CTRL Review: Inside The Nightmares Of Digital World With A Deft Ananya Panday

CTRL, starring Ananya Panday and Vihaan Samat and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, is a gripping thriller that masterfully showcases the sinister side of technology and how it affects interpersonal relationships. Ananya Panday portrays the character of Nella Awasthi, a social media influencer who is driven by vengeance against her cheating boyfriend, Joe Mascarenhas (Vihaan Samat). Her search for revenge takes a dangerous turn when an AI app goes out of control, messing up both her data and life.

The film has a captivating plot that keeps the audience. The balance between suspense, drama, and emotional depth is well-maintained, making the storyline both entertaining and thought-provoking. In one of the scenes, Nella's character evolves from a heartbroken girlfriend to a strong and calculated individual, and Ananya Panday's nuanced performance captures this transformation well. Her range adds depth to Nella's emotional graph of anger, making her character relatable and intriguing.

Ananya steps up to the task

Ananya gives a powerful performance as Nella, capturing the desperation and vulnerability of a character who is heartbroken. Vihaan does a convincing job as the unfaithful Joe, while Aparshakti Khurana’s voice work as Allen adds additional elements to the story.

In one of the scenes, Nella and Joe reflect on real-life relationship issues faced by Gen Z. From Nella’s playful charm at a college festival to her moments of affection, including cuddles and kisses, Ananya’s expressions add an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the narrative apart from the psychological tension that is bubbling throughout the film.

Vikramaditya Motwane’s direction is sharp and innovative, particularly the use of the screen format. He masterfully builds tension, using the digital world to reflect the characters' inner turmoil and to immerse viewers into Nella's unsettling experiences. His ability to play with perspective and pacing keeps the audience on edge. For instance, he skillfully builds tension, using the digital world to mirror the characters' inner struggles and draw viewers into Nella's disturbing journey.

Nella’s life initially revolves around her boyfriend Joe and her love for him, but what she chooses to do next showcases the director's craft in creating suspense around her heartbreak. As her character evolves and she takes control of her own story, Ananya’s expressions keep the audience on edge. From a happy girlfriend to a deeply hurt one, she raises questions about the complexities of relationships and the emotional choices people make after heartbreak.

Digital revolution: A boon or bane

Throughout the film, various scenes highlight how these digital tools can impact our lives.

For instance, there are moments when Nella interacts with the AI app, which seems helpful at first, managing her tasks and providing emotional support. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that the app can also manipulate her emotions and decisions, reflecting the potential dangers of relying too heavily on technology.

In one scene, the AI app unexpectedly reveals private information about Nella, illustrating how easily personal data can be compromised in the digital world. This moment serves as a cautionary tale, reminding viewers of the risks associated with using AI in daily life. Ultimately, the film combines excitement and thrills while delivering a powerful message about the implications of our dependence on digital AI applications.

Some predictable plot twists

Motwane's direction skillfully builds tension, using the screenlife format to pull viewers into Nella's digital nightmare. An excellent short, crisp way to display the pros and cons of AI. At the same time, the movie explores complicated relationships that lead to emotional turmoil. Joe's choice to leave Nella highlights the harsh reality faced by many young people who fall in love casually, only to find themselves emotionally devastated by unexpected breakups.

While the storyline is engaging, some of the plot twists are a bit predictable. The film gives clues early on, which might lessen the surprise for some viewers, especially those familiar with psychological thrillers. For example, when Nella is happy in one scene, it quickly becomes clear that in the next scene, Joe will be involved with another girlfriend, making it easy to guess what happens next.

In conclusion, the movie tackles an intriguing subject within the psychological thriller genre. It offers excitement and thrills while delivering a meaningful message for those who use AI.