Neha Kakkar’s Candy Shop sparks online criticism, netizens call it 'Cringe'

Neha Kakkar’s latest musical outing Candy Shop was designed to be flashy, fun and youthful- but the reception online tells a very different story. Released on Monday, December 15, the track featuring Neha and her brother Tony Kakkar quickly grabbed attention, not just for its sound but for the intense scrutiny that followed across social media platforms.

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Song Release Followed by Swift Online Criticism

Within hours of its release, snippets from Candy Shop began circulating widely, inviting a flood of reactions. A large section of listeners criticised the track for what they described as “vulgar” lyrics and “cringe-worthy” dance moves. Many felt the song leaned too heavily on shock value, making viewers uncomfortable rather than entertained.

Adding to the criticism was the perception that the song unsuccessfully tried to mirror Korean pop culture trends without fully understanding their essence.

Styling and Visuals Draw Maximum Flak

Neha Kakkar’s look in the music video became a focal point of debate. Netizens were quick to call out the styling choices, suggesting that the K-pop-inspired aesthetic appeared forced and lacked the refinement typically associated with the genre.

One comment read, “When artists start losing relevance, they resort to forced hooks, cringe lyrics, and shock-value performances.” (sic)

Another user added, “The styling and vibe feel like a poor attempt at K-pop aesthetics- bold on paper but embarrassingly executed.” (sic)

Meanwhile, an X user posted, “This isn’t experimentation, it’s trend-chasing without depth.” (sic)

Another wrote, “K-pop aesthetics need precision- this feels messy and rushed.” (sic)

However, a handful of fans came to Neha’s defence, with one tweet stating, “At least she’s trying something different. Not every experiment needs to be perfect.”

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Mixed Responses Keep the Song Trending

Despite the backlash, Candy Shop continues to trend, fuelled by heated discussions and divided opinions. While critics questioned the creative direction and execution, supporters acknowledged Neha Kakkar’s willingness to step outside her familiar musical zone. The track has been written and produced by Tony Kakkar, whose work often receives polarised reactions.