`Why didn`t Sarzameen work?`: Karan Johar hurt over Ibrahim`s Nadaaniyan remark

Ibrahim Ali Khan recently sent waves of shock in the industry after he called his debut film Nadaaniyan "a really bad film." If recent sources are to be believed, his comments have deeply affected Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, who launched Ibrahim in the film. Notably, the film marked Ibrahim`s debut, was produced by Karan under the Dharma production banner and opened to poor reviews from critics and the audience.

Karan Johar hurt with Ibrahim Ali Khan`s remark

According to a report in Deccan Chronicle, Ibrahim`s statement has left everyone in Karan`s inner circle shocked, while many industry insiders are questioning Ibrahim`s sudden change of tone. A close friend of the filmmaker reportedly told the portal, "Karan is not a stranger to ingratitude. Many of his protégés have turned out to be ungrateful. Karan had promised to launch Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh`s son, and he kept his word. After launching Ibrahim in Nadaaniyan, he even followed it up with Sarzameen, despite being advised against it. If Ibrahim feels Nadaaniyan was bad, why didn`t Sarzameen work?" 

Another person close to Karan also drew parallels with Ibrahim`s father, actor Saif Ali Khan, given that the latter was removed from his debut film Bekhudi early in his career. "Not once has Saif spoken against the film or the makers," they reportedly remarked.

Meanwhile, Karan has maintained a dignified silence on the matter. People close to him say he feels deeply hurt by "betrayal" from someone he supported from the beginning of his career.

What did Ibrahim Ali Khan say?

During a recent interview with Esquire India, Ibrahim said that Nadaaniyan was "a really bad film." Interestingly, his comment came nearly a year after the actor had defended the film and even lashed out at trolls who mocked it online.

Ibrahim said, "Not too long ago, people were all waiting for my launch, and after Nadaaniyan, the hype has dropped real bad. They’ve trolled me nonstop. `He won`t be able to do it only.` It`s a massive low… and I constantly feel bad about it. I`m just gonna go on record and say that it was a really bad film."

Currently, Ibrahim is gearing up for his first theatrical release, Diler, directed by Kunal Deshmukh.