Nishaanchi Review: Yeh Filam Dekho. Par Kyun?

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ 2/5*

Nishaanchi Review Movie Talkies:

Anurag Kashyap’s latest crime drama Nishaanchi comes with a promotional line—“Yeh filam dekho.” But the real question is, why should we? The film stretches for nearly three hours and then ends abruptly, reminding us that this is only the first half of a larger story. A second part is coming soon, but the bigger concern is: what exactly was explored in this part one? Kashyap insists it isn’t another Gangs of Wasseypur, yet the template feels very familiar. This time, it revolves around twins—one good, one bad. We’ve seen that trope countless times before, wrapped in the usual crime drama package of gang wars, betrayals, and revenge. Unfortunately, very little here actually excites, and after sitting through three long hours, you’re told the story isn’t even finished yet. Part 2 is coming. Naturally, the thought that comes to mind is: “Let’s go home and wash our faces, guys.”

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Nishaanchi Story: 

At the center of Nishaanchi are Babloo and his twin brother Dabloo (both played by Aaishvary Thackeray). Babloo is tough and skilled with guns, while Dabloo is timid and simple. The story digs into their childhood, where their father Jabarjast Pahalwaan (Vineet Kumar Singh) dreams of success in the akhada but is pushed aside due to family politics. In anger, he joins a rival gang and kills the man responsible for destroying his career. Jabarjast is imprisoned and eventually killed behind bars, leaving his wife Manjari (Monika Panwar) and their sons behind. From here, Babloo takes it upon himself to avenge his father’s death and gradually rises as a feared gangster, while Dabloo chooses a quieter, more decent life. Complications begin when Babloo falls in love with Rangeeli (Vedika Pinto) but lands in jail. During his absence, Dabloo develops feelings for Rangeeli too, setting up a messy triangle that plays out in the film’s climax.

On paper, the film had enough meat. With a story developed by Kashyap, Ranjan Chandel, and Prasoon Mishra, it could have been gripping. But the treatment given to it makes everything dull. The screenplay is stretched far too long, draining away any momentum. Conflicts that should have been explosive end up predictable, and the overall pattern feels recycled from Wasseypur. The film isn’t full of plot loopholes, but it never comes across as a strong, concrete piece either. The flaws lie mainly in the characters. Babloo and Dabloo’s conflict feels too cheesy, Rangeeli’s character barely has purpose, Ambika doesn’t stand tall as a villain, and Jabarjast Pahalwaan’s transformation feels unconvincing. The surprise, however, comes from Manjari. Her character is raw, real, and written with a sense of authenticity that shines through.

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Nishaanchi Cast:

Performance-wise, Aaishvary Thackeray makes a promising debut. Taking on a double role is never easy, especially in a gritty crime saga, but he handles it well and doesn’t disappoint. Vedika Pinto suffers from a poorly written character, yet she puts in a decent performance. Monika Panwar emerges as the standout with her powerful portrayal of Manjari, delivering depth and strength. Kumud Mishra is dependable as always, though limited by the weak material given to him. Vineet Kumar Singh seems overly aggressive, while Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub turns in a passable act. The rest of the supporting cast barely leaves an impression.

Nishaanchi Movie Review:

Technically, Nishaanchi doesn’t leave a lasting mark either. By the time you’re disengaged from the story, it’s difficult to even pay attention to the finer aspects of craft. Still, the cinematography and production design show some effort, while the editing feels loose and the music underwhelms. The narrative occasionally grips, but it could have been easily trimmed by 30 to 40 minutes without losing any essence. As for Kashyap, his direction and vision lack freshness this time. His once-distinctive style and flair for raw storytelling feel faded. There’s no innovation in palette or tone, and the artistic touch that once defined him seems absent. If he wants to keep audiences hooked, he will need to rethink his approach, polish his craft, and maybe let go of the templates he himself helped popularize years ago. Overall, Nishaanchi feels like an overlong setup for something that may or may not pay off in the sequel. The film leaves you wondering why you sat through three hours only to be told the real story hasn’t even begun yet.

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