Directed by
Shauna Gautam
Made by
Dharma Productions
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Nadaaniyan (2025). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Pia Jaisingh, a privileged teenager from South Delhi, navigates the difficulties of her tumultuous family life. Her father, Rajat Jaisingh, expresses disappointment in her gender, constantly wishing for a son, which leads him into an affair with a younger woman named Anahita. Meanwhile, Pia’s mother, Neelu Jaisingh, is a socialite who endures the challenges posed by her husband’s actions. Pia attends the elite Falcon High School, which is filled with affluent students. During a bonfire night, a rift forms between Pia and her best friend, Sahira, when Sahira suspects Pia of having an affair with Ayan Nanda after seeing flirty messages on Pia’s phone. To dispel Sahira’s doubts, Pia fabricates a story, claiming she already has a boyfriend.
In a twist of fate, Pia encounters Arjun Mehta, a dedicated, middle-class student hailing from Greater Noida. To garner his cooperation, she offers him ₹25,000 (approximately US$290) weekly to pose as her boyfriend. As they navigate this arrangement, Pia begins to share snapshots of their time together on social media, convincing her friends that she is not involved with Ayan, leading to a reconciliation with Sahira. During a family dinner, Rajat discovers that Arjun plans to compete in an international debate competition and encourages Pia to join as well. Although Arjun is hesitant, he eventually agrees, and their relationship evolves into something deeper – a budding romance.
However, events take a dark turn on Diwali night when Pia uncovers her father’s affair and the fact that Anahita is pregnant. Heartbroken, she and her mother leave for her maternal home, where Pia, overwhelmed with emotions, breaks her phone. This incident leads to a crucial moment—she forgets about the upcoming debate competition. Meanwhile, Arjun attempts to reach her, believing that Pia has used him for amusement, leading him to assume she isn’t interested in the debate club. To distract themselves, Pia and her mother retreat to a family friend’s palace, where a photo of Pia with Rudra is misconstrued as an affair, further complicating matters.
After receiving a new phone, Pia realizes her mistake and remembers the debate competition. However, the photo with Rudra infuriates Arjun, and in a fit of anger, he blocks her online. When Pia tries to explain her situation, Arjun publicly shames her at school, revealing their financial arrangement. Amidst the turmoil, he faces challenges with his scholarship applications, seeking guidance from his teacher, Mrs. Braganza. Encouraged by his father to value relationships, Arjun eventually softens. Later, he receives news through Mrs. Braganza that Pia, unbeknownst to him, submitted his scholarship application, resulting in his acceptance. As their personal lives unravel—Pia learning that her parents are headed for divorce—Arjun realizes the extent of his misunderstanding.
After reflecting on their complicated relationship, Arjun reaches out to Pia, who remains unresponsive. At long last, during their bonfire night reunion, he offers a heartfelt apology and a proposal, which she joyfully accepts. Their paths diverging, Arjun heads to London for his studies while Pia chooses to attend a national law college in India, marking the beginning of their individual journeys. The film captures the essence of youth, love, and the challenges of navigating personal and familial expectations, reminding us of the emotional complexities that shape young adulthood.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Nadaaniyan (2025) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Pia's Family Struggles
Pia Jaisingh lives in a dysfunctional family in South Delhi, where her father, Rajat, has always shown a preference for a son over her. The family dynamics are further complicated by her father's affair with a younger woman named Anahita, causing tension within the household.
Clash with Sahira
On bonfire night, Pia has a significant clash with her best friend Sahira, stemming from misunderstandings about her flirting with Ayan Nanda. To clear the air and convince Sahira otherwise, Pia falsely claims that she has a boyfriend, thus maintaining her reputation among their circle of friends.
Meeting Arjun
Pia encounters Arjun Mehta, a dedicated middle-class student from Greater Noida, and sees potential for a mutually beneficial relationship. She convinces him to pose as her fake boyfriend by offering him a handsome payment, setting the stage for a series of complicated events.
Social Media Romance
Pia and Arjun begin to meet regularly, sharing pictures on social media to substantiate their faux relationship. This charade effectively reassures Pia's friends, including Sahira, and allows her to mend her best friendship, even as real feelings begin to blossom between the two.
Encouragement for Debate
During a family dinner, Rajat discovers that Arjun will be participating in an international debate competition, prompting him to encourage Pia to join as well. Initially hesitant, Arjun later supports Pia's participation, driving their bond closer as they prepare for the competition together.
Diwali Night Revelation
On Diwali night, Pia learns the shocking truth about her father's affair with Anahita, which has taken an even more distressing turn—Anahita is pregnant. This revelation devastates Pia, leading her to break her phone and retreat with her mother to her maternal home for solace.
Forgotten Debate
Amid her emotional turmoil, Pia completely forgets about the upcoming debate competition the next day. Arjun, unaware of her crisis, attempts to reach out to her multiple times, feeling neglected and betrayed by their arrangement, believing Pia only used him for distractions.
Social Media Misunderstanding
While spending time at Rudra's palace, a photo of Pia and Rudra is mistakenly posted on social media, falsely accusing her of having an affair. This incident exacerbates Pia's situation, inciting Arjun's jealousy and leading him to block her, intensifying the rift between them.
Aftermath and Insult
In the wake of the social media fallout, Pia tries to reach out to Arjun to explain the misunderstanding. However, when she confronts him at school, he publicly insults her, revealing their agreement and deepening her feelings of rejection and betrayal.
Scholarship Rejection
As Arjun navigates his academic struggles, his aggressive scholarship application is rejected by his teacher, Mrs. Braganza, who encourages him to work on his relationship as much as his studies. This moment serves as a crucial turning point in Arjun's perspective on both his career and his feelings for Pia.
Pia's Secret Help
Unknown to Arjun, it is actually Pia who resubmitted his scholarship application, highlighting her growing feelings for him despite their conflicts. This act of kindness reveals her true character and intentions, emphasizing the depth of her emotions beyond their initial arrangement.
Divorce Revelation
Arjun discovers the painful news that Pia's parents are heading for a divorce, deepening his understanding of her struggles and realizing he may have misjudged her intentions. This realization sparks a change in his attitude toward her, leading him to seek reconciliation.
Bonfire Night Apology
On the next bonfire night, a reflective Arjun seeks out Pia to apologize for his previous actions. In a heartfelt moment, he proposes to her, marking the culmination of their emotional journey and mutual growth throughout the tumultuous events they've faced.
New Beginnings
As Arjun prepares to embark on his journey to London to pursue his studies, Pia opts to remain in India to attend a national law college, reflecting their resolve to follow their individual dreams while remaining connected. This decision underscores the maturity they've both attained through their journey together.
Explore all characters from Nadaaniyan (2025). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Pia Jaisingh
Pia is a privileged teenager caught in a tumultuous family situation, struggling with her father's misogyny and her mother's passive role. She initially uses her wealth to manipulate her social standing but eventually seeks genuine connection and love. Her journey reflects a quest for identity amidst societal pressures.
Arjun Mehta
Arjun is a middle-class, ambitious student who becomes entangled in a fake relationship with Pia. His character embodies determination and growth as he navigates personal challenges and familial expectations. Through his experiences, Arjun learns the significance of sincerity and love.
Neelu Jaisingh
Neelu is Pia's mother, often overshadowed by her husband's controlling nature. She exhibits strength and resilience while facing her marital challenges. Neelu's character serves as a reflection of the societal expectations placed on women during family crises.
Rajat Jaisingh
Rajat is Pia's father, characterized by his patriarchal views and infidelity. He represents the negative aspects of parental influence, ultimately affecting Pia's self-esteem and relationships. His actions drive much of the film's emotional conflict.
Learn where and when Nadaaniyan (2025) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Modern Day
The events of the movie unfold in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues such as family dynamics, social media influence, and youth relationships. This modern setting allows for a relevant exploration of the characters' struggles with identity, privilege, and love.
Location
South Delhi, Greater Noida, Rudra's Palace
The movie takes place primarily in South Delhi, a vibrant area known for its affluent neighborhoods and elite schools. Greater Noida represents the contrasting middle-class background of Arjun Mehta, highlighting socio-economic differences. Rudra's Palace serves as a familial retreat, symbolizing luxury and old money.
Discover the main themes in Nadaaniyan (2025). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Love & Heartbreak
The theme of love is central to the narrative as Pia and Arjun navigate their tumultuous feelings amidst familial strife. Their initial arrangement turns into genuine affection, showcasing how relationships can evolve from pretense to deep connection. However, the heartbreak stemming from trust issues and family betrayals adds complexity to their love story.
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Ambition & Growth
Ambition is depicted through Arjun's desire to secure a scholarship and Pia's initial pretense to gain social status. The journey emphasizes personal growth, as both characters learn to strive for their dreams while dealing with their respective family conflicts. The debate competition serves as a pivotal moment for their ambitions.
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Family Dysfunction
Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the characters' lives, particularly Pia's relationship with her father. Rajat's misogyny and affair create a toxic environment, driving Pia to seek validation outside her home. The portrayal of these dysfunctional relationships raises questions about the impact of familial expectations and love.
Unravel the ending of Nadaaniyan (2025) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
At the end of Nadaaniyan, the story culminates with Pia and Arjun finally realizing their true feelings for each other. After a series of misunderstandings, heartbreaks, and moments of doubt, Arjun publicly confesses his love for Pia at a bonfire party, showing that his feelings are genuine and not just part of the fake relationship they initially agreed upon. Pia, who had been hurt and disappointed by Arjun’s earlier actions—especially when he publicly humiliated her—struggles to forgive him. However, seeing his sincere apology and renewed emotional honesty, she decides to give their love a chance. Pia recognizes that despite their different backgrounds, they share a deep connection and understanding. She chooses to forgive Arjun, embracing the possibility of a future together. The final scene shows Arjun leaving for the UK to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer, while Pia stays back in India to support her mother and continue her studies. Although their future remains uncertain, they are both committed to making their long-distance relationship work, holding onto the hope that love can bridge the distance between them. Ultimately, this ending emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, growth, and the belief that genuine love can overcome social barriers and misunderstandings.}
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