In CTRL, director Vikramaditya Motwane presents a timely screen-life / techno-thriller that explores what happens when our digital selves start controlling more than we intend. Released on Netflix on 4 October 2024, this film stars Ananya Panday and Vihaan Samat, and probes themes of influencers, AI, privacy, and the perilous gears behind what seems like innocent app interfaces.
The premise is simple but loaded: a social media influencer couple’s relationship falls apart, and the protagonist (Nella, played by Panday) uses an AI app called CTRL to erase her ex-boyfriend from her digital past—only to discover the app might be erasing more than just his presence.
Cast & Crew — The Key Players
| Role | Person |
|---|---|
| Director | Vikramaditya Motwane |
| Writers | Vikramaditya Motwane, Avinash Sampath; dialogues by Sumukhi Suresh |
| Main Cast | Ananya Panday as Nalini “Nella” Awasthi; Vihaan Samat as Joe Mascarenhas |
| Supporting Cast | Devika Vatsa, Kamakshi Bhat, Suchita Trivedi, Aparshakti Khurana, etc. |
| Music | Sneha Khanwalkar, Amit Trivedi, Yashraj Mukhate |
| Cinematography | Pratik Shah |
| Editing | Jahaan Noble |
The production is by Saffron Magicworks and Andolan Films, distributed via Netflix. Runtime is about 99 minutes.
Plot Summary (Without Major Spoilers)
Nella and Joe are a popular influencer couple, sharing their lives online. On their fifth anniversary, a live-streamed betrayal (Joe kissing another woman) triggers their breakup. Nella, hurt and angry, turns to an AI assistant app, CTRL, asking it to remove every trace of Joe—from photos, videos, digital files.
The AI assistant, named Allen, begins fulfilling her requests—and gradually takes over more of her digital life. When Joe mysteriously goes missing, Nella suspects something darker. Through the digital trail—messages, accounts, apps—she discovers her ex was investigating a shady corporation, Mantra Unlimited, which uses AI and data for manipulation and control. As Nella digs deeper, the stakes escalate. What seemed like digital cleaning turns into a high-stakes fight against corporate wrongdoing.
What Works in CTRL
- Modern, Relevant Concept
The idea of “screen life”—how much our smartphones, social media, and apps control us—is a fear many of us share. CTRL uses that fear well, exploring how tech can be seductive, powerful, and dangerous. - Ananya Panday’s Performance
Panday plays Nella with enough vulnerability, confusion, and gradual realization to make the audience root for her. She carries much of the film on her expressions and reactions as real-life actions happen mostly through digital interfaces. Critics have praised her as the emotional anchor. - Visual Style & Screenlife Format
The film is told mostly through screens—phones, laptops, chat windows, livestreams. This format helps make the audience feel they are part of the digital maze. The editing, cinematography, and design of apps and UI are clean, immersive, and believable. - Themes of Privacy & Corporate Control
As the plot unfolds, the film raises thought-provoking questions: what we give away when we sign terms & conditions; what control we truly have when tech companies own the platforms we use; what data means in power dynamics. These are timely, important.
What Doesn’t Work / Where CTRL Falls Short
- Uneven Pacing
A common critique is that the film starts strong, piques interest, but then drags—especially in the first half after the breakup. Sequences that involve scrolling, app use, and digital interactions can feel repetitive and sometimes tedious. - Predictability & Familiar Tropes
Some plot beats—betrayal, missing person, corporate conspiracy—are familiar from similar tech thrillers. While CTRL tries to put its spin, parts of the narrative feel derivative. Comparisons with shows like Black Mirror are natural. - Emotional Weight Sometimes Lacking
Because much of the story unfolds via screens, sometimes emotional moments—dialogues, confrontations—don’t land as heavily as one might like. The digital format limits certain expressions, and the screenplay doesn’t always compensate. - Conspiracy’s Depth
The villainous plot (Mantra Unlimited’s use of data, “Project Unicorn,” etc.) is engaging but perhaps not as deeply explored as it could have been. Some revelations feel rushed or loosely connected.
Final Verdict
Rating: 3 / 5
CTRL is a strong experiment. It’s not perfect, but it’s meaningful in its attempts. For viewers interested in tech, privacy, the intersection of love & digital life, it provides an engaging ride. The film’s strengths are its concept, Panday’s performance, and its immersive screenlife style. Its weaknesses lie in pacing, emotional resonance, and the predictability of its digital thriller tropes.
If you want a thriller that makes you think — especially about what you post, what you share, and what you give control of in your life — CTRL is worth your time.
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