CTRL Review: Ananya Panday and Vihaan Samat’s convincing thriller shows the stark reality of a world under the influence of AI

CTRL Review: Ananya Panday and Vihaan Samat's convincing thriller shows the stark reality of a world under the influence of AI

Plot: 

As a tech-savvy, social media-obsessed millennial who’s been through the virtual trenches, I must say that CTRL has hit the nail right on the head! The plot is relatable, gripping, and thought-provoking – much like my endless Instagram scrolling sessions.


In this adaptation, Ananya Panday’s character, Nella Awasthi, is a well-known figure on social media. After entering into a college romance with Vihaan Samat’s character, Joe Mascarenhas, the couple launched their joint page called “NJoy,” where they share lifestyle videos. Just moments before celebrating their fifth dating anniversary, while Nella was live-streaming to reveal her surprise for Joe at a local bar where he was socializing with tech enthusiasts, she unexpectedly catches him being unfaithful. The ensuing shock and outrage from Nella spark widespread discussion on social media platforms. As a result, Nella becomes a trending topic and loses all of her brand partnerships since companies prefer to work with the duo as a team.

As Nella works towards rebuilding her life following a breakup, she stumbles upon a website link promising assistance. Upon registration, she can select a personalized AI character who will aid her in regaining control of her life. The AI character she names Allen, assists her in digitally erasing Joe from their shared photos and videos. Meanwhile, Nella manages to set her life back on a positive trajectory.

Suddenly, when everything seemed to be going smoothly for Nella, she discovers that Joe has gone missing. It isn’t long before the unfortunate truth comes to light: Joe has passed away.

Will Nella face accountability for Joe’s demise? Will she aid in uncovering the identity of his killer? And how will this story unfold in the end? Find out by tuning into CTRL.

What works for CTRL:

In simpler terms, “CTRL” is a captivating movie featuring an innovative and thought-provoking theme. It subtly illustrates how our online lives can be controlled by unseen forces, making us act against our true desires without us realizing it. The director, Vikramaditya Motwane, skillfully constructs this blend of thriller and drama with remarkable authenticity.

What doesn’t work for CTRL:

The control mechanism seems a bit sluggish in the central sections. As the movie intensifies, the continuous back-and-forth on the computer screen becomes tiresome to observe. Despite this, it maintains its intended role as an engaging thriller, effectively conveying the message that individuals are being manipulated by corporations, technology, and AI without fully realizing it. However, due to a lack of surprising or shocking moments, it fails to completely captivate or take the audience off-guard.

Watch the CTRL Trailer

Performances in CTRL

Ananya Panday excels as the relatable social media figure Nella, who navigates through life that hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Vikramaditya Motwane emphasizes the actress’ abilities and showcases her at her best. Vihaan Samat portrays Nella’s boyfriend-turned-ex, Joe, with unwavering reliability. The pair infuse the storyline with a sense of novelty.

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2024-10-04 10:07