Karan Johar is a multi-faceted personality in the Indian film industry. He is a filmmaker, producer, chat show host, actor, choreographer, radio jockey and fashion inspiration. Yes, also a gossip monger among his friends. But Twitterati seems to be highly miffed with the much-talented Karan Johar in the wake of Simmba vs Zero at the box office. A hashtag #KaranPaidTaran is trending on Twitter since Shah Rukh Khan’s Zero released on December 21 and it picked up the pace with Ranveer Singh-starrer Simmba’s release on December 28. Netizens are accusing Karan who happens to be the producer of Simmba of paying movie critic Taran Adarsh to sabotage SRK’s latest film. Interestingly, Karan happens to be King Khan’s best friend forever. Simmba Movie Review: Ranveer Singh Roars In This Weak Singham Clone That Trivialises a Serious Crime.

It is not unusual for big movies to tank at the box office. However, fans feel Zero directed by Aanand L. Rai was sabotaged, which eventually led to its downfall. Even before the release of the film, fake reviews started emerging on the social media. Once the film eventually released on Friday, it received polarising reviews. On the one hand, National Award-winning film critic Baradwaj Rangan hailed Zero, reviewers such as Taran Adarsh trashed the film. Mind you, Taran Adarsh is that reviewer who has given four-star ratings to Himesh Reshammiya-starrer duds like Aap Kaa Surroor and Karzzzz! #PaidCriticTaranAdarsh Trends on Twitter As ‘Zero’ Fans Give Positive Reviews and Trolls Movie Critic for Giving Poor Ratings to SRK Film.

Now, one cannot question an individual opinion, but when netizens saw Taran Adarsh shaking a leg with Karan Johar and Ranveer Singh on the release day of Simmba, they found it to be too fishy. Later, Taran Adarsh praised Simmba and gave it a four-star rating. Fans cannot digest the fact that Rohit Shetty’s formula no-brainer masala film got better reviews than Zero, which boasted of fresh content, powerful performances and sound direction. Check out the tweets posted by netizens slamming Karan Johar and Taran Adarsh. They have not spared Rohit Shetty for his predictable plot and mindless direction. #PaidCriticTaranAdarsh Trends Again on Twitter, After Video of Him Hugging Ranveer Singh, Karan Johar Post Simmba Screening Goes Viral!

Watch Video of Karan Johar and Ranveer Singh Dancing With Critic Taran Adarsh Ahead of Simmba's Release

Twitterati is Seething With Anger

Karan Paid Taran to Badmouth Zero?

Netizens Are in No Mood to Forgive Rohit Shetty for Shoddy Simmba

Is There Any Room for Originality? Rohit Shetty Be Like - NOPE

This is Epic!!

Taran Adarsh Seems to be a Huge Fan of Karan Johar Movies

Meanwhile, People After Watching Simmba Be Like

Ranveer Singh Tumse Na Ho Paega

You can read what LatestLY movie reviewer, Sreeju Sudhakaran has to say about both Zero and Simmba. Beginning with SRK film, he writes, "Zero has both the strengths and the issues to be a movie that will invoke a mixed response from the viewers. It is flawed, but Zero sails through its weaknesses thanks to Aanand L Rai's direction and the excellent performances from Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma." Zero Movie Review: Shah Rukh Khan’s Infectious Charm, Anushka Sharma’s Brilliant Act and Katrina Kaif’s Stunning Performance Win You Over!

Watch Video of Zero Movie Review: A Charming But Flawed Film

About Simmba, Sreeju writes, "At the beginning of a song sequence, Karan Johar pops up out of nowhere and sighs about getting another remix. And immediately, the "Aankh Marey" song begins and we feel like the makers are poking fun at the audience being fed the same stuff again and again. Simmba is exactly that!"

Watch Video of Simmba Movie Review: Ranveer Singh Roars In This Weak Singham Clone That Trivialises a Serious Crime

When it comes to professional aspirations, Karan Johar does not let friendships or personal equations hamper his ambitions. Remember, how the cool motormouth of Bollywood fought with his bestie and actress Kajol in 2016 when his film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil clashed with Shivaay starring Kajol's husband and actor, Ajay Devgn. Maybe this is why, fans are confident Karan to have again backstabbed his friend, this time none other than Shah Rukh Khan! But we do not want to believe all these conjectures, right KJo!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2018 12:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).