Nafratein is a gripping Hindi full‑length action‑drama romance, released in June 2025. At its core is Karan Malhotra, a fiery college youth whose passion and aggression define his life—until love and heartbreak trigger a journey of self‑discovery.
Aryan Kumar Goel, in his debut role as Karan, delivers a fiercely realistic performance. Portrayed as a young man who asserts dominance and fights anyone who challenges him, Karan represents unchecked rage. But when Ishika (played by Tanishq Ranjan) enters his world—innocent, composed, set to marry another—his life unravels and he must confront his inner turmoil. The chemistry between the two is raw and grounded, blending youthful romance with emotional complexity.
Supporting roles include Aditya Kartariya, who plays Karan’s confidant—portraying loyalty amidst chaos—and Mukesh Rishi in a pivotal elder figure role, offering depth and perspective as Karan grapples with consequences. Chandraprakash Thakur appears as a mentor-like presence, anchoring moments of introspection.
Directed by Joy Bhattacharjee, the screenplay balances college-era tension with emotional drama. The film excels with a small‑town aesthetic, simple yet effective camerawork, and taut editing by Sanjay R. Das, ensuring the story moves briskly without losing emotional impact. Prashant Verma’s cinematography captures local nuances and shifts in mood delicately, while Sanjeev Chaturvedi’s music underscores both Karan’s rage and Ishika’s quiet strength.
Nafratein navigates themes of anger, redemption, lost love, youthful recklessness, and the transition from rage to realization. The emotional narrative—juxtaposing raw action with heartbreak and personal growth—strikes a chord with young and urban audiences alike.
Critical response highlighted Aryan’s striking debut performance as the emotional center of the film ★★★★, praising his natural dialogue delivery and screen presence. Ishika’s character was noted for bringing warmth and innocence to the drama. Supporting actors earned appreciation for realistic portrayals that complemented the lead duo. While some felt the narrative later veered into predictability, most agreed the emotional arcs remained engaging and heartfelt
Aryan Kumar Goel – Karan Malhotra (College rebel torn between rage and love) Dainik Bhaskar
Tanishq Ranjan – Ishika (Karan’s college love interest) NOWRUNNING+8Firstpost
Aditya Kartariya – Karan’s college friend (supporting youth role) Film Information
Mukesh Rishi – Yash / elder figure (supporting role) BookMyShow Chandraprakash Thakur – Supporting character (faculty or mentor-like)
