Movie Title: CTRL
Language: Hindi, English
Genre: Techno-Thriller, Drama
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Producers: Vikramaditya Motwane, Karnesh Sharma
Actors: Ananya Panday, Mihir Ahuja, Amruta Khanvilkar, Neeraj Madhav
Runtime: 124 minutes
Rating: 6.2/10
CTRL is a 2024 Indian techno-thriller directed by Vikramaditya Motwane that smartly blends a dystopian premise with present-day digital anxieties. It is a gripping exploration of freedom, manipulation, and control in the age of omnipresent surveillance. The film treads a tightrope between philosophical introspection and heart-pounding suspense.
Plot Summary
Set in a near-future India where surveillance tech has grown pervasive, the story follows a young coder, Mona (Ananya Panday), who inadvertently stumbles upon a covert government project codenamed “CTRL.” As she digs deeper, she uncovers a web of systemic manipulation and identity erasure. Pitted against an invisible, omnipotent enemy, Mona must navigate a dangerous digital landscape to expose the truth while protecting her own sense of self. The narrative is layered with subplots involving whistleblowers, rogue coders, and media propaganda.
Direction and Screenplay
Vikramaditya Motwane returns to form with a visually arresting and narratively bold film. His direction keeps the stakes personal and grounded even as the subject veers into grand-scale implications. The screenplay is tight and layered, weaving between multiple timelines and digital metaphors without losing clarity. The pace builds steadily, culminating in a tense, unpredictable final act.
Performances
Ananya Panday delivers a career-best performance, portraying Mona with a mix of vulnerability and determination. Mihir Ahuja brings a grounded intensity to his role as a fellow hacker. Amruta Khanvilkar and Neeraj Madhav lend solid support, embodying characters with shifting moral compasses. The performances elevate the already intricate narrative.
Technical Aspects
CTRL excels technically. The cinematography by Siddharth Diwan creates a brooding atmosphere using muted palettes and claustrophobic frames. Alokananda Dasgupta’s score pulsates with electronic dread, heightening the sense of urgency. The editing is slick and seamless, with inventive transitions mimicking data flows and online interfaces. VFX is used sparingly but effectively, keeping the focus on narrative realism.
Strengths
- Strong directorial vision
- Engaging and original narrative structure
- Excellent lead performance by Ananya Panday
- Atmospheric score and cinematography
- Topical relevance and philosophical depth
Weaknesses
- Some exposition-heavy scenes may slow down the pace for casual viewers
- Minor secondary characters feel underdeveloped in places, slightly reducing emotional stakes
Final Verdict
CTRL is a bold, intelligent, and timely film that challenges viewers to think about the cost of convenience and the fragility of identity in a digitized world. It marks a significant step forward for Indian genre cinema, especially in the techno-thriller space.
Recommended for
Fans of Black Mirror-style dystopias, tech-thriller enthusiasts, viewers interested in social commentary-driven narratives, and those who enjoy psychological suspense with strong female leads.