CTRL Movie Review: A Dark, Edge-of-Your-Seat AI Thriller with Ananya Panday at Her Best

Ananya Panday continues to make waves in the world of entertainment, steadily establishing herself as an actor worth watching. Following the success of her recent web series Call Me Bae, which won fans over with its quirky and fun storyline, she returns to the screen in CTRL, a new OTT film directed by the acclaimed Vikramaditya Motwane.

Streaming on Netflix, CTRL is a gripping screen-life thriller that delves into the intersection of cutting-edge technology and the human experience, with AI taking center stage. Produced by Nikhil Dwivedi and Arya Menon, this film explores the high-stakes world of social media influencers and the complexities of relationships in a digital era.

CTRL Movie Review: Script Analysis

CTRL, penned by Avinash Sampath and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, is a layered commentary on the Gen Z and Alpha generations’ evolving relationship with technology and how they interact with the world. The story revolves around a fast-paced society where people don’t need traditional mentorship—they trust algorithms, online advice, or bots over real human connection.

This is where CTRL’s core strength lies: portraying the independence of these generations, their ability to move forward quickly, and their adaptability to a constantly shifting digital world. The film touches on themes like emotional disconnection and our dependence on technology, while showing how younger generations process loss, love, and relationships in a tech-driven reality. They don’t dwell on emotional setbacks in the same way older generations might, and that’s what makes the premise so intriguing.

However, where CTRL falters is in failing to hit the shock or thought-provoking intensity that fans of shows like Black Mirror crave. There’s a palpable lack of urgency or unexpected twists that could have pushed this film from “good” to “excellent.” While the 98-minute runtime doesn’t leave space for any real downtime, the predictability of the story hinders its full potential. CTRL teases elements of other screen-based thrillers like Searching and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but ultimately falls short of capturing their gripping essence.

CTRL Movie Review: Performance

Ananya Panday’s performance is a highlight. She has clearly evolved as an actor and this film proves that she is comfortable in roles that lean heavily into social media culture and tech-driven narratives. After her previous performance in Call Me Bae, her role in CTRL feels more refined. She carries much of the film on her shoulders with a believable performance, shining in a way that speaks to her growth as an actress.

One of the film’s understated yet powerful elements is the dialogue. Sumukhi Suresh’s writing is simple, natural, and effective—conversations feel like something overheard in everyday life. The dialogues help immerse you in the world of the film, making it feel familiar yet futuristic.

CTRL Movie Review: Direction, Music, and Execution

Vikramaditya Motwane is no stranger to creating visually compelling and engaging narratives, and with CTRL, he delivers a near-perfect runtime thriller. However, the film lacks the punch needed to make a lasting impact. It plays out like an interesting story shared in a social gathering—fun and intriguing in the moment, but forgotten soon after. There’s potential for the plot to delve deeper into the dangers of AI and technological over-reliance, but instead, it skims the surface of these themes without truly exploring them.

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The music by Sneha Khanwalkar is a notable element of the film. Her bold and experimental sound adds depth to the storytelling, particularly when paired with Anvita Dutt’s fearless lyrics. The music’s dynamic nature, including a standout rap number, infuses the film with an energy that makes up for some of its narrative shortcomings.

CTRL Movie Review: The Last Word

CTRL is a film with potential. It offers a unique take on generational differences, technology, and emotional adaptation in a fast-paced world. While the premise is strong and the execution decent, it lacks the gripping element necessary to truly stand out. That said, it’s still an enjoyable watch with commendable performances and an insightful commentary on modern relationships in a digital age. If you’re a fan of thrillers with a technological twist, CTRL is worth your time, even if it doesn’t quite hit the mark as a sci-fi classic.

CTRL Movie Verdict:

While it doesn’t completely hit the bullseye, CTRL offers a strong enough premise to keep you invested and is a must-watch for anyone curious about how technology is reshaping human connections.

CTRL Movie Trailer: