Table of Contents
Nishaanchi Movie
You’ve probably heard all the chatter about Nishaanchi, right? This isn’t just any movie; it’s a huge action-crime flick that marks director Anurag Kashyap’s return to the raw, unforgiving terrain of the heartland. It’s a full-on gangster drama, set in Kanpur in the early 2000s, and it immediately drew comparisons to his previous masterpiece, Gangs of Wasseypur.
The hype around this film was high, thanks to the sheer anticipation of Kashyap returning to his familiar genre. Honestly, it feels like this movie aims to be a deep dive into how one lives without Bollywood, blending crime with dark humor and social critique.
What makes this movie really stand out is its super raw and gritty storytelling, focusing on twin brothers caught between crime and conscience. The explosive action and complex characters make it a wild and chaotic ride, but its deliberate pace and long runtime may not be for everyone.
Director and Management
The visionary in charge of this whole movie is director Anurag Kashyap, renowned for his unflinching portrayals of India’s underbelly. His vision for Nishaanchi is to mix visceral action with raw emotion, exploring themes of power, decay, and the brittle architecture of masculinity.
The film was written by Kashyap along with Ranjan Chandel and Prasoon Mishra. It was produced by JAR Pictures and Flip Films, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios, giving it strong backing.
The music, done by multiple composers including Anurag Saikia and Manan Bhardwaj, is a great part of the movie’s storytelling, adding to the intense mood. The cinematographers, led by Sylvester Fonseca, did an amazing job, creating a world that looks stunning and feels authentic, especially in the real Kanpur locations.
Cast and Characters
The cast is stacked with stars, but the central guy is definitely newcomer Aaishvary Thackeray, who handles the challenging responsibility of a double role as the twin brothers, Babloo and Dabloo. Babloo is the brash, reckless criminal, while Dabloo is the timid, dependent twin, creating a powerful “alpha or beta” contrast.
This movie features a fantastic ensemble, including Monika Panwar as the fiery, former trap shooting champion Manjari, and Vineet Kumar Singh as the wrestler-father Jabardast. Kumud Mishra plays the formidable villain, Ambika Prasad, a self-serving friend who sets up the ultimate betrayal.
The rest of the cast is also fantastic, with Vedika Pinto as Rinku, a dance student turned performer, whose loyalty is tested, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in a pivotal role. Their combined talent makes the whole story feel a lot more powerful, despite some critics noting a lack of the “firepower” seen in Kashyap’s previous leads.
Included Songs
The music for Nishaanchi is a huge part of the movie’s storytelling, with the soundtrack being a clever melange that helps drive the narrative. You can tell the songs are not just background noise; they enhance the masala carnival atmosphere.
The music has a mix of everything, including playful nods to Bollywood classics and songs that feature a unique collision of Hinglish and Bhojpuri. One song, in particular, is composed of a string of old Hindi film titles, making it a treat for cinephiles.
The music is a perfect companion to the high-octane action, with a quirky soundtrack that contributes to the unique “Kanpuriya” vibe of the film.
Budget of the Movie
Okay, let’s talk about the money. This movie had a substantial budget, though exact figures are not widely reported. Given the large ensemble cast and the detailed period setting in Kanpur, the production required a significant investment in realism and location shooting.
You can definitely see where all that money went. The production quality is top-notch, with slick visuals and detailed world-building. The cinematography and technical aspects were praised by reviewers, showing the commitment to quality.
The high production investment did not translate to box office success, however, as the film faced tough competition from Jolly LLB 3, which was released on the same day. The film’s low collections after the initial weekend marked a commercial struggle.
Review (Detailed)
Get ready, because Nishaanchi is a gritty, engaging crime drama that reaffirms Anurag Kashyap’s knack for blending genres. It’s a bloody, raw entertainer that follows the turbulent lives of the twin brothers, Babloo and Dabloo, tracing their story from a failed bank heist.
The whole movie is built around a super intense plot that runs in two timelines, with the past timeline of the parents (Jabardast and Manjari) being the more “zabardast” (gripping) half. The action sequences are choreographed with a visceral intensity that sets the film apart, even if the violence is frequently full-blown.
The direction is sharp, and the film is a powerful commentary on the patriarchal and political nexus in the Hindi heartland. Just a heads-up, the runtime feels tiring and the film drags in parts, which becomes its biggest drawback and is something critics repeatedly noted.
Current Rating
From the early reviews and critic responses, Nishaanchi received a mixed-to-positive reception. Critics gave it ratings ranging from 2.5 to 4 out of 5 stars, with many settling around the 3/5 mark.
A lot of people are calling it a “gritty, engaging ride” that sees Kashyap return to familiar ground. However, others questioned its originality, suggesting it subsists on a “borrowed soul” and struggles to escape the shadow of Gangs of Wasseypur.
The critical reception was not enough to save its box office performance. The film’s collections were poor, reaching a total of only ₹1.31 crore (domestic) and ₹1.4 crore (worldwide) after 13 days, suffering a swift commercial failure.
Who Should Watch the Movie?
So, should you watch it? Absolutely, if you’re an OG Anurag Kashyap fan who appreciates his trademark mix of grit, dark humor, and heartland crime dramas. This movie is perfect for anyone who loves a story that is rooted in realism and explores the devastating consequences of betrayal and ambition.
It’s specifically for a mature audience, so if you’re looking for a visceral, intense drama with complex characters, this is it. Newcomer Aaishvary Thackeray’s confident double role debut makes the film a compelling watch.
It’s also a great film for people who want a cinematic experience that offers a colourful mix of drama, humor, and strong performances.
Story of the Movie (Short Summary)
The story is about twin brothers, Babloo and Dabloo (Aaishvary Thackeray), who are thrust into a world of crime and betrayal. The movie opens with Babloo, Dabloo, and Rinku failing miserably at looting a bank, which results in the reckless Babloo landing in jail for seven to ten years.
The narrative then shifts to a compelling past timeline, focusing on the parents, former athletes Manjari (Monika Panwar) and Jabardast (Vineet Kumar Singh), whose lives were shattered by political machinations and the betrayal of a self-serving friend. This history of family feuds sets the stage for the present-day action.
The current timeline then deals with Dabloo falling for Rinku in his brother’s absence, while confronting the villain’s lust for the family home. The story ends on a cliffhanger, setting up the sequel.
Audience Response
The audience response to Nishaanchi was unfortunately poor, especially when compared to its box office competitor, Jolly LLB 3. Despite the major star backing of Amazon MGM Studios, the film opened with a mere ₹25 lakh (Day 1).
The film struggled significantly, failing to cross the ₹1 crore mark even after 48 hours. It saw drastic drops, earning only ₹5 lakh on its first Wednesday.
The total collection hovered around a low ₹1.28 crore to ₹1.31 crore in its run, marking a commercial failure. This was despite a “Buy One Get One Free” ticket offer over the weekend, which suggests the negative word-of-mouth was strong.
Comparison with Other Movies
If you’re wondering how Nishaanchi compares to other movies, you could think of it as a filmmaker returning to ground he knows well, making it highly reminiscent of Gangs of Wasseypur with its tale of revenge, family feuds, and a deeply rooted local setting.
However, the film struggles to escape the shadow of its predecessor, often borrowing so heavily that it feels like an indulgent tribute rather than a fresh narrative. Critics felt it lacked the sharp intensity of Kashyap’s earlier works.
More thematically, the film’s Deewaar-like setup of twin brothers on opposite sides of morality and its focus on a revenge plot make it a typical modern Bollywood masala film.
Final Review
So, here’s the final word: Nishaanchi is a gritty and stylish crime saga that is both engaging and frustrating. It’s a true spectacle of Kashyap’s signature style, with Monika Panwar delivering a powerhouse performance that justifies the story’s depth.
While the film drags in parts and the lengthy runtime is tiring, the performances and Kashyap’s eye for detail make it worth a watch for genre enthusiasts. The biggest issue is that the film fails to escape the shadow of its own influences.
The film is a mixed success, offering a wild, witty, and unapologetically loud experience that works in spurts. If you can overlook the predictable ending and the long runtime, you’ll appreciate the attempt to revive the small-town, rooted cinema spirit.
Official Trailer
You can check out the official trailer for Nishaanchi on the official production channels. It gives you a great sneak peek into the explosive action, intense character conflicts, and the dark, gritty style that’s waiting for you in the movie.
The teaser effectively highlighted the dilemma of the twin brothers and the powerful visual world Kashyap created, setting the stage for the narrative. It’s a perfect way to get a taste of the raw and unique cinematic experience before you see it on the big screen.