Review: 'CTRL' lays Ananya Panday's bold & fantastic leap into screenlife

In recent years, with the rise of OTT platforms, filmmakers have been exploring new storytelling formats, and CTRL, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, is a bold experiment in this evolving landscape. This film is a screenlife thriller, a style where all the events unfold entirely on a computer, smartphone, or tablet screen. Known for its growing popularity in the 2010s, screenlife storytelling reflects our increasingly digital world. In CTRL, the format is not only a visual choice but also essential to the narrative, making the viewer feel fully immersed in the online lives of the characters.

Plot and Progression

At the core of the film are themes that resonate deeply with today's generation — the powerful role AI can play in controlling our lives and the often troubling world of social media influencers, likes, views, and the pressure to maintain an online persona. CTRL tells the story of Nella (played by Ananya Panday) and Joe (Vihaan Samat), a picture-perfect influencer couple who run a channel called 'Njoy' with millions of followers. Everything seems ideal, with the couple being branded as "couple goals," but as often happens in real life, things are not as perfect as they seem.

The turning point in the film comes when Nella catches Joe cheating on her during a live stream on their channel. Devastated and humiliated, Nella decides to use an AI site called 'CTRL' to erase Joe from her digital life. What starts as a personal vendetta quickly spirals out of control, revealing the dark and potentially dangerous side of technology. This thriller gives viewers a glimpse into how quickly AI, social media, and the digital world can spin out of our control, touching on themes like privacy, the need for validation, and the fine line between our online and real-life identities.

The Misses

Using the screen as both a setting and a tool for storytelling, CTRL brings the viewer into the world of Nella and Joe through emails, live streams, social media feeds, and video calls. Every click, message, and notification becomes part of the tension and adds to the growing sense of unease as Nella's actions take darker turns.

However, there are moments when the film falters in execution. One issue is pacing. At certain points, the film stretches moments that could have been tighter, such as when Nella narrates backstories and memories linked to photos and videos. These scenes sometimes feel forced, as if the filmmakers were trying too hard to deepen the connection between Nella and Joe. Instead of feeling natural, these moments slow down the film and detract from the otherwise sharp storytelling.

Another flaw is how the film shifts between the screenlife format and a more traditional filmmaking style in the last 15 to 20 minutes. While this shift may have been intended to elevate the climax, it feels slightly jarring and undermines the consistency of the visual storytelling. The film's final act, though effective in its narrative arc, lacks the fear and suspense that should have been fully realized. While the message about the dangers of AI and social media manipulation is clear, it doesn't quite leave the lasting impact it could have had.

Vikramaditya Motwane's vision

Vikramaditya Motwane deserves credit for daring to venture into the uncharted territory of a screenlife film in India, a format still new to Indian cinema. His vision of blending technology with the thriller genre is ambitious, and for the most part, it pays off. The film's exploration of AI, influencer culture, and the idea of erasing someone from your digital life is highly relevant to today's society. The director meticulously captures the details of the influencer lifestyle—the constant chase for followers, brand deals, and the pressure to maintain a perfect image. He also effectively portrays the role of trolls, the impact of public opinions, and the façade that social media influencers often project. Through Nella's story, we see the emotional toll of living a life dictated by followers, views, and digital fame.

The Performances

Ananya Panday, in the role of Nella, stands out as the film's emotional anchor. Known for her roles in other Gen Z-centric projects like Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and Call Me Bae, Ananya captures the essence of a young influencer navigating heartbreak and betrayal. Her portrayal of Nella feels authentic—she embodies the raw emotions of someone whose personal life has been shattered publicly. Ananya strikes a balance between vulnerability and determination as she tries to take control of her digital life. Vihaan Samat, as Joe, complements Ananya's performance. He successfully plays the role of the charming yet flawed partner, and his standout moment comes in his final monologue. His acting in this pivotal scene keeps the audience engaged and makes Joe more than just the villain of the story. Both actors manage to bring depth to their roles, adding layers to their otherwise archetypal characters.

The Verdict

CTRL is a captivating watch for anyone looking for a fresh take on film storytelling, especially with the spotlight on an Indian actress at its center. The film offers a gripping, dark, and unsettling glimpse into the world of AI, data manipulation, and the power of social media. Through its intense narrative, it reflects the alarming realities of today’s society, exploring how technology is shaping our world in ways that are both fascinating and frightening.

Rating

3.5/5 stars