Ibrahim Ali Khan’s candid remark calling his debut film Nadaaniyan “a really bad film” has reportedly upset filmmaker Karan Johar, who launched him under Dharma Productions. The comment has sparked industry-wide debate on gratitude, mentorship, and the pressures of public scrutiny in Bollywood debuts.
A recent interview with Ibrahim Ali Khan has stirred controversy in Bollywood circles after the young actor openly criticized his debut film Nadaaniyan, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. Ibrahim, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, described the Netflix college romance as “a really bad film,” a statement that has reportedly left Johar disappointed and hurt.
Major Takeaways
- Ibrahim made the comment during a candid conversation with Esquire India, admitting the film failed to meet expectations and that he felt “trolled nonstop” after its release
- He had previously defended Nadaaniyan against online criticism, making his recent reversal all the more surprising to industry insiders
- Sources close to Karan Johar told Hindustan Times and India Today that the filmmaker feels betrayed, with one stating, “You don’t disown a film just because it didn’t work”
- Nadaaniyan, which also starred Khushi Kapoor, faced backlash for its storyline and performances, despite high pre-release buzz
- Johar had reportedly promised Ibrahim a strong launch and mentored him through the process, making the comment feel like “ingratitude” to some in his camp
- Ibrahim is now working on his second film, Diller, hoping to reshape his career trajectory and move past the criticism
- The episode has reignited discussions around the expectations placed on star kids, the role of mentors, and the freedom to critique one’s own work
While Ibrahim’s honesty reflects the pressures faced by newcomers, the emotional fallout highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and professional loyalty in the film industry.
Sources: News18, Hindustan Times, Mashable India, India Today, Navbharat Times