In her directorial debut, Shauna Gautam presents Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan in the lackluster Nadaaniyan, a film inspired by a Dharma romance comedy. Despite its incorporation of Gen Z slang and typical young adult romance clichés, the film ultimately fails to make an impact. Produced by Karan Johar, the narrative follows a wealthy student at a prestigious university who falls for a scholarship student. Our review highlighted their status as social outcasts and noted the criticism they face for resembling Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra from Student of the Year.

Nadaaniyan attempts to delve into themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth within its romantic comedy framework. In a manner reminiscent of the 2024 Malayalam film Premalu, the conclusion offers a nuanced perspective on the protagonists' journeys.

Ending of Nadaaniyan Explained

In the narrative of Nadaaniyan, Khushi Kapoor portrays Pia Jaisingh, a wealthy student at Falcon High School who enlists Ibrahim Ali Khan, a scholarship recipient, to pose as her romantic partner. This arrangement serves to mend her relationships with Sahira and Rhea, which had deteriorated due to a mistake involving Ayaan. As they navigate this pretense, genuine feelings develop between Pia and Arjun.

The plot thickens during Pia's birthday celebration, where their ruse is unveiled, leading to familial disputes. Tension escalates when Mahima Chaudhry, Pia's mother, expresses her disapproval of Arjun's modest upbringing. Concurrently, Pia discovers her father's (Suniel Shetty) infidelity and impending divorce from her mother, Neelu, which shatters her hopes for family reconciliation.

Subsequently, a significant scandal erupts when Arjun reveals their fabricated relationship and offends Pia's friends after misinterpreting her interactions with Rudra (Meezaan), her family-approved suitor. Upon realizing his mistake, Arjun seeks forgiveness. The film concludes with Arjun and Pia at the airport, both confronting an uncertain future. Arjun is set to pursue law studies in the UK, while Pia remains in India to support her mother and complete her education. Their commitment to maintaining a long-distance relationship underscores their personal growth and the authenticity of their bond.

There are notable parallels between Nadaaniyan and the 2024 Malayalam film Premalu, featuring Naslen K. Gafoor and Mamitha Baiju, as both explore themes of romantic relationships through the lens of cultural expectations and personal aspirations.

1. Contrasting social backgrounds:

The protagonists in both narratives originate from distinct socioeconomic backgrounds, resulting in challenges arising from societal perceptions. Pia and Arjun's affluent upbringings in Nadaaniyan create tension within Pia's family. Likewise, Premalu illustrates how economic disparity jeopardizes a romantic relationship and exposes the biases prevalent in society.

2. Pretend relationships blossoming into genuine love:

This is a common plot point in both films. In Nadaaniyan, the pretence helps end a personal feud; in Premalu, it tackles outside influences, leading to real feelings of connection in both cases.

3. Personal growth and self-discovery:

After her parents' divorce, Pia's focus shifts from seeking approval to claiming her autonomy; she resolves to become a lawyer so she can help support her mother. Through practice, Arjun is able to control his emotions and put the needs of others ahead of his own ego. Similarly, the protagonists of Premalu face societal expectations and, in the face of adversity, redefine who they are. 

4. Ambiguous conclusions:

The two films leave viewers wondering what happens to the main characters' relationships after the credits roll. In Nadaaniyan, the main characters face the difficulties of a long-distance romance head-on. Amidst unresolved outside forces, Premalu also makes the viewer wonder how long the characters' relationship would last.

5. Family dynamics and societal expectations:

The films explore the impact of societal expectations and family dynamics on individual decisions. Her father's adultery and conventional expectations influence Pia's quest for independence. Premalu deals with comparable topics, as its protagonists struggle with society's expectations and family-imposed ambitions.

Critical Reception

Nadaaniyan was met with ambivalent reviews despite its efforts to connect with modern viewers. The absence of nuanced character development and overuse of tired clichés were two complaints voiced by critics. The film's attempt to incorporate Gen Z elements into the story was criticised for being insincere and not adding anything meaningful.

Critics praised the fascinating plot and likeable characters of Premalu for its realistic depiction of young people and social challenges. A standout in the romantic comedy genre, the film's success was praised for its grounded approach and outstanding performances.

The stories of Nadaaniyan and Premalu weave together themes of love, social conventions, and individual growth. Premalu is more approachable because its plot is based in reality, in contrast to Nadaaniyan, which offers a glossy portrayal with an unclear finish. The shared elements between the two films draw attention to prevalent filmic themes, but the way they were presented and how people responded to them demonstrate the power of genuine storytelling.

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