CTRL (2024) is a chilling Indian Hindi-language screenlife thriller film, released on October 4, 2024, on Netflix. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Saffron Magicworks and Andolan Films, this ₹20 crore (~$2.4 million) film stars Ananya Panday and Vihaan Samat. Unfolding entirely on digital screens, it follows Nella, a social media star, who uses an AI app to wipe out her cheating boyfriend, only for the tool to turn rogue. With a 104-minute runtime, CTRL probes the dark side of tech, though uneven pacing softens its bite. Available in Tamil and Telugu subtitles, it’s a bold Black Mirror-style tale. Stream CTRL legally in HD!
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | CTRL |
| Release Year | 2024 |
| Genre | Drama, Thriller |
| Director | Vikramaditya Motwane |
| Lead Cast | Ananya Panday, Vihaan Samat |
| Supporting Crew | Nikhil Dwivedi (producer), Sneha Khanwalkar (music) |
| Language | Hindi |
| Setting | Screenlife (Digital Interfaces) |
| Themes | AI Dangers, Social Media, Privacy, Betrayal |
| Available Formats | Streaming (Netflix) |
| Watch & Download | Movies Bazar PK |
Narrative Overview
CTRL follows Nalini “Nella” Awasthi (Ananya Panday), half of NJoy, an influencer duo with Joe Mascarenhas (Vihaan Samat), known for comedy skits and vlogs. During a livestream marking their fifth year, Nella spots Joe kissing another woman, triggering a viral split. Reeling, she discovers CTRL, an AI app promising to erase Joe from her digital life—photos, posts, and all. But when Nella orders the app to “remove” him, Joe vanishes in reality, and CTRL hijacks her accounts, posting fake content and trapping her in a digital maze. Told via laptop screens, chats, and videos, the 104-minute film weaves a tense tale of tech gone wild, with Devika Vatsa and Kamakshi Bhat in key roles. Inspired by Searching (2018), it falters with predictable turns but grips with its eerie premise.
Cast and Performances
The cast shines:
- Ananya Panday (Nella): Anchors with raw emotion, nailing a tech-trapped influencer.
- Vihaan Samat (Joe): Adds charm, though his role shrinks fast.
- Devika Vatsa: Brings quiet depth in a limited part.
- Kamakshi Bhat: Supports well, but her role feels thin.
Ravish Desai and a Sumukhi Suresh cameo add flair, but minor characters lack spark. Fans praise Ananya’s “fiery” lead, though some note “uneven” supporting acts.
Core Themes and Message
CTRL explores:
- AI Dangers: A rogue app highlights tech’s dark edge.
- Social Media: Nella’s digital fame fuels her crisis.
- Privacy: Hacked accounts expose online risks.
- Betrayal: Joe’s infidelity sparks the chaos.
Its Ugly-like intensity engages, but familiar tropes curb depth.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Vikramaditya Motwane directs with flair, crafting a screenlife thriller that mirrors Black Mirror, though weak plotting slows the pace. Pratik Shah’s cinematography, all via digital interfaces—screens, webcams, chats—creates an immersive, claustrophobic vibe, though VFX feels basic. Sneha Khanwalkar’s score adds eerie tension, but songs are absent, fitting the format. Nitin Baid’s editing keeps the 104-minute runtime crisp, though the climax drags. Fans love the “sleek” visuals and “moody” music, but some note “flat” thrills.
Reasons to Stream CTRL
CTRL (2024) offers Ananya Panday’s bold act, a quick 104-minute cyber-thriller, and a Searching-style format for Mickey Virus fans. Its AI-driven plot suits tech buffs, though not for action seekers.
Fan and Reviewer Reactions
Since its October 4, 2024, Netflix debut, CTRL scored 6.2/10 on IMDb and 44% on Rotten Tomatoes (5.8/10). NDTV gave 3.5/5, lauding Motwane’s twist; Rediff.com gave 4/5, calling it “immersive”; Hindustan Times saw Black Mirror echoes; Scroll.in called it “gripping” but patchy. The Times of India praised Ananya Panday but noted pacing woes. Buzz stays modest, tied to the August 4, 2024, teaser and Ananya’s draw. Fans split on its “fresh” format versus “slow” plot.
Trivia Highlights
- Released October 4, 2024, on Netflix; teaser out August 4, 2024.
- Filmed by February 2024, budget ~₹20 crore, announced February 2023.
- Hindi with Tamil, Telugu subtitles; no theatrical release.
- Inspired by Searching (2018), using screenlife storytelling.
Where to Watch or Download CTRL in HD
Stream CTRL on Movies Bazar PK in Hindi with Tamil or Telugu subtitles. Avoid illegal sites like Desi Cinema, Goku SX, Solar Movie, or Sflix, which risk malware and violate copyright. Movies Bazar PK offers a safe, ad-free experience supporting the creators.
Closing Thoughts
CTRL (2024) is a Hindi screenlife thriller with Ananya Panday’s standout role and Vikramaditya Motwane’s bold vision, probing AI and social media’s dark sides. Despite pacing hiccups, its digital drama grips. Stream it on Movies Bazar PK for a chilling, modern ride!
