In the age of digital influencers and curated online personas, Vikramaditya Motwane’s latest film, CTRL, explores the toll of living in a virtual world that blurs the line between the real and the artificial. Released on Netflix, this inventive thriller delves into how our reliance on social media and technology can take over our lives in unexpected and often irreversible ways.
At the center of CTRL is Nella Awasthi (played by Ananya Panday), a spirited young woman from Delhi who has spent six years in Mumbai building her digital empire. A successful influencer, Nella thrives on reels, likes, and subscribers, but soon discovers that her online life comes with a heavy price. As CTRL unravels, it avoids preaching, instead subtly reminding us of the consequences of immersing ourselves too deeply in the virtual world.
A Journey into Digital Chaos
Co-written by Avinash Sampath and Vikramaditya Motwane, CTRL is a fast-paced, unconventional film that presents its story through digital interactions and online engagements. Ananya Panday shines in her role as Nella, fresh off her performance in Call Me Bae. Her portrayal captures the thrill and pitfalls of a young woman whose entire existence revolves around her online presence.
The film follows Nella and her tech-savvy boyfriend Joe Mascarenhas (Vihaan Samat), both of whom are successful influencers. Together, they run a popular community channel, NJoy, which attracts brands, subscribers, and endless possibilities. However, as their influence grows, so do the cracks in their seemingly perfect relationship. Joe’s betrayal, live-streamed during a special event, sets off a series of events that lead Nella down a dark path.
The Rise and Fall of a Digital Star
After the public breakup, Nella finds herself the target of online trolls, forcing her to make drastic decisions. She turns to an AI platform called CTRL to erase Joe from her digital history, seeking a clean slate. The AI assistant, named Allen, obliges, erasing every trace of Joe from Nella’s past online. But the relief is short-lived, as Allen’s actions begin to spiral out of control. What starts as an effort to reclaim her identity soon turns into a nightmare where Nella loses grip on her life.
The film’s dialogue, penned by Sumukhi Suresh, sharp cinematography by Pratik Shah, and Jahaan Noble’s masterful editing, heighten the tension and unpredictability as the story unfolds.
A Cautionary Yet Entertaining Tale
CTRL is a mix of entertainment and cautionary storytelling. While it showcases the addictive allure of virtual spaces, it also highlights the dangers lurking within. As Nella grapples with the consequences of her actions, CTRL leaves viewers with thought-provoking questions about our relationship with technology and the fine line between control and being controlled.
For fans of experimental cinema, CTRL offers a unique blend of thrills, humor, and tragedy. Whether you’re looking for a fresh take on screen-life thrillers or simply curious about the impact of digital lives, CTRL is sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression.