Filmmaker Karan Johar has responded to the intense criticism surrounding his latest production, Nadaaniyan, featuring Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan. Addressing the backlash at a Mumbai event for his Punjabi film Akaal, Johar condemned the personal and harsh remarks directed at the young actors.

Quoting a famous Bollywood song, he remarked, “Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna,” acknowledging that criticism is inevitable. However, he took a firm stance against the extreme negativity, stating that while opinions on a film are subjective, personal attacks cross a line.

“Those who know me understand that my relationship with critics remains unchanged regardless of their reviews. If you liked or disliked the film, that’s your perspective. I don’t believe in conspiracy theories about films being deliberately pulled down, though trolls will always exist. These are just frustrated, faceless people hiding behind screens, and I pity them,” Johar said.

Recalling a particularly harsh review that said, “I want to kick this film,” Johar called out such aggression. “Criticism is fine, but when it turns into personal attacks, that’s unacceptable,” he asserted.

Acknowledging that Nadaaniyan may not have met expectations, he added, “Humaari bhi nadaaniya hai, gustaakhiya hai, toh kabhi gehraiyaan hai,” referencing his past projects. However, he emphasized that personal attacks often say more about the critic than the film itself.

Drawing a comparison between words and physical aggression, Johar stated, “Words can be as violent as actions. Physical violence is not tolerated in the real world, so verbal violence should also be condemned.” He urged critics to be more compassionate, especially toward young actors who are just beginning their careers.

Nadaaniyan premiered on Netflix on March 7 and quickly became a trending topic online, sparking memes and heated discussions.