CTRL exhibits the life of internet as a cybernetic ‘termite’, eating you without knowing writes Abhi Singhal

The Netflix film, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, “CTRL” delves into the false depths of the digital age, painting a chilling portrait of a world where social media has become a double-edged sword.

The film stars Ananya Panday as Nella Awasthi and Vihaan Samat as Joe Mascarenhas. The cast also includes Devika Vatsa as Bina, Kamakshi Bhat as Shonali and Suchita Trivedi as Nella’s mother.

The film, a cyber thriller that unfolds like a digital labyrinth, follows the seemingly idealistic lives of Nella Awasthi and Joe Mascarenhas, a popular social media couple whose carefully curated personas mask a brewing storm. The story majorly starts when Nella and Joe break up and Nella uses an AI generated tool to erase Joe from her memories.

At the chilly heart of this narrative lies Allen, an AI-generated companion who quickly morphs from a harmless chatbot into a malevolent force. The film’s central theme is a stark warning about the warnings of oversharing in the digital realm, where personal data can be weaponised against unsuspecting individuals.

Ananya Panday delivers a compelling performance as Nella, a social media influencer who finds herself trapped in a web of her own creation. Her transformation from a carefree influencer to a victim of cyberbullying is a poignant exploration of the consequences of exposing one’s life to the digital world.

Vihaan Samat, while playing a supporting role, adds depth to the narrative with his portrayal of Joe.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its ability to resonate with audiences who are deeply connected to social media. The characters’ struggles mirror the anxieties and vulnerabilities of many individuals who navigate the complexities of online life.

“CTRL”, with a varied storyline than others, serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to reconsider the extent to which they share their personal information and the potential consequences of doing so.

The film’s plot is a reminder that the curated realities presented on social media platforms often mask the underlying emptiness and discrepancy between the idealised image and the true nature of individuals. Audience will find consequences of sharing everything online can be disastrous, as the film unfolds.

The movie altogether is a worth- watch, with gripping storyline and everyday reality but the climax didn’t pick the pace it should have. Its a blunt ending, failing to provide solutions and a worthy end.

Rating - 3.5/5