If you watched Missing in 2023, and have been craving something similar (like me), CTRL is a great follow up. The movie was directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and stars Ananya Panday, who surprisingly was a pretty great fit for the film. CTRL takes a dive into a modern digital nightmare caused by AI and social media through the story of Nella, an influencer whose life spirals out of control after she downloads a new AI app to erase her ex from her entire digital presence. Behind the scenes, something far more sinister was going on.

Overall, CTRL did a great job at building suspense through eerie AI plot elements, such as mouse movements caused by AI that end up deleting important messages and information. Despite some cringe-worthy moments and songs, the film still offers a chilling look into the consequences of a tech-obsessed world.

The Basic Plot

CTRL starts by introducing Nella and Joe, a social media influencer couple who met and were even living together. They started their own company, NJoy, and blew up on all socials. But when Nella finds out Joe cheated on her, Nella uses an AI app to erase him from her digital life forever. Things quickly take a dark turn as the AI begins to invade her privacy, manipulating her personal data, changing up video content, sending messages and deleting them, and so much more. As the AI model takes control of her life, Nella searches for the truth behind the company running the technology and ultimately faces life or death situations, and real danger.

Ananya Panday’s Performance: A Surprisingly Strong Lead

Ah, Ananya Panday. Daughter of Chunky Panday and Fab Lives of Bollywood Wives star, Bhavna Panday. Bollywood-dubbed nepo baby, and average-talented budding star. I didn’t expect to like her so much in this film. Though many have asserted that Ananya is all looks and no talent, this movie highlighted her emotional connection with the audience, and a strong character development arc. She carries this movie with such surprising authenticity. Her past performances have drawn mixed reviews, but in CTRL, you can really see she’s growing in her skills, with more natural expressions, sharper timing, and more emotional depth.

The Suspense Factor & Visual Engagement

One of the biggest pros of the film was the suspenseful factor with moments keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. It honestly wasn’t too scary, rather it was tense and just unnerving. The AI avatar particularly gave me the creeps. With great pacing and tension steadily building throughout the movie, the atmosphere was really what was thriving through CTRL.

Technology is not just a plot device, but a character that transforms the way you see and understand the movie. The fact that AI is already a part of our everyday lives (including helping me write this review in the first place) brings this Black Mirror-esque concept so much closer to home. The unique cinematography was also a highlight with clips that primarily were focused on being displayed through a computer, phone, or other forms of technology.

The Cringe Factor & Inconsistencies

It’s not really an Ananya Panday movie without some drawbacks or cringe-worthy moments, right? One of the most cringe moments in this film was the song, “Bhadass”. Overall, it just felt out of sync with the film’s tone and the musical moment comes off as forced rather than playing into the carefully crafted atmosphere. The pacing gets distracted from the immersive storyline and this causes some jarring and incomplete feelings to stir.

Regardless, I still felt the film overall did a great job of delivering gripping suspense and a fresh angle on AI intrusion in modern society. Though there are some moments that detract from the overall atmosphere, the tech-driven, emotional plot is honestly worth the watch.

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