Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has come forward in support of Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor after they faced trolling for their debut in Karan Johar’s Nadaaniyan. While the film has received mixed reviews from audiences and critics, Bhatt was particularly appreciative of the performances of the two newcomers, even though he admitted that the film itself was not to his liking.
Expressing his confusion over the backlash, Vikram Bhatt stated that he found both Ibrahim and Khushi promising actors. “I am not able to understand the trolling that the film is facing on social media as I like both the lead actors—Khushi and Ibrahim. I liked Ibrahim, it’s a different matter whether the film is good or not. But these days, there is an argument about nepotism, and to win that argument, you have to be superb, but that’s not fair for newcomers. It’s his first film. Who does superb in their first film? He has a presence in front of the camera, you can tell that he knows acting. So, I am sad about this whole thing.”
While he did not personally connect with the film, Bhatt recognized its appeal to younger audiences. He emphasized that Ibrahim and Khushi had done justice to their roles, stating, “I didn’t find any problem in his acting. The film wasn’t the type that I would watch, but I am also not the target audience for this film. It’s for Gen Z and the teenagers. As a director, I found Ibrahim and Khushi good.”
On the constant comparisons between Ibrahim and his father, Saif Ali Khan, Bhatt acknowledged that such parallels were inevitable. “That will happen. Ibrahim also looks like Saif, so how will you not compare? But he proves himself even by that comparison. I think he is at par with Saif and way better than Saif’s performance in his debut films.” Confident in Ibrahim’s potential, he further added, “I can give you in writing that Ibrahim will be a big star.”
Despite the controversy, Bhatt’s remarks highlight his belief in Ibrahim and Khushi’s talent, encouraging audiences to give the newcomers a fair chance.
