Ananya Panday Shines in ‘CTRL’: A Desi Thriller with a Tech-Driven Twist

Vikramaditya Motwane’s latest film blends romance, technology, and suspense, offering an Indian take on the ‘Black Mirror’ dystopia

In Vikramaditya Motwane’s latest thriller CTRL, starring Ananya Panday, viewers are taken on a fast-paced journey through a tech-driven dystopia that echoes the themes of Black Mirror, but with a distinctly Indian flavor. Some films brim with potential but fail to deliver once on screen, while others are elevated by the creativity of their cast. CTRL lands somewhere in between.

The film’s title references the keyboard shortcut for “control,” hinting at the core theme: control over one’s digital life. At the center of CTRL is the relationship between Nella (Ananya Panday) and Joe (Vihaan Samat), who meet as teenagers and become viral sensations. Their everyday lives and blossoming romance are broadcast to their followers, turning them into social media influencers. But as their relationship becomes increasingly transactional, driven by the need for likes and money, things take a dark turn.

The turning point comes when Nella accidentally livestreams Joe cheating on her. In the aftermath, a mysterious follower suggests she use the “CTRL” app—a futuristic AI tool that promises to erase Joe from her life, digitally and permanently.

CTRL brings a taste of the well-known Black Mirror series, famous for exploring the dark side of technology’s grip on human lives. Though the concept isn’t entirely fresh, the Indian context adds a unique twist to the familiar story. Clocking in at just under two hours, the movie keeps the plot concise, co-written by Avinash Sampath and Sumukhi Suresh, avoiding unnecessary length.

While the suspense is somewhat lacking in the film’s early stages, CTRL builds up to an intense and well-executed finale, where the tension finally spikes. Although it may not fully deliver on the promise of a cutting-edge thriller, CTRL still offers an engaging narrative and a gripping conclusion, making it a noteworthy entry in Motwane’s filmography.