FILM REVIEW: NISHAANCHI (2025)

One-liner:

A raw, riveting, and emotionally charged tale of two brothers divided by destiny, “Nishaanchi” blends Anurag Kashyap’s gritty realism with heartfelt storytelling to deliver one of the most power-packed Hindi dramas of the year.

Nishaanchi: A Deep Dive into the Heart of Indian Cinema

Introduction

Amazon MGM Studios, Jar Pictures, and Flip Films’ Nishaanchi is a striking cinematic journey into the heartland of Uttar Pradesh—a world where blood ties clash with ambition, morality, and fate. Directed by Anurag Kashyap and written by Prasoon Mishra, Ranjan Chandel, and Kashyap himself, the film captures the duality of human nature through the story of twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo, both essayed with magnetic intensity by debutant Aishvary.

At its core, Nishaanchi is a meditation on choices and consequences—how the same bloodline can produce two opposing forces of morality. Set against a dusty, violent, and socio-politically charged backdrop, Kashyap paints his canvas with the grit of Indian hinterland cinema while injecting it with his trademark moral complexity. Supported by an outstanding ensemble cast including Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Vineet Kumar Singh, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Kumud Mishra, the film oscillates between emotional intimacy and high-stakes tension, making it a deeply immersive experience.

While Nishaanchi may have opened to modest box-office numbers, its artistic strength, thematic depth, and narrative energy ensure that it stands tall as one of the most memorable Hindi dramas of 2025.

Screenplay & Script Sense

The story of Nishaanchi is deceptively simple: two brothers, born under the same roof, take different paths in life. Yet, what Prasoon Mishra, Ranjan Chandel, and Anurag Kashyap accomplish is the transformation of this familiar premise into a sprawling, layered human drama.

The screenplay captures the rustic flavor of Uttar Pradesh with raw authenticity—from the dialects and landscapes to the moral codes that govern small-town lives. The writers build a world that is both grounded and unpredictable. The narrative never loses sight of its emotional roots, even as it explores crime, politics, and love.

What makes the script stand out is its unpredictability. The story constantly subverts expectations; scenes turn sharply from tenderness to violence, from loyalty to betrayal, mirroring the chaotic moral fabric of its characters. The writers avoid glamorizing crime; instead, they root it in desperation and wounded masculinity. Babloo’s descent into the criminal underworld feels organic, his transformation from a wronged child to a hardened man laced with both tragedy and inevitability.

The dialogues are another masterstroke. Rustic, witty, and deeply rooted in the soil, they carry the flavor of Purvanchal while being loaded with subtext. Prasoon Mishra and Kashyap’s pen etches memorable lines that sting, amuse, and resonate—a hallmark of strong screenwriting.

Yes, a few portions feel stretched, especially in the second act when Babloo’s crime life gets repetitive. However, the screenplay quickly recovers with emotional turnarounds that breathe fresh air into the narrative. The writers’ ability to balance realism with cinematic rhythm ensures the story never feels static.

In essence, the screenplay of Nishaanchi is both gritty and poetic—a tightrope walk between chaos and conscience.

Direction

Anurag Kashyap returns to form with Nishaanchi. His direction bears the hallmarks of his best works—pulsating realism, layered characters, and an unflinching gaze at society’s underbelly. Yet, Nishaanchi also reveals a more mature Kashyap, one who lets his characters breathe rather than merely exist as symbols.

From the opening wrestling sequence to the hauntingly silent climax, Kashyap’s command over visual and emotional tone is remarkable. He understands the milieu intimately—the dust, the sweat, the half-lit streets, and the fractured dreams that populate his frames. Each scene feels lived-in, and each character is a product of their environment.

Kashyap’s direction thrives on unpredictability. He does not hold the audience’s hand; instead, he immerses them in the lives of Babloo and Dabloo, making every decision feel consequential. His transitions between timelines, moods, and narrative layers are seamless, aided by Aarti Bajaj’s razor-sharp editing.

What distinguishes Kashyap here from his earlier works is his empathy. There is an underlying tenderness beneath the violence. His treatment of Manjari’s struggle, Rinku’s defiance, and Babloo’s moral erosion shows a filmmaker who has evolved beyond shock value into emotional resonance.

Nishaanchi reaffirms Kashyap’s position as one of India’s most daring storytellers—one who can turn a rural crime drama into a powerful reflection of human frailty and fate.

Acting

The performances in Nishaanchi are uniformly stellar, led by an outstanding debut from Aishvary in a demanding double role. As Babloo and Dabloo, he delivers two sharply distinct performances that rarely overlap. As Babloo (later Tony), he is volatile, unpredictable, and hardened by circumstance; as Dabloo, he radiates quiet strength and moral restraint. The subtle differences in posture, tone, and emotion are a masterclass in control. It is a debut that announces a major new talent in Hindi cinema.

Vedika Pinto, as Rinku, is fierce and unflinching. She brings fire and dignity to a role that could easily have been reduced to a sidekick or love interest. Her chemistry with both versions of Aishvary’s character adds emotional depth to the film’s romantic and moral tensions.

Monika Panwar delivers one of her most powerful performances as Manjari, the resilient mother torn between love and helplessness. Her emotional breakdowns are handled with restraint, never melodrama, making her arc deeply affecting.

Vineet Kumar Singh, as the father Jabardast Singh, appears briefly but leaves an indelible mark. His physicality and emotional presence set the tone for the story’s themes of strength and vulnerability.

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub adds gravitas and menace as Kamal Ajeeb, the morally ambiguous police officer. His scenes with Manjari and Babloo crackle with tension, showcasing his impeccable control over layered characters.

Kumud Mishra, as the older Ambika Prasad, is chillingly effective. His villainy is not loud but psychological—a man corrupted by lust and power. Girish Sharma, as the younger version of Ambika, lays the foundation for this complex character with believable nuance.

Supporting performances from Rajesh Kumar, Shubham Tiwari, Gaurav Singh, Saharsh Kumar Shukla, and others add realism and rhythm to the ensemble, enriching the world of Nishaanchi rather than merely populating it.

Overall, the acting department is a powerhouse; every performance feels carved out of reality.

Cinematography

Sylvester Fonseca’s cinematography deserves special mention. His lens captures the rustic landscape of Uttar Pradesh with haunting realism and poetic grace. The texture of the film—from the golden fields to the dim-lit interiors—reflects both beauty and decay.

Fonseca uses handheld shots to bring intimacy to chaotic moments and wide shots to capture the enormity of emotional isolation. His use of natural light, muted tones, and raw frames transforms every sequence into visual storytelling.

The camera often lingers on faces and silences rather than action, amplifying the emotional weight of scenes. The visual grammar complements Kashyap’s directorial rhythm perfectly—gritty, unfiltered, yet deeply cinematic.

Music & Background Score

The film’s music is a mosaic of talent. Manan Bharadwaj, Anurag Saikia, Dhruv Ghanekar, Nishikar Chhibber, Piyush Mishra–Hitesh Sonik, Deepak–Parimal, and Aishvary himself contribute to the soundtrack. What could have been disjointed turns out to be remarkably cohesive, unified by the film’s earthy mood.

Tracks like Filam Dekho, Dear Country, and Birwa stand out for their originality and integration into the narrative. They are not interruptions but emotional extensions of the story. The lyrics, penned by Shashwat Dwivedi, Dr. Sagar, Varun Grover, and others, blend folk sensibility with contemporary poetry.

Anurag Saikia’s background score deserves special applause. Subtle yet pulsating, it elevates every frame—particularly during Babloo’s prison sequences and the mother-son confrontations. The score never overpowers; it breathes with the story.

In sum, Nishaanchi’s soundscape is one of its defining strengths—organic, melodic, and emotionally tuned.

Editing

Aarti Bajaj’s editing is razor-sharp and intuitive. The narrative flows seamlessly across timelines without ever confusing the audience. She understands Kashyap’s rhythm—when to linger, when to cut, and when to let silence speak.

The pacing is mostly tight, barring a few stretches in the second act. The climactic buildup is especially well-edited; sharp transitions between Babloo’s inner turmoil and Dabloo’s external struggle create palpable tension. Bajaj’s craft ensures the 2-hour-plus runtime feels consistently engaging.

Themes and Symbolism

Nishaanchi delves into several profound themes that resonate with the audience. The film explores the duality of human nature, particularly through the lens of familial bonds. The contrasting paths of Babloo and Dabloo serve as a metaphor for the choices individuals make and the consequences that follow.

The film also critiques societal norms and expectations, particularly in the context of masculinity. Babloo's journey into the criminal underworld highlights the pressures that lead individuals to make morally ambiguous decisions. The film does not shy away from showcasing the harsh realities of life in Uttar Pradesh, making it a poignant commentary on the socio-political landscape.

Final Verdict

Nishaanchi is not just another tale of crime and morality; it is an emotional odyssey about identity, guilt, and redemption. With its complex characters, rooted storytelling, and fierce performances, it stands as one of Anurag Kashyap’s most emotionally resonant works since Gangs of Wasseypur.

The film’s authenticity, coupled with technical brilliance, makes it a rare blend of art and entertainment. Its slow opening and lack of promotional push might have hindered its commercial potential, but Nishaanchi is destined for long-term appreciation—a cult classic in the making.

On the Plus Side:

• Aishvary’s outstanding double-role debut

• Anurag Kashyap’s powerful direction

• Strong, unpredictable screenplay with rustic realism

• Brilliant performances by Monika Panwar, Vedika Pinto, and Kumud Mishra

• Superb cinematography capturing the soul of Uttar Pradesh

• Emotionally charged background score and lyrical music

• Razor-sharp editing by Aarti Bajaj

• Realistic portrayal of crime, morality, and family dynamics

  
  

On the Minus Side:

• Slow initial pacing and below-par marketing awareness

• A few stretched portions in the second act

• Limited theatrical reach could impact box-office potential

  
  

Conclusion

Nishaanchi is an evocative piece of Indian cinema that transcends its genre. It is brutal yet beautiful, raw yet poetic. Anurag Kashyap crafts a film that lingers long after the credits roll—not just for its technical finesse but for its emotional truth.

For audiences seeking meaningful, immersive, and powerful storytelling rooted in Indian soil, Nishaanchi is not to be missed. It is a cinematic mark—a nishaanchi—that reaffirms why Kashyap remains one of India’s most fearless voices in cinema.