In a playful nod to Bollywood veteran Anmol Palekar, Ananya Panday took to Instagram to share a fun behind-the-scenes glimpse from the sets of her upcoming Netflix cyber-thriller CTRL. Sporting a fake moustache, Panday paid tribute to Palekar, who made a lasting impression with his roles in classic films like Gol Maal (1979) and Chhoti Si Baat (1976). The quirky pictures and videos from the set of CTRL show the actress in high spirits, accompanied by co-star Vihaan Samat and director Vikramaditya Motwane.
The Instagram post, captioned with “Why, you may ask? Watch CTRL on Friday to find out @netflix_in,” hints at the humor and unexpected twists that viewers can expect from this upcoming release. One of the behind-the-scenes clips even captures Panday prepping for a scene, while another shows her sharing light-hearted moments with Samat, with whom she previously worked on the Prime Video series Call Me Bae earlier this year.
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The playful tribute to Palekar, an actor known for his charming and relatable characters, adds an extra layer of excitement as fans eagerly await the film’s release. Panday’s moustache mirrors Palekar’s iconic style from the 70s and 80s, where he captivated audiences with his subtle humor and natural performances.
The Tech-Driven Plot of CTRL
Last month, Netflix dropped the trailer for CTRL, offering a glimpse into the dark, tech-infused thriller. The film centers around Panday’s character, Nella, who downloads an app designed to take control of one’s happiness. Initially, Nella finds joy in using the app, but the story takes a sinister turn when she discovers her boyfriend Joe Mascarenhas, played by Vihaan Samat, has been unfaithful. In a fit of rage, Nella commands the CTRL app to remove Joe from her life, only to find that he not only disappears from her devices but also from reality itself.
Produced by Nikhil Dwivedi under Saffron and Andolan Films, CTRL marks Ananya Panday’s foray into a genre that merges psychological tension with contemporary concerns about technology and its ever-increasing influence on human lives. The screenplay, co-written by Motwane, Avinash Sampath, and Sumukhi Suresh, promises a gripping narrative that dives into the consequences of living in a hyper-connected world.
A Cutting-Edge Thriller
The film’s official synopsis on Netflix’s companion site Tudum describes CTRL as a “cutting-edge thriller that will make you rethink your dependency on technology.” The movie is set to explore the dark side of digital convenience and how the tools meant to simplify life can spiral out of control. With elements of suspense, drama, and moral questioning, CTRL is expected to resonate with modern audiences who rely heavily on technology for personal and professional needs.
In a recent press release, director Vikramaditya Motwane elaborated on the film’s innovative approach to storytelling. “CTRL is told in what we call the screen life format, which tells a story in an almost voyeuristic way using the tech that we use literally every single day,” said Motwane. He emphasized the film’s goal of creating an immersive experience for viewers, one that reflects the reality of how entwined people’s lives have become with their devices.
A Global Audience
Motwane also spoke about how Netflix has helped elevate CTRL to a global platform, enabling them to reach a diverse audience. The partnership with Netflix, he noted, provides filmmakers the unique opportunity to share stories that transcend borders, offering a fresh take on the thriller genre to viewers worldwide.
As CTRL gears up for its October 4 release, fans of both Ananya Panday and cutting-edge cinema are eager to see how the film will tackle the implications of technology’s omnipresence in our lives. With a talented cast and crew, and an intriguing narrative that blends contemporary concerns with timeless human emotions, CTRL is poised to be a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.
