CTRL Movie review

‘CTRL’: Where Ananya Panday Takes the Wheel, and the Plot Takes a Detour!

Is Ananya Panday in command of CTRL? Find out why this thriller leaves viewers in a bit of a technological pickle!

In the ever-evolving world of cinema, where thrillers come with a side of technology, Vikramaditya Motwane's recent offering, "CTRL," dives into the digital abyss with a narrative that feels as current as it is compelling. The film stars Ananya Panday, who plays the lead role of Nella Awasthi, a confident young woman tangled in the web of artificial intelligence and the consequences of tech dependency. While Panday shines in portraying her character’s struggle against the overwhelming influence of technology, the film, at its core, experiments with a thought-provoking premise but doesn't quite deliver the punch you'd expect from a truly gripping thriller. Think of it as a wake-up call with a snooze button—important, but you might feel like you needed to hit that alarm a little earlier.

What really sets CTRL apart is its audacious blend of cinematic influences from both Hollywood and Bollywood. Motwane skillfully crafts a narrative reminiscent of films like "Her" and the dystopian series "Black Mirror," wrapping them into a neat hour-long package. However, while viewers may appreciate the ride, the film occasionally trips over its own ambition, leaving audiences questioning where the deeper meanings are hidden among the high-tech plot twists. Ananya and her co-star, Vihaan Samat, undoubtedly hold their ground, bringing their characters to life with finesse, yet the chemistry doesn’t always translate to the captivating thriller that the storyline promises.

The true essence of CTRL feels most potent in its social commentary on our ever-increasing entanglement with technology—complete with the cautionary tales that watch us from the screen. It tosses around the idea that while technology can enhance our lives, it can also lead to unforeseen consequences that can feel alarmingly familiar. Yet, if you approach the film without a strong background in AI, you might find the plot mildly interesting and more relatable as it echoes issues that the tech-savvy generation faces today. It’s as if the movie is throwing an Instagram story at us, and we need to swipe left or right to make sense of it.

In conclusion, CTRL manages to keep viewers entertained, but for those seeking a heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat thriller, it might not meet expectations. It serves as both a reminder and a gentle push to take control of our lives rather than surrendering to the screens that rule our day-to-day. So, while Ananya Panday may be 'in control' on screen, we’re left pondering whether we, too, should take back the reins of our own reality.

As a fun fact, Ananya Panday’s performance in CTRL adds another feather to her cap as one of the most talked-about upcoming talents in Bollywood. Additionally, director Vikramaditya Motwane, known for his unique storytelling style, previously directed critically acclaimed films that often challenge the status quo, making CTRL an interesting evolution in his filmography, blending social consciousness with entertainment. Could CTRL be a new stepping stone for both Ananya’s career and the way we view tech-dominated narratives in cinema? Only time will tell!