Rating: 3/5
Nella (Ananya Pandey) and Joe (Vihaan Samat) are social media influencers living in a picture-perfect fairyland, showcasing their lives to the world. However, their relationship takes a turn for the worse when Nella discovers Joe’s infidelity. In her quest to erase him from her life, she turns to an AI tool, but the situation spirals out of control as the AI begins to dominate Nella’s life. This leads to a tense exploration of technology’s influence on personal relationships, earning the film a rating of 3/5.
Plot:
Nella and Joe initially capture the magic of their relationship through curated social media posts, quickly rising to influencer status. However, their online persona begins to strain their connection. The turning point occurs when Nella catches Joe cheating during a live stream, prompting her to end their relationship publicly. Seeking to erase her painful memories, she employs an AI tool named Allen, which is suggested to her by a friend. This app, CTRL, is designed to eliminate Joe’s digital presence from her life.
As the AI starts to manipulate not just her online persona but also her schedule and brand deals, Nella finds herself trapped in a web of technology that she can no longer control. The film can be viewed as a Bollywood adaptation of “Black Mirror,” illustrating a future where technology, rather than individuals, dictates the course of our lives.
Review:
“CTRL” delves into the darker side of social media, highlighting its adverse effects on mental health and the relentless pursuit of validation. Director Vikramaditya Motwane skillfully captures the nuanced integration of AI into our everyday lives and relationships, raising questions about autonomy and control.
Ananya Pandey shows growth as an actress in this film, following her roles in “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan,” “Call Me Bae,” and “Gehraiyaan,” all of which resonate with Gen-Z audiences. Vihaan Samat also delivers a commendable performance, bringing depth to his character. The film effectively portrays the rapid progression of their relationship, emphasizing the lengths they go to for the perfect social media moment.
While “CTRL” offers an intriguing commentary on the intersection of artificial intelligence and human relationships, it falters in the execution of its thriller elements, which could have been more developed.
Overall, “CTRL” presents a thought-provoking narrative that invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of modern relationships. While it occasionally lacks depth, it remains a compelling watch that encourages introspection.