Ibrahim Ali Khan Breaks Silence on Threat Controversy, Stands by ‘Nadaaniyan’ Amid Mixed Reviews
Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan, may have made his acting debut with the light-hearted rom-com Nadaaniyan on Netflix, but it’s not just his on-screen presence that’s sparked headlines. In the weeks following the film’s March 2025 release, the young actor has been thrust into a swirl of controversy—most notably over a scathing response he sent to a Pakistani film critic who took aim at both his performance and physical appearance.

In a recent candid conversation with Filmfare, Ibrahim not only defended his work in the film but also addressed the now-viral direct message that ignited widespread debate across social media.

The Online Spat That Went Viral
The controversy unfolded after Pakistani film critic Tamur Iqbal posted an unflattering review of Nadaaniyan on Instagram. While critiques of the film were not uncommon, Iqbal’s remarks turned personal when he mocked Ibrahim’s appearance, specifically calling out his “huge nose.”

This prompted a strong, emotionally charged response from Ibrahim in a private message—one that didn’t stay private for long. Tamur shared a screenshot of the actor’s message, which included insults and what many interpreted as a veiled threat. The message quickly went viral, inviting both condemnation and concern.

Ibrahim’s message read, in part:
“Tamur almost like Taimur… you got my brother’s name. Guess what you don’t got? His face. You ugly piece of trash… I feel bad for you and your family—and if I see you on the streets one day, I’ll make sure I leave you uglier than you are—you walking piece of scum.”

Ibrahim’s Reflection: “I Shouldn’t Have Reacted”
Speaking to Filmfare, Ibrahim didn’t shy away from the issue. He acknowledged the inappropriateness of his response, but also explained the context behind it.

“I know I shouldn’t have reacted,” he admitted. “But I’m also new to public scrutiny. When he made that personal comment about my body, it felt like a below-the-belt remark. Going forward, I’ll be more composed. It won’t happen again.”

He emphasized that he can handle professional criticism—but body shaming crossed a line. “You can say what you want about my acting. That’s fair. But making fun of my nose? That’s personal. I wasn’t ready for that kind of jab.”

Defending ‘Nadaaniyan’: “I’m Proud of What We Made”
Beyond the controversy, Ibrahim used the interview as an opportunity to reflect on his debut film. Nadaaniyan, positioned as a sweet and breezy romantic comedy, may not have received rave reviews, but Ibrahim stands by the film and what it aimed to be.

“People had high expectations from my debut—probably because of my last name,” he said. “But Nadaaniyan was never meant to be a hard-hitting drama. It was a feel-good rom-com, and I think we delivered that.”

He acknowledged that the performance could’ve been stronger, adding, “As a lead actor, I need to bring more to the screen, and I will. But I’m happy with what it was. This is just the start.”

Ibrahim also highlighted how toxic and harsh social media can be, especially for newcomers. “Social media is a hateful world right now. They tried to twist it a lot. But I know I can bring it in the future, and I will.”

Public and Industry Reactions: Divided Opinions
The online backlash against Ibrahim’s DM was swift, with many critics and fans calling the message “disproportionate” and “aggressive.” At the same time, several voices came to his defense, particularly on the subject of body shaming, which continues to be a prevalent issue in entertainment spaces.

Industry peers weighed in too. Some suggested that while Ibrahim’s reaction was impulsive, it also underscored the pressure young actors face today—especially those born into Bollywood’s spotlight.

“There’s no excuse for threats, but we also need to remember that these actors are human,” one senior producer noted anonymously. “He made a mistake, but he’s also learning in public view.”

Life as a Star Kid: Expectations and Scrutiny
Being Saif Ali Khan’s son—and the elder brother of internet sensation Taimur Ali Khan—means Ibrahim entered the film world under immense scrutiny. From the moment his debut was announced, comparisons, expectations, and social media chatter followed.

“Nepotism may open doors,” one analyst said, “but it also invites amplified judgment, especially when it comes to looks and performance.”

Ibrahim’s reaction, many believe, reflects the growing pains of a public figure navigating fame, failure, and fierce feedback—all at once.

Looking Ahead: A Lesson in Growth
Despite the dust-up, Ibrahim seems intent on turning the experience into a moment of growth.

“I want to be known for my work—not my reactions,” he told Filmfare. “There’s a long road ahead. This is just the beginning.”

There’s been no formal apology issued yet to Tamur Iqbal, and no legal action is on the horizon. But Ibrahim’s acknowledgment of his misstep, along with his willingness to evolve, may mark a new chapter in his journey.

As for Nadaaniyan, time will tell whether the film becomes a mere footnote or the foundation of something bigger. But for Ibrahim Ali Khan, the message is clear: the learning curve is steep, and the spotlight doesn’t blink.