Anurag Kashyap returns to his gritty crime drama roots with “Nishaanchi,” but this time the master storyteller seems to have stumbled. While the film soars on the strength of breakthrough performances by Aaishvary Thackeray and Monika Panwar, it struggles under the weight of an overlong narrative and weak script structure.
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Nishaanchi Story: A Tale of Twin Brothers and Diverging Destinies
Set around twin brothers with identical looks but different values, Nishaanchi explores themes of brotherhood, betrayal, love, and redemption as their paths weave through crime into a deeper story of human nature and its consequences. The year is 2006, and we follow Babloo aka Tony Montana (Aaishvary Thackeray) and his twin brother as they navigate the dangerous world of crime in Kanpur.
Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews Across the Board
| Outlet | Rating/Verdict | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Bollywood Hungama | 3.0/5 | “Gritty, engaging ride” |
| Free Press Journal | 3/5 | “Decent desi gangster drama, but too long” |
| The Quint | Negative | “Overlong, unexciting, and indulgent” |
| Pinkvilla | Mixed | “Stumbles in storytelling but soars on cast strength” |
| India TV | Mixed | “Kashyap got lost in writing; could have been single part” |
What Works: The Star-Making Performances
1. Aaishvary Thackeray’s Breakthrough
Aaishvary Thackeray emerges as a star-in-the-making, delivering a powerhouse performance in a challenging double role. The actor spent extensive time in Kanpur with co-writer Ranjan Chandel, living invisibly in the city to authentically embody the local culture.
2. Monika Panwar’s Compelling Screen Presence
Monika Panwar proves yet again why she is one of the most compelling actors of her generation, bringing depth and authenticity to her role in this crime drama landscape.
3. Authentic North Indian Flavor
Kashyap returns to his North Indian roots, creating an authentic atmosphere that resonates with the regional crime drama genre that made him famous.
What Doesn’t Work: Script and Pacing Issues
Overlong Runtime
Critics describe the film as feeling “more like an ambitious series masquerading as an overstuffed, overlong film,” with many suggesting it could have been edited into a more manageable format.
Weak Script Structure
The filmmaker seems to have gotten lost in the writing, with each character and emotion covered in excessive depth, leading to pacing issues that affect the overall impact.
Abrupt Ending
The abrupt ending disappoints viewers, leaving many plot threads unresolved and creating an unsatisfying conclusion to the lengthy narrative.
Technical Excellence Meets Narrative Struggles
Despite script issues, the film showcases Kashyap’s signature visual style and gritty aesthetic. The technical challenge of executing the double role led to innovative filmmaking approaches, demonstrating the director’s continued mastery of cinematic craft.
The authentic portrayal of Kanpur’s underworld, combined with strong regional cinema elements, creates an immersive experience that fans of Indian crime dramas will appreciate.
Amazon MGM Studios’ Theatrical Bet
Amazon MGM Studios has set a theatrical release for this intense crime drama, marking a significant investment in Indian content for the global streaming giant. Produced by Ajay Rai and Ranjan Singh under Jar Pictures in association with Flip Films, the film represents Amazon’s commitment to supporting auteur-driven Indian cinema.
This collaboration between international studios and Indian filmmakers highlights the growing global appetite for authentic regional stories.
The Verdict: Performances Over Plot
Nishaanchi may stumble in its storytelling and runtime, but it soars on the strength of its cast. While Kashyap’s latest doesn’t reach the heights of his earlier masterpieces, it serves as a compelling showcase for emerging talent.
For fans of gritty crime dramas and those interested in discovering new acting talent, “Nishaanchi” offers enough to justify a watch, despite its structural flaws.
The film ultimately proves that exceptional performances can elevate even flawed material, making it a worthwhile addition to the Indian crime cinema canon, even if it falls short of Kashyap’s usual standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Nishaanchi worth watching despite the mixed reviews about its length and pacing?
A: Yes, if you’re interested in discovering breakthrough performances and don’t mind longer runtimes. Aaishvary Thackeray’s star-making dual role performance and Monika Panwar’s compelling screen presence make the film worthwhile despite its structural issues. The authentic Kanpur setting and Kashyap’s signature gritty style provide enough entertainment value for crime drama fans. However, if you prefer tightly-paced narratives, you might find the 3-hour-plus runtime challenging.
Q: How does Nishaanchi compare to Anurag Kashyap’s previous crime dramas like Gangs of Wasseypur?
A: While Nishaanchi showcases Kashyap’s return to North Indian crime drama territory, it doesn’t reach the narrative excellence of his earlier masterpieces. Critics note that Kashyap seems “lost in the writing” with this film, creating an overlong narrative that could have been more focused. Unlike the tight storytelling of Gangs of Wasseypur, Nishaanchi feels more like “an ambitious series masquerading as a film.” However, it maintains Kashyap’s authentic regional flavor and visual style. The film’s strength lies in its performances rather than its script, making it more of an actors’ showcase than a perfectly crafted crime saga. It represents Kashyap’s continued evolution as a filmmaker, even if not all experiments succeed completely.
