Prashant Narayanan Delivers Scathing Critique of Kartik Aaryan's Acting Abilities
Veteran actor Prashant Narayanan, known for his roles in films like 'Murder 2' and 'Ghost', has ignited a fiery debate in Bollywood circles with his blunt assessment of contemporary star Kartik Aaryan. In a recent interview, Narayanan did not mince words, labeling Aaryan as "one of the most terrible actors we have over here" while attributing his continued success to extraordinary luck and familial blessings rather than theatrical talent.
"Extremely Lucky" But Lacking in Skill, Says Narayanan
According to a detailed report from Bollywood Bubble, Narayanan elaborated on his controversial stance during a candid conversation. He acknowledged that while Kartik Aaryan is "an extremely lucky person," his survival in the competitive film industry stems primarily from "his parents’ blessings." The seasoned actor further characterized Aaryan as "extremely non-communicative" and suggested that he is artificially "boosted by people around him," implying a reliance on external support rather than innate ability.
Interestingly, Narayanan did offer a slight concession, recalling that he genuinely appreciated Aaryan's performance in his debut film, 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama'. However, this nod to past potential only sharpened the contrast with his current critique, highlighting a perceived decline or stagnation in the younger actor's craft.
Audience Reaction: Laughter At, Not With, Claims Narayanan
When questioned about Kartik Aaryan's popularity and why audiences flock to theaters for his movies, Prashant Narayanan presented a nuanced, albeit critical, perspective. He expressed uncertainty over how many viewers truly appreciate Aaryan's work, revealing that he has "seen people laughing at them (his movies)." Narayanan conceded that making people laugh is "a good enough thing" in entertainment, but he drew a crucial distinction.
"There is a difference between when you are laughing with somebody and when you are laughing at somebody," Narayanan asserted. "The Indian audiences are mostly laughing at somebody." This comment subtly insinuates that Aaryan's films may provoke derisive laughter rather than genuine comedic appreciation, questioning the quality and intent behind the humor that drives his box office appeal.
Kartik Aaryan's Recent Career Trajectory Amid Criticism
Kartik Aaryan, last seen in the December 2026 release 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri' alongside Ananya Panday and directed by Sameer Vidwans, faced a commercial setback as the film tanked at the box office. Despite this, he remains a busy figure in Bollywood, currently shooting for his upcoming project titled 'Naagzilla'. In this film, Aaryan is set to portray the character Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, an Ichadaari Naag, with the movie scheduled for release on August 14, 2026.
Narayanan's harsh criticism arrives at a pivotal moment in Aaryan's career, as he navigates both recent failures and future ambitious roles. The actor's ability to withstand such public scrutiny from an industry peer like Narayanan will likely be tested as he continues his journey in the limelight.
This controversy underscores ongoing debates about talent, luck, and perception in Bollywood, where box office numbers often clash with critical acclaim. As fans and critics alike digest Narayanan's pointed remarks, the discourse around what constitutes success in the film industry gains renewed intensity, spotlighting the delicate balance between audience adoration and artistic respect.
