Release Date: September 19, 2025
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Aaishvary Thackeray, Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kumud Mishra, Vineet Kumar Singh
Runtime: 2 hours 56 minutes (177 minutes)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Anurag Kashyap’s Nishaanchi, released on September 19, 2025, marks a return to the raw, chaotic world of North India’s heartland, a terrain Kashyap has mastered in films like Gangs of Wasseypur. Produced by JAR Pictures, Flip Films, and Amazon MGM Studios, this Hindi-language crime drama introduces Aaishvary Thackeray in a bold dual role as twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo Nishaanchi. While the film delivers Kashyap’s signature grit, humor, and emotional depth, its bloated runtime and uneven pacing keep it from reaching the heights of his earlier classics. For fans eager to catch up on Nishaanchi post-theatrical release, platforms like Bollyflix may offer streaming options, though always ensure legal and authorized sources to support the creators.
Plot: Twins Divided by Fate
Set in Kanpur in 2006, Nishaanchi follows the divergent paths of twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo (both played by Aaishvary Thackeray). The story opens with a botched bank robbery that lands Babloo in jail while Dabloo escapes with their mutual love interest, Rinku (Vedika Pinto). Through flashbacks, we learn about their upbringing under their wrestler father, Jabardast Pehelwaan (Vineet Kumar Singh), and their resilient mother, Manjari (Monika Panwar). The robbery’s fallout sets the stage for a decade-long tale of brotherhood, betrayal, and redemption, as the twins navigate love, crime, and family loyalty. The narrative tackles heavy themes—poverty, power, and morality—wrapped in Kashyap’s gritty, humorous style.
Performances: A Star-Making Debut
Aaishvary Thackeray is the film’s revelation, delivering a commanding dual performance. As Babloo, he’s volatile and intense; as Dabloo, he’s introspective and grounded. His four-year immersion in Kanpur’s culture pays off in authentic dialects and mannerisms, marking him as a talent to watch. Vedika Pinto’s Rinku is vibrant and layered, holding her own in the chaotic narrative. Monika Panwar delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Manjari, while Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub’s quirky Inspector Kamal Ajeeb injects humor. Kumud Mishra and Vineet Kumar Singh are reliable but underused, with their characters feeling more like plot devices than fully realized figures.
Direction and Writing: Kashyap’s Signature with Stumbles
Kashyap, alongside co-writers Ranjan Chandel and Prasoon Mishra, crafts a script steeped in Kanpur’s raw energy. Dialogues like “Kanpur ka nishaana dil ko chhoo jata hai” are quintessentially Kashyap—witty, local, and biting. The director’s flair for chaotic action and dark humor shines, particularly in the film’s intense action sequences. However, the 177-minute runtime feels overstretched, with pacing issues in the second half. Subplots like the brothers’ romantic arcs and a rushed climax dilute the emotional weight, leaving some viewers wanting more cohesion. Critics have noted it feels like Kashyap chasing his past glories, falling short of Wasseypur’s tight brilliance.
Technical Aspects: Gritty and Grand
Sylvester Fonseca’s cinematography vividly captures Kanpur’s bustling streets and sweaty akhadas, immersing viewers in its chaotic charm. The innovative filming of Thackeray’s dual role—shooting one brother at a time with a physical transformation in between—adds seamless authenticity. Aarti Bajaj’s editing keeps the action taut but struggles with the film’s length, leading to occasional drag. The soundtrack, featuring songs like “Dear Country” and “Jhule Jhule Paalna” by Anurag Saikia, Manan Bhardwaj, Dhruv Ghanekar, and Thackeray, blends folk and modern vibes, elevating key moments. Thaman S’s background score amplifies the film’s emotional peaks.
Social Commentary: A Mirror to Society
Nishaanchi doesn’t shy away from Kashyap’s trademark social critique, addressing poverty, corruption, and the cyclical nature of crime in small-town India. The brothers’ contrasting paths highlight how environment and choice shape destiny, while Manjari’s struggle reflects the resilience of the marginalized. The film’s humor softens its heavy themes, but its sprawling scope sometimes blunts its impact.
Box Office and Reception
Nishaanchi opened to an estimated ₹10 lakhs on its first day, overshadowed by its box office clash with Jolly LLB 3. Critics have been mixed: Saibal Chatterjee (NDTV) gave it 3/5 stars for its “raw energy and emotional heft,” while Shubhra Gupta (The Indian Express) rated it 2.5/5, citing a lack of narrative focus. X posts reflect polarized views, with some praising Thackeray’s debut and the film’s ambition, others calling it “inconsistent” and “overlong.” Its advance bookings were modest, with ticket prices ranging from ₹150 to ₹1,200. For those missing the theatrical run, platforms like Bollyflix might host the film later, but viewers should prioritize legal streaming services to ensure creators are supported.
Verdict
Nishaanchi is a bold, messy, and ambitious addition to Kashyap’s oeuvre, powered by Aaishvary Thackeray’s breakout performance and a vibrant cast. Its gritty setting, sharp dialogues, and emotional depth make it a compelling watch, but its lengthy runtime and uneven pacing hold it back from greatness. Fans of Kashyap’s chaotic storytelling will find much to love, but newcomers may find it overwhelming.
Recommendation: Catch it in theaters for its immersive energy and Thackeray’s star-making turn. If you’re new to Kashyap, start with his tighter classics before diving into this sprawling saga. Post-release, check authorized platforms (avoiding unofficial sites like Bollyflix) for streaming.
For tickets or showtimes, check platforms like BookMyShow or local listings. Want a chart comparing Nishaanchi and Jolly LLB 3’s box office or a deeper dive into specific aspects? Let me know!
