Cinema has always been a mirror to chaos, love, betrayal, and the unpredictability of human behavior. Few filmmakers understand this better than Anurag Kashyap, whose signature style thrives on blurring the line between brutality and poetry. With his latest film, Nishaanchi, Kashyap serves what can only be described as tedhi kheer—a crooked, messy, yet oddly flavorful concoction.
But does this film, starring debutant Aaishvary Thackeray, Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Vineet Kumar Singh, Kumud Mishra, and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, deliver the unforgettable impact we expect from the man behind Gangs of Wasseypur? Or does it collapse under the weight of its own ambition?
This Nishaanchi Movie Review will take you through the good, the bad, and the baffling, while exploring whether Kashyap’s chaotic storytelling is genius or indulgence.
Nishaanchi Movie Review
Before diving into details, let’s set the foundation. Nishaanchi is a violent gangster drama laced with Kashyap’s trademark commentary on family, love, betrayal, and the never-ending cycle of crime.
The premise may sound simple—a gangster with a twin brother, a girlfriend with big dreams, and a family marred by violence. But with Kashyap, nothing is ever straightforward. The narrative jumps between timelines, flashbacks within flashbacks, and messy emotional arcs that try to tie together an almost three-hour-long spectacle.
At its core, the film attempts to explore:
- Duality of identity (through Babloo and Dabloo Nishaanchi)
- Love versus ambition (through Rinku’s arc)
- The futility of violence (shown through endless killings and betrayals)
The big question is—does it all work?
Nishaanchi Movie Review: Star Cast & Performances
The performances are undoubtedly the biggest strength of Nishaanchi.
- Aaishvary Thackeray makes a grand debut as Babloo and Dabloo, twin brothers with starkly different personalities. He shines in both roles, making the audience forget it’s the same actor on screen. This is not just a star-kid debut; it’s a confident statement.
- Vedika Pinto as Rinku adds warmth and a touch of vulnerability, though her role isn’t fleshed out enough.
- Monika Panwar and Vineet Kumar Singh steal the show whenever they appear, their characters adding weight to the story’s emotional foundation.
- Kumud Mishra and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, both capable of delivering powerhouse performances, sadly get overshadowed by underwritten antagonist roles.
The ensemble works hard, but sometimes even stellar performances can’t save a film from drowning in excess.
What Works in Nishaanchi?
Every movie has redeeming qualities, and Nishaanchi isn’t without its strengths:
- Aaishvary Thackeray’s Debut – His double role adds intrigue and showcases immense potential.
- Music & Lyrics – Songs like Fillam Dekho and the rustic, earthy background score create the right atmosphere.
- Monika Panwar & Vineet Kumar Singh – Their subplot feels like an entirely different, better-written film.
- Visual Storytelling – Kashyap’s gritty framing of Kanpur’s underworld is hauntingly real.
What Doesn’t Work in Nishaanchi?
Unfortunately, Kashyap also loads the film with several pitfalls:
- Excessive Runtime (176 minutes) – At nearly 3 hours, the film feels unnecessarily stretched.
- Messy Editing – Flashbacks repeat scenes audiences already saw an hour earlier, breaking the narrative flow.
- Overcrowded Subplots – Too many arcs, too little focus.
- Exhausting Violence – The relentless killings numb rather than shock after a point.
The problem isn’t lack of ideas—it’s an overdose of them.
Nishaanchi Movie Review: Anurag Kashyap Serves Wild Chaotic Tedhi Kheer & I Genuinely Feel ‘Inhe S’
The phrase tedhi kheer perfectly describes this film. It’s crooked, twisted, and not everyone’s taste. Some viewers may call it bold experimentation, while others may walk out saying, “What did I just watch?”
Kashyap thrives on chaos, but here, he goes a step too far. Instead of layering tension, the film piles up scene after scene, choking the narrative. Yet, amidst the mess, there are flashes of brilliance—the kind only Kashyap can deliver.
It’s this contradiction that leaves audiences conflicted. Do we appreciate the ambition or dismiss the indulgence?
Storyline Breakdown: Babloo & Dabloo Nishaanchi
At the heart of the story are twins Babloo and Dabloo, sons of an archery shooter mother and a wrestler father. Their lives take a dark turn when violence, love, and betrayal weave into their destiny.
- Babloo dreams of power and starts a gang.
- Dabloo is pulled into crime against his will.
- Rinku, Babloo’s girlfriend, joins their journey but complicates matters further.
From family feuds to gang wars, the narrative constantly oscillates between love and violence.
Direction & Kashyap’s Vision
If Gangs of Wasseypur was a masterclass in balancing multiple characters, Nishaanchi feels like an experiment gone slightly overboard. Kashyap builds a world reminiscent of his earlier films but fails to provide the same coherence.
Still, his fingerprints are unmistakable:
- Unapologetic Violence
- Dark Humor
- Rustic Setting
- Lyrical Dialogues
It’s Kashyap at his rawest, though not at his sharpest.
Music & Background Score
The soundtrack deserves applause. With earthy folk beats and raw lyrics, it roots the film firmly in Uttar Pradesh’s soil. Fillam Dekho, the opening credit song, is witty, self-aware, and sets the chaotic tone.
Background score by Sneha Khanwalkar (frequent Kashyap collaborator) amplifies the mood, but at times, even the music can’t rescue dragging scenes.
Cinematography & Editing
- Cinematography: The camera captures Kanpur’s dust, sweat, and grit beautifully. Every frame feels authentic.
- Editing: Sadly, this is the weakest link. Flashbacks within flashbacks, unnecessary repetitions, and abrupt scene shifts make the film feel longer than it already is.
The Film’s Length: A Double-Edged Sword
At 176 minutes, Nishaanchi tests patience. While Kashyap has previously made long films (Gangs of Wasseypur was 5+ hours across two parts), here the runtime feels unjustified.
The repetition of key scenes makes it exhausting rather than immersive.
Comparisons with Kashyap’s Past Films
Fans can’t help but compare Nishaanchi with Gangs of Wasseypur, Raman Raghav 2.0, and Dev.D.
- Like GoW, it’s a gangster epic.
- Like Raman Raghav, it’s psychologically twisted.
- Like Dev.D, it’s experimental in style.
Yet, it lacks the polish and tight control that made those films iconic.
Audience Reactions
Reactions to Nishaanchi have been polarized:
- Some hail Aaishvary Thackeray’s debut and call the film daring.
- Others criticize its confusing structure and endless runtime.
- Many left theaters saying, “Too much happening, too little sense.”
Clearly, it’s not a film for everyone.
Critical Reception
Early reviews describe it as:
- “Chaotic yet compelling.”
- “A flawed masterpiece.”
- “Too indulgent to be impactful.”
Most critics agree on one thing—Kashyap remains bold, but perhaps boldness alone doesn’t guarantee brilliance.
Nishaanchi as a Debut Platform for Aaishvary Thackeray
For Aaishvary, the film is a win. Despite flaws in storytelling, his dual performance shines and leaves a lasting impression. This debut sets him up as a promising actor in the industry.
Symbolism & Themes
- Tedhi Kheer (Crooked Pudding): Symbolizes the messy, layered narrative.
- Archery & Wrestling Background: Represents discipline clashing with chaos.
- Twins: A metaphor for duality of human nature.
Should You Watch Nishaanchi?
If you’re an Anurag Kashyap fan, you’ll likely appreciate the madness.
If you prefer straightforward, tightly-edited films, this might frustrate you.
FAQs
1. What is Nishaanchi about?
It’s a gangster drama about twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo, their struggles with crime, family, and betrayal.
2. Who stars in Nishaanchi?
Aaishvary Thackeray, Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Vineet Kumar Singh, Kumud Mishra, and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub.
3. Is Nishaanchi worth watching?
Yes, if you enjoy Kashyap’s chaotic style. No, if you prefer clean narratives.
4. How long is Nishaanchi?
The film runs for 176 minutes (nearly 3 hours).
5. What’s the highlight of Nishaanchi?
Aaishvary Thackeray’s double role performance and the music.
6. Why is the film called Tedhi Kheer?
Because the story is twisted, layered, and not everyone’s taste.
Conclusion
Nishaanchi is the kind of film that provokes debate long after the credits roll. It’s messy, chaotic, and frustrating—but also daring, ambitious, and occasionally brilliant.
As far as this Nishaanchi Movie Review goes, the verdict is simple: Anurag Kashyap may have cooked a tedhi kheer that not everyone will digest, but those who savor chaos in cinema will find flavors worth remembering.
