Directed by the ever-provocative Anurag Kashyap, Nishaanchi (2025) attempts to dive deep into the murky waters of crime, conscience, and the fragile bond between two brothers shaped by the same blood but very different choices. Known for his uncompromising storytelling and raw cinematic language, Kashyap once again steps into familiar territory—crime-ridden landscapes, morally conflicted characters, and an unforgiving social reality. However, this time the result is far more complex and uneven, making Nishaanchi a film that sparks discussion even if it doesn’t fully satisfy.
Story & Themes: Two Paths, One Fate
At its core, Nishaanchi is a story of twin brothers—Babloo Nishaanchi and Dabloo Wafadaar Singh—both portrayed by debutant Aaishvary Thackeray. Raised under the shadow of violence, emotional neglect, and societal pressure, the brothers take drastically different paths. One leans toward crime and chaos, while the other grapples with morality and responsibility. The film explores how circumstances, not just choices, define destiny.
The narrative is steeped in themes of love, loss, guilt, and inherited trauma. Kashyap doesn’t offer easy answers; instead, he forces the audience to confront uncomfortable questions about nature versus nurture and whether redemption is truly possible in a broken system.
Performances: A Mixed Bag with Standout Moments
The biggest talking point of Nishaanchi is Aaishvary Thackeray’s dual role. As a newcomer, his performance shows flashes of intensity and sincerity, especially in emotionally charged scenes. While he sometimes struggles with consistency, his effort in differentiating the twins—through body language and temperament—is commendable.
Vedika Pinto brings charm and emotional grounding as Rangeeli Rinku, Babloo’s love interest, though her character feels underwritten. Monika Panwar, as the conflicted mother Manjari, delivers a restrained yet impactful performance, effectively portraying a woman torn between fear and maternal instinct.
Veteran actors elevate the film significantly. Kumud Mishra adds gravitas, while Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub shines as Inspector Kamal Ajeeb, bringing nuance and weary realism to his role. Vineet Kumar Singh, as the intimidating Zabardast Pehelwaan, leaves a strong impression despite limited screen time.
Direction & Screenplay: Ambitious but Uneven
Anurag Kashyap’s direction retains his signature grit—handheld camera work, grimy settings, and unfiltered violence. However, Nishaanchi often feels overextended. The screenplay juggles multiple subplots, some of which dilute the emotional impact. The pacing is inconsistent, with certain stretches dragging while others rush through crucial developments.
That said, Kashyap’s strength lies in atmosphere. The film’s world feels lived-in, oppressive, and brutally honest. The moral ambiguity of its characters is refreshing, even when the narrative loses focus.
Music & Soundtrack: Emotionally Resonant
Music plays a vital role in Nishaanchi. Composed by Anurag Saikia, Manan Bhardwaj, Aaishvary Thackeray, and Dhruv Ghanekar, the soundtrack complements the film’s emotional and cultural texture. Songs like “Birva” (sung by Arijit Singh) and “Neend Bhi Teri” add depth and melancholy, while folk-infused tracks such as “Kanpuriya Kantaap” and “Jhule Jhule Paalna” root the film firmly in its regional setting. The background score subtly enhances tension without overpowering the narrative.
Box Office & Reception: Art Over Commerce
Released theatrically on 19 September 2025, Nishaanchi received mixed reviews from critics and failed to connect with a wider audience, eventually becoming a box-office bomb with earnings of around ₹1 crore. This outcome, while disappointing, isn’t entirely surprising. The film’s dark tone, slow burn, and lack of conventional commercial elements make it more appealing to niche audiences than mainstream viewers.
Final Verdict
Nishaanchi is an ambitious, flawed, yet thought-provoking crime drama. It doesn’t always hit the mark, but its intent is sincere, and its themes linger long after the credits roll. Fans of Anurag Kashyap’s cinema may find enough substance to appreciate, while others might struggle with its pacing and narrative density.
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