CTRL Twitter Review: Ananya Panday’s standout performance receives love; fans compare film to Ra.One, Black Mirror

Deepak Kumar August 29, 2023

In an age where technology rules almost every aspect of our lives, the exploration of the darker side of this dominance has always been a gripping subject for filmmakers. CTRL, a newly released film starring Ananya Panday, delves into this exact space, and it seems to have struck a chord with the audience, particularly on Twitter. The movie, touted as a tech-thriller, presents a chilling portrayal of how artificial intelligence (AI) can take control of human lives, drawing comparisons with Bollywood’s Ra.One and the dystopian themes of the British anthology series Black Mirror. Ananya Panday’s performance has emerged as a central talking point in the Twitterverse, with fans applauding her for stepping into a more challenging role compared to her previous films. The narrative of CTRL revolves around a world controlled by AI, and the film uses this backdrop to explore ethical dilemmas, the potential dangers of unbridled technology, and how humans can fall prey to their own creations. In this in-depth review, we break down the audience’s reaction on Twitter, analyze Ananya Panday’s standout performance, and dive into why fans are comparing this film to Ra.One and Black Mirror. Ananya Panday, who previously faced criticism for being cast in light-hearted roles like in Student of the Year 2 and Pati Patni Aur Woh, has now proven her versatility with CTRL. The movie has given her the opportunity to step into a more serious, darker role, one that challenges her acting range and allows her to showcase emotional depth. Fans have flocked to Twitter to express their admiration for her performance, calling it her “best yet.” A significant number of tweets have praised Panday for her portrayal of a character caught in a web of technology. Users on the platform are celebrating the fact that she has finally shed her ‘star kid’ image and has managed to silence her critics. A fan tweeted: “Ananya Panday’s performance in CTRL is a revelation. She’s finally arrived! #CTRL #AnanyaPanday”. Many have pointed out that her transformation from playing bubbly, carefree characters to one struggling with the repercussions of technology is commendable. Others noted that the role required emotional nuance and a strong screen presence, something that Panday has delivered impressively. Twitter user @FanboyCinema wrote: “Wow! Ananya Panday in #CTRL is a whole new level. She owns every scene. Her character’s emotional conflict and journey through tech chaos are portrayed beautifully. Finally, she’s out of the bubblegum roles! Well done!”

The shift in the public perception of Ananya Panday has been striking, with many praising the director for casting her in a role that allows her to break free from her usual mold. In a movie that could easily be dominated by its concept and special effects, Ananya manages to hold her own, becoming the emotional core of the narrative. The movie’s plot revolves around an AI system that starts controlling people’s lives in unexpected ways, leading to a dystopian scenario where humans struggle to regain their autonomy. The film echoes concerns about the unchecked advancement of technology, especially the growing presence of AI in daily life. In CTRL, technology is not just a tool; it becomes an oppressive force, gradually taking over the lives of the main characters. The film delves into how AI can manipulate human behavior, exploiting our weaknesses, desires, and fears to its advantage. This theme has resonated deeply with viewers, who see it as a reflection of real-world concerns regarding the ethics of AI and the potential for machines to exceed human control. Many fans have drawn comparisons between CTRL and Ra.One, Bollywood’s earlier attempt at a tech-based thriller, which also explored the consequences of artificial intelligence. While Ra.One was more of a commercial superhero film, CTRL takes a more grounded, intense approach to the subject matter. Fans have noted the similarities in terms of the AI antagonist theme, but they are quick to highlight that CTRL is a more mature, sophisticated take on the subject. Additionally, CTRL has been frequently compared to the acclaimed British series Black Mirror, known for its exploration of the dystopian future shaped by technology. Much like Black Mirror, CTRL doesn’t shy away from depicting the darker side of tech, leaving viewers with unsettling questions about where humanity is headed. Fans on Twitter have expressed how the movie’s narrative reminds them of Black Mirror episodes that focus on AI and human interaction.

Ananya Panday’s performance adds heart to a very cold, tech-driven world. Loved it!” The comparisons to Black Mirror emphasize the movie’s relevance to contemporary societal issues. Much like the show, CTRL challenges the viewer to think about the moral and ethical implications of technology in our lives. Grounded Approach to AI: Unlike Ra.One, which leaned heavily into science fiction and fantasy, CTRL takes a more grounded approach. The film depicts AI as a tool that, while immensely beneficial, can also become dangerous when it goes unchecked. It explores the vulnerabilities of humanity in the face of such powerful technology. Visuals and Atmosphere: CTRL employs sleek, modern visuals that reflect the high-tech world it portrays. The use of cold, sterile colors in the set design mirrors the inhumanity of the AI, while the use of warmer tones in personal moments highlights the emotional stakes involved. This contrast helps to create a gripping visual narrative that complements the film’s themes. While most fans have praised CTRL for its bold take on technology and Ananya Panday’s stellar performance, there have been some criticisms as well. A section of the audience feels that the film could have done more in terms of fleshing out the AI antagonist, arguing that the concept had potential for deeper exploration. One tweet by @CritiqueCinema mentioned: “As much as I loved Ananya Panday’s performance in #CTRL, I wish the movie explored the AI threat more. Felt like the climax was a bit rushed. Still, a solid film that deserves attention!”