Introduction: A Film That Mirrors a Generation’s Restlessness
(Image Credit :- Filmibeat Telgu)
If you’ve ever made a life-altering mistake before turning 25, Nadaniyan (translating to “Foolishness”) will feel like a punch to the gut. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Ritesh Sharma (Rikshawala), this 2024 Hindi drama isn’t just a movie it’s a cultural autopsy of Gen Z’s collision with ambition and impatience. Released on Netflix after a limited theatrical run, Nadaniyan has sparked debates, earned ₹18.2 crore globally (per Box Office India), and holds a 4.2/5 on IMDb from 9,800+ ratings. Let’s unpack why this film is resonating, especially with viewers aged 18–34.
Plot & Performances: Imperfect Characters, Perfect Acting
Set in Delhi’s cramped Lajpat Nagar, Nadaniyan follows Arjun (Siddhant Gupta), a 21-year-old college dropout obsessed with crypto riches, and Naina (Tara Alisha Berry), a Kathak dancer torn between tradition and independence. Their reckless romance—fueled by impulsive decisions like a ₹5 lakh loan from a local thug—unravels with devastating consequences.
Gupta, in a career-defining role, embodies Arjun’s toxic mix of arrogance and vulnerability. His climactic confrontation with Vijay Raaz (playing his disillusioned father) is a masterclass in silent despair. Berry, meanwhile, delivers nuance rarely seen in young actors—her final dance sequence, symbolizing shattered dreams, left test audiences in tears, as noted in Sharma’s Film Companion interview.
Themes: More Than Just a Cautionary Tale
Sharma uses Arjun’s crypto subplot to critique India’s “get-rich-quick” culture. A 2023 Deloitte report found 68% of Indian millennials invest in volatile assets like crypto, often without research—a stat Sharma cites to ground the film’s urgency.
But Nadaniyan isn’t preachy. Through Naina’s arc, it questions societal double standards: her dance guru (Seema Pahwa) insists, “Betiyan apne sapno se zyada ghar ki izzat pe nachti hain,” highlighting how young women bear disproportionate familial burdens.
Direction & Technical Mastery
Sharma’s guerrilla-style filming—using handheld cameras and natural light—mirrors the characters’ chaos. The soundtrack, blending Hindustani classical (Ravi Mishra) and indie rock (The Local Train), earned a Filmfare nomination. Standout track Khoya Sa Hai has 14M+ Spotify streams, proving the film’s cultural imprint.
However, the pacing stumbles post-interval. As critic Anupama Chopra noted, “The 138-minute runtime tests patience, but the payoff is worth it.”
Audience & Critical Reception
IMDb: 4.2/5 (67% 10-star ratings)
Letterboxd: 3.8/5, praised as “Dev D meets Gully Boy for the TikTok generation.”
Box Office: Despite niche appeal, it recovered costs via Netflix’s ₹22 crore deal (per Box Office India).
Should You Watch Nadaniyan?
Watch if:
You crave substance over style.
You’ve ever felt trapped by your own choices.
Skip if:
You prefer escapist entertainment.
The Final Verdict
Nadaniyan isn’t flawless, but its unflinching honesty makes it essential viewing. As Sharma told The Hindu, “This film is my love letter to every young person who’s ever felt lost.” For that alone, it deserves your attention.
