Movie Name: CTRL
Cast: Ananya Pandey, Vihaan Samat, Devika Vatsa, Aparshakti Khurana (Voice for Allen)
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Genre: Thriller
Available on: Netflix
CTRL is an experimental gem in Hindi cinema, one that probably wouldn’t resonate with the traditional theatre-going audience. But in the OTT era, it thrives. Being a Vikramaditya Motwane project, the quality wasn’t a surprise. What did catch me off guard was Ananya Pandey’s performance. Whether it was her acting or the technical brilliance of the film overshadowing any flaws, she delivered unexpectedly well.
The soundtrack, featuring tracks like Kasoor and Ulfat, elevated the experience, making the film feel like an extended, aesthetically pleasing social media reel. The inclusion of real influencers like Yashraj Mukhate and Tanmay Bhatt was a genius move, blending their styles seamlessly into the narrative.
One standout moment was the “forgot password” scene, capturing a universally relatable struggle with a touch of authenticity that made it both humorous and painfully real. The movie’s visual style, reminiscent of Missing (2023), made it feel fresh and unique for Indian cinema.
What makes CTRL truly exciting is its portrayal of a dystopian future shaped by technology—a vision that felt all too believable. It opens the door for more such technological experimentation in Bollywood.
Ananya Pandey’s performance, combined with Motwane’s direction, proves that with the right guidance, she can shine. Here’s hoping she continues to work with filmmakers who can craft films with such depth and creativity. CTRL is a bold step forward, and I’m excited to see where it takes Hindi cinema next.
