Karan Johar has once again sparked a debate in Bollywood after addressing critics, reviewers, and the backlash around his recent film Nadaaniyan. In a new interview, the filmmaker spoke candidly about the changing landscape of film journalism, social media influence, and how reviews are shaping cinema today.
According to Karan, many critics today appear less like reviewers and more like stand-up comedians. He observed that instead of offering constructive criticism, some critics focus on mocking films purely for laughs and online engagement, which he feels is unfair and damaging.
He further added that many reviews and narratives are influenced by paid campaigns. This, in his opinion, makes it difficult for audiences to form an unbiased opinion. He believes such practices harm films, as word-of-mouth and critical acclaim still play a huge role in driving ticket sales.
Addressing Nadaaniyan directly, Karan admitted that the film, starring Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan, did not receive the love he had hoped for. The filmmaker acknowledged the social media trolling but urged audiences to move on, reminding them that many films have faced similar fates.
In his words, “I will be very stupid to be deluded about the fact that it didn’t get the love, did not get liked, it was dissed, and maybe a bit more than it should have. I am like, ‘Yaar, let it go’ after a point.”
Karan also highlighted how YouTubers and content creators added fuel to the fire by making countless videos on Nadaaniyan. Even though the film struggled at the box office, it was still trending online, with negative publicity often being celebrated as entertainment.
The producer concluded that the biggest challenge today is not making a good film but dealing with reviews, trolls, and digital narratives that can decide a film’s fate overnight. For him, the focus should return to storytelling, not manufactured debates.
