a glamorous socialite, and Arjun, a diligent middle-class achiever, as they embark on an unexpected romantic journey while attempting to craft their ideal love story. When Pia deceives Arjun into entering a transactional relationship—where he poses as her boyfriend to create a believable romantic facade—their lives intersect in unexpected ways. With no commitments involved, the intention is to keep others in suspense. However, genuine emotions begin to emerge, and misunderstandings quickly take precedence, prompting the couple to reevaluate the scripted nature of their love.
Nadaaniyan review:
When viewing romantic comedies from two decades ago or even from the last ten years, particularly those directed by Karan Johar, one can observe a distinctive buildup crafted by the filmmaker that captivates the audience, drawing them into the unfolding narrative. It is essential for any film to establish this engagement from the outset, and in this genre, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai stands out as a prime example of excellence. Now, after 25 years, the production company has revisited this concept with its recent Netflix release, Nadaaniyan.
The film, directed by first-time filmmaker Shauna Gautam, stars Khushi Kapoor in her second OTT appearance following The Archies, alongside debutant Ibrahim Ali Khan. This fresh pairing, along with a few other newcomers, carries the weight of the entire film. The narrative begins with a sense of urgency, as the creators dive straight into the plot. It tells the story of Pia Jai Singh (Khushi Kapoor), a privileged young woman from the same family as Shanaya (Alia Bhatt in her debut film, Student of the Year), who craves attention from her peers due to her parents' neglect. However, her friends are also displeased with her for unspecified reasons; in an attempt to regain their affection, she fabricates a story about having a "picture-perfect" boyfriend, with a grand reveal planned for her birthday.
Following this minor deception, the quest for her fictitious boyfriend commences, leading to Ibrahim Ali Khan's impressive introduction, showcasing his swimming prowess, quirky appearance, and well-defined physique, suggesting a balance of intellect and physicality. His entrance is reminiscent of Sidharth Malhotra's memorable debut in Student of the Year.
The film progresses rapidly, presenting a rented boyfriend who fulfils all the roles of a genuine partner, ultimately leading to authentic emotions developing between the characters. This progression is essential for the narrative to advance.
While one might anticipate Nadaaniyan to be yet another typical romantic comedy, it distinguishes itself in various ways. The film possesses its own unique appeal, likely enhanced by a female perspective. It not only explores the journeys of the main characters, Pia and Arjun, but also delves into the lives of the supporting cast, including their on-screen parents portrayed by Suniel Shetty and Mahima Chaudhry as Khushi's parents, and Jugal Hansraj and Dia Mirza as Ibrahim's parents.
The narrative effectively highlights the impact of parental trauma on children, a topic that is frequently discussed in contemporary discourse yet seldom depicted in film. Nadaaniyan attempts to address this issue by expanding its focus beyond just the main characters, which likely contributes to the film's overall appeal.
Engaging with a Gen-Z love story is indeed a suitable strategy for the new wave of filmmakers. The narrative retains a sense of novelty, even though it may evoke memories of various other plots within the same genre that have emerged over time.
While there are certainly shortcomings, the necessity of incorporating Gen-Z vernacular leads to a division of experiences into "green flags" and "red flags." A notable scene features Ibrahim presenting a bouquet of red flags to illustrate that he embodies a green flag, which amplifies the film's underlying hypocrisy and raises questions about the intended moral.
Additionally, the inclusion of older characters striving to connect with the younger generation is exemplified by Archana Puran Singh's portrayal of Mrs Briganza-Malhotra, who presumably relocated to Delhi following her marriage to Anupam Kher's Mr Malhotra, a nod to their roles in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
The references to KKHH are so intentional that they are woven into the storyline, enhancing relatability for fans of the original film. This may explain my ability to appreciate Nadaaniyan; perhaps if I were a decade younger, I would have lauded it as fervently as I still do Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
After two films, Khushi demonstrates a commendable performance, reflecting significant growth. This improvement is largely due to her not having to carry the scenes alone, as she is often supported by various catalysts. Nevertheless, Khushi serves as the film's narrator, primarily conveying Ibrahim's character through her viewpoint.
The film effectively elevates the debutant into the role of a charismatic hero. Nevertheless, Ibrahim retains a certain rawness, which is understandable considering this marks his initial foray into acting. The era when such rawness was viewed positively, and the emergence of a new actor was celebrated, seems to have passed. The last notable instance of this phenomenon was Ranveer Singh in Band Baaja Baaraat, with Ishaan Khatter in Dhadak being a more recent example.
Ibrahim possesses a captivating charm that draws attention, and this works to his advantage in the way he is portrayed. However, the success of Nadaaniyan cannot be attributed solely to this aspect, despite its typical representation of a newcomer in line with Karan Johar's style.
The screenplay benefits from the contributions of three writers: Ishita Moitra, Riva Razdan Kapoor, and Jehan Handa. They effectively capture the essence of the story for a new generation. Additionally, the film's music, composed by Sachin-Jigar, brings a refreshing quality that has been absent for some time, although it does not necessarily ensure that the songs will become instant favourites.
Visually, the film distinguishes itself with opulent set designs, vibrant colours, and an energetic tone that complements the characters' world. While it draws heavily from the glossy, aspirational aesthetic of Karan Johar's previous works, it also seeks to modernize its presentation through social media elements and contemporary dialogue that resonate with today's audience.
plot is somewhat predictable, it maintains audience engagement through its brisk pacing and clever exchanges. The humour is light and natural, providing an enjoyable experience without excessive melodrama. While certain moments may feel hurried, the film compensates with a breezy, feel-good quality that makes it an easy watch.
Nadaaniyan may not revolutionize the romantic comedy genre, but it effectively fulfils its promise of delivering a fun, youthful love story featuring a fresh pairing. It thrives on its charm, strong performances, and vibrant storytelling.
Nadaaniyan verdict:
Nadaaniyan navigates the delicate balance between cliché and allure, crafting a romantic narrative that is both familiar and enjoyable. While it may not revolutionize the conventions of romantic comedies, it undoubtedly adheres to them with a distinctive style.
Read Also: Naari Review: Aamani Shines in a Familiar yet Impactful Social Drama
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