CTRL has a mission, a clear motive to captivate, and a gripping premise. But does Ananya Panday’s performance in this AI-driven thriller manage to impress? Find out in the full review!
Star Cast: Ananya Panday, Vihan Samat
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
What’s Good: The engaging premise.
What’s Bad: A very mellowed-down version of what could have been a brilliant Black Mirror Episode
Loo Break: Avoid!
Watch or Not?: Definitely Yes
Language: Hindi
Available On: Netflix
Runtime: 98 minutes
CTRL Movie Review: Ananya Panday Delivers an Engaging but Mellowed-Down AI Thriller
Vikramaditya Motwane’s CTRL taps into the current global obsession with artificial intelligence, giving Indian audiences a Desi twist to what could have been an epic Black Mirror-inspired narrative. The film, driven by the fascinating concept of AI’s growing influence on our daily lives, offers an engaging premise, though it falls short in delivering the full impact of its potential. Ananya Panday, in her first solo lead performance, shoulders the film with a commendable effort, but is it enough to turn CTRL into a must-watch?
The Good and the Bad
What’s Good: The film’s core idea—a social media influencer’s dependency on an AI bot after a breakup—opens the door to a thrilling exploration of how deeply technology is embedded in our emotions. The movie keeps you intrigued throughout its 98-minute runtime, never allowing for a dull moment. Ananya Panday’s role, along with the excellent dialogues by Sumukhi Suresh, keeps the conversations lively and real, making it relatable to the modern-day viewer. The direction by Vikramaditya Motwane, combined with Sneha Khanwalkar’s edgy music, adds to the overall mood of the film.
What’s Bad: Unfortunately, CTRL doesn’t pack the punch you’d expect from a film dealing with such a compelling topic. While it sets up a world of digital control and emotional manipulation, it doesn’t delve deep enough into the darker, more terrifying aspects of AI. At times, the movie feels like a watered-down version of a Black Mirror episode, missing the opportunity to deliver a shocking or profound revelation. Instead, it becomes a light thriller—engaging, but lacking that hard-hitting impact.
Skip the Loo Break and Watch It!
With a runtime of 98 minutes, CTRL doesn’t drag its feet, and you should definitely avoid taking a break in the middle of this one. The story moves at a predictable yet steady pace, but it’s the performances and the subtle undercurrent of AI’s influence that keep you glued to your screen.
The Plot: A Desi Black Mirror Take on AI
In CTRL, Ananya Panday plays a social media influencer who, after a breakup, decides not to wallow in self-pity but instead seeks solace in an AI bot. The initial setup feels familiar, even slightly whimsical, like a romantic comedy of sorts. However, the movie takes a sharp turn when the bot becomes a tool for controlling her reality, setting the stage for an AI-driven thriller. The premise is a reflection of the larger debate around AI, which has dominated discussions over the past year—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly repercussions of technology.
Motwane’s choice to frame this story within the world of social media influencers is smart. It mirrors today’s youth, particularly Gen Z and the Alpha generation, who are digital natives, trusting technology over human relationships. The film taps into this generational attitude, highlighting how they’re more likely to confide in an AI bot than a real person, even when dealing with emotional situations like a breakup.
The Influence of Black Mirror and Beyond
International cinema, particularly shows like Black Mirror, has already ventured deep into the terrifying possibilities of AI, creating horrifying scenarios of what could happen if technology went unchecked. CTRL is a much mellower take on the same theme. Vikramaditya Motwane gives Indian audiences a Black Mirror-esque experience, but he softens the edges, perhaps to suit the sensibilities of a wider audience. While the concept is strong, the execution sometimes feels too safe, too predictable.
The film starts with shades of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, where the lead character is trying to move on from a past relationship. However, as the plot unfolds, it borrows inspiration from other films, like Searching, a 2018 thriller that masterfully used digital screens to create suspense. Unfortunately, while CTRL builds its suspense, it fizzles out towards the climax, failing to reach the crescendo it hints at.
Ananya Panday: A Newfound Maturity in Acting
One of the standout elements of CTRL is Ananya Panday’s performance. Known primarily for her lighter, more comedic roles, she takes a huge leap in this film, portraying a character grappling with the complexities of AI and digital addiction. Her performance is one of her best to date, marking a new level of maturity in her acting career. From her playful, carefree personality at the start to her gradual descent into paranoia and fear, Panday manages to hold the audience’s attention throughout.
This film also marks the first time Ananya has had to carry a film entirely on her own. While she’s had strong ensemble casts in the past, CTRL places the focus squarely on her, and she delivers with confidence. The shift in her character, from someone casually seeking solace in an AI bot to becoming a victim of its control, is handled with surprising depth. It’s clear that Ananya has grown as an actor, and CTRL showcases her range in a way we haven’t seen before.
Simple, Yet Powerful Dialogues
A special mention must be made of Sumukhi Suresh’s crisp dialogues. The conversational nature of the film feels organic, as if you’re listening in on your next-door neighbor’s discussions. This simplicity is what makes the film relatable, grounding the more futuristic aspects of the AI plot in a very real-world context. The humor and everyday banter are well-executed, providing brief moments of levity in an otherwise tense narrative.
Music and Direction: Setting the Mood
Sneha Khanwalkar’s music plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the film. From pulsating beats to softer, more reflective tunes, the soundtrack complements the unfolding drama perfectly. Anvita Dutt’s bold lyrics, including a memorable rap song, add flair to the score, ensuring that the music stays with you long after the movie ends.
Vikramaditya Motwane, a director known for creating engaging, thought-provoking stories, gives us a film that is visually appealing and thematically interesting. However, as much as the story builds, it fails to deliver a lasting impact. It’s the kind of movie that you enjoy watching, but you won’t be thinking about it long after the credits roll. It’s a thriller, but one that doesn’t leave you on edge.
Final Verdict: Worth Watching, But Lacks Impact
CTRL has all the ingredients for a successful thriller—an intriguing premise, a strong lead performance, and a relevant theme. However, it doesn’t fully capitalize on the potential of its AI-driven plot. While Ananya Panday shines and Motwane’s direction keeps things engaging, the film doesn’t deliver the emotional or intellectual impact that a Black Mirror episode would.
If you’re a fan of AI-themed films and enjoy stories about the intersection of technology and human emotions, CTRL is definitely worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to blow your mind. It’s a fun, well-executed film, but it misses the chance to be something truly remarkable.
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