CTRL story:

The romantic duo of CTRL—Vihaan Samat as Joe Mascarenhas and Ananya Panday as Nella Awasthi—are beloved by their online fanbase. When a couple breaks up, though, what follows? When information is king, how much is too much sharing? How much of yourself are you ready to let others in on, and does doing so cause you to progressively lose control?

CTRL review:

The 2020 Malayalam film C U Soon, starring Fahadh Faasil, Roshan Mathew, and Darshana Rajendran, introduced me to the genre of screenlife mystery thrillers. The storyline of the film, set in Dubai and Kerala, was exclusively accessible on phone and laptop screens. The films Searching (2018) and Missing (2023) have successfully adapted the genre, generating significant curiosity among the audience. CTRL explores this genre, marking a significant first in Bollywood, and who better to take on the challenge than Vikramaditya Motwane? The filmmaker, having helmed films such as Lootera, Trapped, and even AK vs. AK, possesses a deep understanding of his craft, enabling him to craft a story in any genre and excel in it. So where does CTRL fit in Motwane's line of work? Let's find out...

In terms of technology, the over-reliance on the internet in our daily lives can be frightening, to the extent that you may avoid it for a day or two. But for how long? CTRL portrays a couple heavily involved in social media, which is not surprising given the prevalence of Instagram reels and vlogs featuring couples who make content creation their profession. This phenomenon often leaves viewers feeling insecure and wondering why fame is such a fleeting yet fascinating subject to study.

CTRL is a one-hour and 39-minute long film, and in quick succession we see a whirlwind of love blossomed, soared, and unravelled—all in the span of minutes, tracing five years from a spark to heartbreak as life changed faster than they could hold on. The breakup of Nella (Panday) and Joe (Samat) became a topic of discussion on social media, and you can see Yashraj Mukhate creating a song out of it. Comedians Tanmay Bhat and Rohan Joshi engage in a conversation about it on the former's reaction portal and even face trolls, demonstrating the power of social media to magnify seemingly insignificant issues. 

To save herself from the embarrassment, instead of therapy, Nella opts to take help from who? THE INTERNET! Thus begins the terrifying journey of talking to an AI assistant whom she gives the reverse of her name, Allen (voiced by Aparshakti Khurana). AI is a cutting-edge tool that adapts to your preferences, only to ultimately turn against you. We witness Nella pleading with Allen to remove Joe's memories from her online life, akin to a more sophisticated version of the events in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In order to accomplish this, she grants the AI assistant, an antagonist we learn about as viewers, access to every corner of her laptop. However, for someone who has recently experienced a difficult breakup, it can be challenging to think clearly.

Nella opts for an easy way out, even though Allen tells her that it will take around 90 days to completely erase Joe's memory. Just as that happens, Joe also goes missing in tow, making things even more complicated. As I was watching the film, I realised how different CTRL is from two previous outings of Panday: Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023) and her debut series Call Me Bae. In both cases, she uses social media to express her loneliness and move on from her ex. In these terms, Samat achieves a double victory over Panday. Furthermore, in the Prime Video series, we witness a businessman exploiting his telecom company to harass women and coerce them into engaging in sexual relationships. On the other hand, in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Panday's character uses social media to attract the attention of her ex, only to experience further pain in the process.

There's no doubt that the actor excelled in her performance in both the film and the series. However, in CTRL, it's not her performance that falters, but rather the execution that makes it less believable. There is no fiction on the internet, and we have frequently used the phrase "this feels like a Black Mirror episode" to express our shock at what can happen online. However, the film initially establishes a sense of mystery, only to become so predictable that its impact diminishes as it progresses.

While the film offers screenlife and some mystery in the first half, it lacks the necessary thrill to keep the viewer engaged until the very end. As Nella navigates through various electronic devices and uncovers Joe's disappearance, you experience a dwindling sense of excitement, leaving you confident that you can swiftly overcome your intense fear of social media. I began watching Black Mirror during the pandemic, but I stopped after only two episodes and never returned. It scarred me for a very long time. However, CTRL doesn't even attempt to scratch the surface, leaving you concerned about the emerging effects of the internet. 

To be honest, the Season 6 Episode 6 of Modern Family, "Connection Lost," which is a screenlife episode, was far more entertaining and engaging with a twist that no one sees coming in the end, only to leave you in splits and surprised.

CTRL, Motwane's latest film, is arguably his weakest work. The format has limitations, but you expect that the filmmaker won't struggle with them. When it comes to portraying life on screen, the film doesn't focus heavily on the storyline, which could potentially enhance the genre. Even when Nella learns that Allen is the primary antagonist in her story, her reaction defies expectations. The AI ruined her life, but the way she responds to it is less impactful than the public breakup she faced.

Motwane and Avinash Sampath wrote the screenplay, but I wish it was praiseworthy. Let me tell you, it hurts to write that the film's execution of the plot failed to meet expectations. On the other hand, comedian Sumukhi Suresh penned the dialogues for the film, bringing her unique style of conversation to life.

In terms of performances, Panday embodies the essence of the film, and it's unsurprising that she thrives in the roles presented to her. The actor plays everything from influencer to Delhi native with finesse. It's entertaining to watch, but it's more about her than the film itself!

CTRL verdict:

Vikramaditya Motwane's CTRL attempts to capture the chaotic charm of social media's grip on our lives, but it ultimately loses its own grip on the plot. While Ananya Panday delivers an impressive performance, the film's reliance on screenlife gimmicks runs out of battery.

Read Also: CTRL review: Ananya Panday's thriller on artificial intelligence is a desi, pacy version of Black Mirror