Director Vikramaditya Motwane’s new film CTRL dives deep into the modern dilemma of technology, social media, and artificial intelligence (AI). In a world where everyone is glued to their devices, this movie asks an important question: Are we controlling technology, or is it controlling us? Through an intriguing storyline, CTRL explores the complex relationship between humans, social media, and AI, warning us about the potential dangers of this dependence.
Storyline of CTRL
The story revolves around Nalini, also known as Nella (played by Ananya Panday), a successful social media influencer. She runs a popular social media channel called Enjoy with her boyfriend Joe Mascarenas (Vihaan Samat). The couple is a hit online, with millions of followers cheering for them. But things take a sharp turn on their third anniversary when Nella catches Joe kissing another girl during a surprise live video. Betrayed and humiliated, Nella’s perfect online world shatters.
In an attempt to move on, Nella seeks the help of an advanced AI assistant named Ellen (Aparshakti Khurana) to erase all digital traces of Joe from her life. But the plot thickens when Joe doesn’t just disappear from the virtual world—he vanishes from real life too. What happens next? The mystery around Joe’s disappearance unfolds, and Nella’s life is turned upside down as she questions how much control she truly has over her digital and real-world experiences.
Fresh and Modern Approach to Storytelling
Written by Avinash Sampath and Vikramaditya Motwane, CTRL brings a fresh perspective on the growing concerns about technology’s grip on our lives. The film cleverly uses a split-screen approach to show Nella’s life as seen through the internet. The audience sees her live interactions, social media posts, and even WhatsApp calls alongside her conversations with Ellen, her AI assistant.
While the concept feels modern and different, the use of AI assistant Ellen’s robotic voice can feel monotonous after a while. The unique visual style, with its three-way split screen, gives the film an innovative look but starts to lose its impact halfway through the film.
Acting and Performances
The film rests heavily on Ananya Panday’s shoulders, and she delivers a commendable performance as Nella. Ananya brings a natural charm to the role, portraying a woman dealing with heartbreak in the digital age. Vihaan Samat, although in a smaller role, plays his part well as Joe. Aparshakti Khurana, as the voice of AI assistant Ellen, does a good job of adding a mechanical, slightly eerie touch to the character.
Technical Strengths and Weaknesses
On the technical front, the film boasts strong camera work and editing, which enhances the modern, tech-driven storyline. The music fits well with the story, though nothing stands out as particularly memorable. The film, however, struggles in its climax, which feels underwhelming given the suspense that builds up throughout.
Final Thoughts on CTRL
CTRL presents a thought-provoking storyline about the dangers of our over-reliance on technology and social media. It’s a cautionary tale wrapped in a modern, digital setting. While the film has its shortcomings, especially towards the end, it’s still worth watching for its fresh perspective on AI and social media.
