Synopsis
In ‘Nadaaniyan’, debutant Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor explore the ups and downs of adolescence, navigating friendships, family dynamics, and the complexities of teenage love in this delightful rom-com.Key Takeaways
- Engaging performances by Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor.
- The film captures the innocence of youth.
- Strong supporting cast adds emotional depth.
- Delightful music enhances the viewing experience.
- Balancing lighthearted moments with emotional struggles.
Mumbai, March 7 (NationPress) Director: Shauna Gautam
Star cast: Ibrahim Ali Khan, Dia Mirza, Jugal Hansraj, Suniel Shetty, Khushi Kapoor, Apoorva Mukhija and Aaliya Qureshi
Run Time: 1 hour 59 minutes
Medium: OTT
Rating: 4 stars
The Gen Z romantic comedy ‘Nadaaniyan’ marks the debut of Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan. Now available on streaming platforms, the film seeks to capture audiences with its engaging pairing of Ibrahim and Khushi Kapoor.
As we navigate adolescence, we face challenges like choosing friends, making career choices, and trying to please our parents, while sometimes wishing to stop them from arguing. In our teenage years, every setback felt monumental, yet it often was merely the beginning. ‘Nadaaniyan’ takes us back to those days, showcasing the innocence, chaos, and beauty of growing up.
Available on Netflix, and directed by first-time filmmaker Shauna Gautam, the story follows Arjun Mehta (Ibrahim) and Pia Jaisingh (Khushi) as they navigate school, friendships, and family dynamics.
The narrative kicks off when Pia finds herself in an awkward predicament, needing to convince her friends that she's not infatuated with her best friend’s crush. To resolve this, she enlists Arjun, a new debate team member, offering him Rs 25,000 crore weekly to pose as her boyfriend, reviving the classic ‘boyfriend for hire’ concept in commercial cinema. Thus begins their adventure in ‘Nadaaniyan’.
The film sets up its premise swiftly, unfolding at a brisk yet captivating pace, establishing a platform for the charming romance that follows. Director Shauna Gautam gives the audience ample opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Nadaaniyan, artfully capturing youthful innocence while addressing the complexities of teenage love and familial challenges.
The first half remains lighthearted, focusing on friendships, school life, and young love. In contrast, the second half delves into emotional depth as parental conflicts take center stage. The film offers something for everyone—misunderstandings among friends, the typical ‘cool but bully’ character, and of course, the signature Dharma-esque aesthetics.
The school setting appears larger than life, with uniforms that are far more stylish than typical ones, all presented with an enhanced glam factor.
Featuring seasoned actors like Suniel Shetty, Mahima Chaudhry, Dia Mirza, and Jugal Hansraj, the film brings back waves of nostalgia. Their presence adds emotional weight to the story, alongside the fresh talent of Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor, who echo their renowned parents, Saif Ali Khan and Sridevi.
In his debut, Ibrahim Ali Khan aims to demonstrate that he’s not just another star kid. His commitment and performance shine, making him a compelling on-screen presence. His charming smile and nostalgic demeanor reminiscent of Saif Ali Khan make it hard to look away.
Khushi Kapoor embodies her role as the lively and spirited Pia, who, beneath her cheerful façade, grapples with personal struggles, including a fractured family and friends who doubt her. Her journey reflects her growth and is evident throughout the film.
The music adds necessary depth, with Sachin-Jigar providing a diverse range of tracks, from Ishq Mein to Tirkat Dhoom, evoking sentiments of familiarity. While the screenplay could be more polished and dialogue delivery smoother, the film ultimately leaves viewers with a smile, thanks to its delightful ‘nadaan’ moments.
Overall, ‘Nadaaniyan’ is a thrilling journey—full of ups and downs, much like life itself. It resonates on various levels, evoking nostalgia, warmth, and familiarity. You can’t help but fall in love with its world. If you’re looking to have your heart stirred, prepare by revisiting the nostalgic rom-coms of the past, reminding yourself that some films are meant to warm your heart, making you smile and feel cozy as you go about your day.
