CTRL Bollywood Movie Review

Vikramaditya Motwane’s cyber-thriller CTRL, starring Ananya Panday, skillfully weaves together multiple themes and addresses them with remarkable effectiveness. The film unfolds through a dynamic montage of television, laptop, computer, and mobile screens, similar to the unique format of the Modern Family episode where the entire plot takes place on a character’s iMac screen. CTRL feels like a blend of Dibakar Banerjee’s LSD 2 (2024), HER (2013), and Black Mirror (2014-19), delivering a gripping 1 hour and 38 minutes that unveils the sinister sides of Artificial Intelligence and corporate greed. At the center of it all is Nella Awasthi, a young influencer living in Mumbai. She collaborates with her boyfriend Joe (played by Vihaan Samat) on their popular vlogging channel called ‘NJoy’.

CTRL Bollywood Movie Review

CTRL Bollywood Movie Plot Summary:

“CTRL” is a thrilling and immersive cyber thriller that navigates the dark and complex world of internet culture, corporate greed, social media relationships, and data protection. The film stars Ananya Panday as Nella Awasthi, a young, vibrant social media influencer living in Mumbai. She runs a vlogging channel titled ‘NJoy’ with her boyfriend Joe, played by Vihaan Samat. Their relationship is not just personal, but professional, as their love life is on display for public consumption, and it brings them lucrative brand deals.

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The story takes a drastic turn when Nella catches Joe cheating—during a livestream no less. The video goes viral, drawing the attention of the internet in ways they never expected. Viral content creators like Yashraj Mukhate remix Nella’s heartbreak into catchy tunes, while meme reviewers like Tanmay Bhatt poke fun at her misfortune.

Soon, Nella discovers an AI bot named Allen (an anagram of her own name), and begins to romantically engage with this digital entity. Using Allen to erase Joe from her digital existence, Nella unwittingly plunges into a dark web of corporate fraud, data theft, and a chilling series of murders. What begins as a humorous exploration of influencer culture spirals into an intense cyber thriller that examines the dangers of Artificial Intelligence and digital surveillance.

CTRL Bollywood Movie Cast:

Ananya Panday as Nella Awasthi
Vihaan Samat as Joe
Yashraj Mukhate as Himself (cameo)
Tanmay Bhatt and viral internet influencers (cameo)

CTRL Bollywood Movie Review:

Vikramaditya Motwane’s “CTRL” excels at delivering an engaging commentary on the perils of our increasingly digital lives. It uses a montage of screens—television, laptops, computers, and smartphones—beautifully spliced together to reflect our modern reality. The film offers sharp commentary on internet virality, influencer culture, and the darker side of corporate greed.

“CTRL” is evocative of films and shows like “HER” (2013) and “Black Mirror” (2014-2019), with its own unique take on how our lives are shaped by technology. The film effortlessly transitions between humor and suspense, using Nella’s relationship with an AI bot to explore deeper societal issues.

The film is a treat for the senses, with attention to detail that rewards close watching. Every frame is packed with information, from the comment feeds to Nella’s social media interfaces. The clever renaming of popular apps—YouTube as ‘Community,’ Instagram as ‘Gramograma,’ and Gmail as ‘PeakMail’—adds to the film’s authenticity.

What Works:

Innovative Storytelling: The use of digital screens as the primary narrative tool is fresh and keeps you engaged. It reflects the modern-day reality of living through screens.
Sharp Commentary: The film’s commentary on the dangers of AI, corporate greed, and social media culture is timely and relevant. It never feels preachy but instead cleverly incorporates these themes into the narrative.
Ananya Panday’s Performance: Ananya shines as Nella, capturing the frustrations, vulnerabilities, and resilience of a woman caught in the throes of a digital storm. Her performance elevates the film.
Editing: The editing by Jahaan Noble deserves special mention. The rapid switching between different screens and devices is seamless and reflects the multitasking nature of the digital age.

What Doesn’t Work:

Simplification of Conflict: A lengthy monologue toward the climax attempts to explain the film’s central conflict but can feel over-simplified and redundant. This could have been handled more subtly.
Sensory Overload: The fast-paced switching between screens and the overwhelming amount of information in each frame can be exhausting for some viewers, leading to potential sensory overload.

CTRL Bollywood Movie Cast Performances:

Ananya Panday: As the lead, she carries the film effortlessly, especially during scenes that require anger and vulnerability. She truly comes into her own in this role.
Vihaan Samat: He portrays the ‘average Joe’ boyfriend convincingly, balancing his shift from a charming partner to a despicable cheater. His performance is both believable and relatable.

CTRL Bollywood Movie Technical Aspects:

The film’s technical aspects, particularly the production design and UI authenticity, are commendable. From the design of digital interfaces to the smallest details in comment sections, the film presents a hyper-realistic digital environment. The use of renamed but visually familiar platforms helps in creating a believable digital landscape without legal hurdles.

Verdict:

“CTRL” is a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology and human emotion. It’s a modern-day thriller that balances humor, suspense, and sharp social commentary. Vikramaditya Motwane proves his mastery in weaving a tight narrative that reflects the complexities of our digital lives. While it may falter with a few heavy-handed moments, “CTRL” remains a thought-provoking and exhilarating ride.

CTRL Bollywood Movie Director:

Director: Vikramaditya Motwane.

CTRL Bollywood Movie Writer:

Writer: Vikramaditya Motwane, Avinash Sampath and Sumukhi Suresh.

CTRL Bollywood Movie Rating:

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3/5 Stars

Where to Watch CTRL Bollywood Movie:

“CTRL” is currently streaming on Netflix.

FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the movie “CTRL” about?
“CTRL” is a cyber thriller about a social media influencer, Nella, who navigates the dark side of digital relationships and artificial intelligence after discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity on a livestream.
Who stars in “CTRL”?
The movie stars Ananya Panday as Nella and Vihaan Samat as Joe, with appearances by viral content creators like Yashraj Mukhate and Tanmay Bhatt.
What themes does “CTRL” explore?
“CTRL” tackles themes of corporate greed, data protection, internet culture, influencer dynamics, and the impact of AI on human relationships.
How long is “CTRL”?
The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.
How does “CTRL” compare to other tech thrillers?
“CTRL” shares similarities with movies like “HER” and shows like “Black Mirror,” offering a fresh perspective on AI, digital culture, and the dangers of corporate control.
Is “CTRL” based on a true story?
No, “CTRL” is a fictional narrative, though it incorporates real-life elements of internet culture and AI.
Is “CTRL” suitable for all audiences?
The movie is best suited for mature audiences due to its complex themes and dark undertones.
Who directed “CTRL”?
The movie is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, known for his unique storytelling style.
Where can I watch “CTRL”?
“CTRL” is available for streaming on Netflix.
What makes “CTRL” unique?
“CTRL” stands out for its innovative use of digital screens to tell its story, as well as its seamless blend of humor, suspense, and thought-provoking commentary on technology.