Nishaanchi

After a series of experimental films that divided critics and audiences, Anurag Kashyap returns to familiar territory with “Nishaanchi,” a sprawling crime drama that feels like a deliberate attempt to recapture the magic of his earlier works. Released on September 19, 2025, this Amazon MGM Studios production marks a homecoming of sorts for the filmmaker, combining his signature style with a fresh cast in a nearly three-hour epic that’s both messy and magnetic.

Movie Overview and Complete Information

Movie Information	Details
Movie Title	Nishaanchi
Release Date	September 19, 2025
Director	Anurag Kashyap
Writers	Anurag Kashyap, Ranjan Chandel, Prasoon Mishra
Lead Cast	Aaishvary Thackeray (dual role), Monika Panwar, Vedika Pinto
Supporting Cast	Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Kumud Mishra, Vineet Kumar Singh
Genre	Crime Drama, Action
Duration	2 hours 56 minutes
Language	Hindi
Certificate	16+
Music Directors	Manan Bhardwaj, Nishikar Chhibber, Dhruv Ghanekar, Anurag Saikia, Aaishvary Thackeray
Producers	Ajay Rai, Ranjan Singh
Production Houses	Amazon MGM Studios, Flip Films, JAR Pictures
IMDB Rating	8.0/10
User Rating	2.8/5
Box Office Status	Slow Start

The Story: Twin Brothers, Divided Destinies

Nishaanchi tells the story of twin brothers caught between crime and conscience, where love, loss, and fate test the strength of their bond. Set in early 2000s Uttar Pradesh, the film follows Babloo and Dabloo Nishaanchi (both played by Aaishvary Thackeray) – mirror images yet stark opposites in their beliefs and values.

The narrative centers around these identical twins whose opposing worldviews drive the story forward. As Babloo, Thackeray portrays a fiery and impulsive character, while as Dabloo, he embodies someone more tender and restrained. The brothers’ paths weave through crime into a deeper exploration of human nature and its consequences.

The film opens with a bank robbery and follows the complex relationship dynamics within a family torn apart by circumstances. Central to the story is their mother Manjari (Monika Panwar), whose character spans from age 20 to 50, and Rangeeli Rinku (Vedika Pinto), who becomes the love interest that further complicates the brothers’ relationship.

Kashyap describes this as “a film about a family. About a mother, about her two sons and falling in love with one girl, and about Kanpur and Lucknow,” distinguishing it from his previous gangster films by focusing more on familial bonds than criminal enterprises.

Cast Performance Analysis: Debuts and Comebacks

Aaishvary Thackeray’s Ambitious Debut

Newcomer Aaishvary Thackeray takes on the challenging task of playing twin brothers with distinctly different personalities. His ability to differentiate between the two characters through body language, voice modulation, and emotional expressions has been widely praised by critics.

Playing two brothers with such strikingly different personalities, he convinces you that you’re watching two separate lives unfold. His portrayal demonstrates remarkable precision in distinguishing between the characters, with clear differences in gestures, expressions, and dialogue delivery that bring authenticity to both roles.

Critics have noted his rustic screen presence and confident command of local dialects, with some comparing his potential to next-generation performers in the crime drama genre. His performance elevates even average scenes and showcases surprising maturity for a debutant.

Beyond acting, Thackeray also contributed to the film’s soundtrack, adding two songs that integrate well with the narrative. This multi-talented approach to his debut has generated positive buzz about his future prospects in the industry.

Monika Panwar’s Career-Defining Performance

While much attention focuses on Thackeray’s dual debut, critics unanimously agree that Monika Panwar delivers the film’s most commanding presence. As Manjari, the mother of the twins, she becomes the film’s true “nishaanchi” (sharpshooter) whose rifle serves as both weapon and metaphor.

Monika Panwar is on a career-defining streak in 2025, and her performance in Nishaanchi stands out as particularly impressive. She portrays a character who spans three decades, and Kashyap’s decision to cast younger and age up proves effective both dramatically and economically.

Panwar dwarfs the twins not through spectacle but through subtlety — an economy of gesture, a silencing stare, and gravitas that only comes when a performer fully inhabits her role. Critics note that she “quietly delivers the film’s most commanding presence” and arguably provides the film’s most memorable takeaway.

Supporting Cast Excellence

Vedika Pinto brings depth to her role as Rangeeli Rinku, avoiding the typical token heroine trap by playing a strong, memorable character with her own arc. Critics have noted that she holds her ground in every frame and brings warmth and depth to the narrative.

Kumud Mishra delivers what critics describe as typical Kumud Mishra excellence as the antagonist Ambika Prasad, bringing gravitas through his dialogue delivery and facial restraint that lends the film grounded seriousness.

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Vineet Kumar Singh provide solid support, with the latter playing Jabardast Singh, Manjari’s wrestler husband whose presence adds another layer to the family dynamics.

Technical Excellence and Direction

Anurag Kashyap’s Return to Form

Nishaanchi represents Anurag Kashyap’s conscious return to the style and themes that established his reputation. Critics describe it as “his wildest saga since Wasseypur” and note that “this feels like a comeback of sorts” and “stands as his finest work since Manmarziyaan.”

The film serves as what one critic calls “a greatest-hits mixtape of all his early-career tropes, characters, themes, styles, names and former selves.” There are clear influences from Gangs of Wasseypur, Ugly, Mukkabaaz, Manmarziyaan, and Dev.D, creating a familiar yet fresh narrative approach.

Kashyap’s direction ensures the narrative doesn’t drag despite the nearly three-hour runtime, maintaining interest throughout with his characteristic blend of grit, layered characters, and hinterland textures.

Cinematography and Production Design

Sylvester Fonseca’s cinematography captures the rustic setting of Kanpur with a mix of stylization and realism. The visual approach moves effortlessly from high-energy action moments to quieter emotional beats, supporting the film’s operatic ambitions.

Set in Kanpur, Nishaanchi wears its milieu with authenticity, soaked in the dust and dialect of Uttar Pradesh. The production design successfully recreates the early 2000s atmosphere while maintaining contemporary cinematic standards.

The film’s visual style contributes to its authenticity, with attention to period details and regional characteristics that ground the story in its specific time and place.

Musical Score and Soundtrack

The film features contributions from multiple composers including Manan Bhardwaj, Nishikar Chhibber, Dhruv Ghanekar, Anurag Saikia, and lead actor Aaishvary Thackeray. The soundtrack includes three notable tracks:

“Dear Country” performed by Vijay Lal Yadav provides a brief but impactful moment at 1:44 minutes.

“Jhule Jhule Paalna” featuring Manan Bhardwaj, Prajakta Shukre, and Himani Kapoor offers traditional musical elements.

“Filam Dekho” by Madhubanti Bagchi and Anurag Saikia adds contemporary flavor to the mix.

The music plays an important role in keeping the emotional core alive, fusing Thackeray’s contributions with a broader masala palette that supports the film’s operatic scope.

Critical Reception: Divided but Engaged

Professional Critics’ Response

Nishaanchi has received generally positive reviews from critics, with ratings ranging from 3 to 4 stars out of 5. Critics appreciate Kashyap’s return to his comfort zone while acknowledging the film’s indulgent nature.

Subhash K Jha writing for News 24 gave it 4 stars out of 5, noting that “Anurag Kashyap never fails to tell it like it is. His new film Nishaanchi—a delightful melange of brutality and tenderness—opens with a bank robbery and concludes with one of the characters feeling frightfully betrayed and compromised.”

Titas Chowdhury of News 18 also awarded 4 stars, commenting that “Anurag Kashyap’s Nishaanchi is wildly chaotic but there’s a method to this madness. It’s earthy, unapologetically bizarre and revels in its maximalism. Monika Panwar stands out.”

Mixed Critical Perspectives

While many critics praise the performances and Kashyap’s directorial vision, some express reservations about the film’s length and indulgent nature.

Rahul Desai of The Hollywood Reporter India observed that “Anurag Kashyap searches for vintage Anurag Kashyap for 176 minutes, but the patience does not pay off,” suggesting that the film feels more like “a self-conscious imitation rather than a timely homecoming.”

Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times gave 3 stars, noting that “Nishaanchi is Kashyap returning to familiar territory, armed with a fresh cast and his trademark mix of grit and humour. The film has moments that sparkle but also stretches that weigh it down.”

Audience Reception Patterns

The significant disparity between the IMDB rating (8.0/10) and user rating (2.8/5) suggests a divide between critical appreciation and general audience reception. This pattern indicates that while film enthusiasts and critics recognize the technical and artistic merits, mainstream audiences may find the film challenging.

The film’s dark tones and dense narrative place it firmly in Kashyap’s world — demanding, provocative, and ultimately divisive. Critics note it’s more likely to reward Kashyap’s existing fanbase than attract generic audiences seeking lighter entertainment.

Box Office Performance and Commercial Reception

Opening Day Challenges

Nishaanchi faced significant challenges at the box office, with reports indicating a slow start despite positive critical reception. The film’s nearly three-hour runtime and 16+ certificate may have contributed to limited mainstream appeal.

The movie struggled to find its audience in the initial days, competing against more commercial releases and facing the typical challenges that art-house cinema encounters in the Indian market.

Commercial Expectations vs Reality

Despite being backed by Amazon MGM Studios and featuring an extensive marketing campaign, the film’s commercial performance has been disappointing compared to its critical acclaim.

The film’s positioning as a theatrical experience rather than a direct-to-streaming release reflects the studio’s confidence in the material, but early box office numbers suggest limited commercial success.

Production Journey and Development

Long Development Process

The project has been a long time coming for Kashyap, who wrote the script back in 2016 while working on “Mukkabaaz.” Originally conceived as a simple story about two brothers falling for the same girl, the narrative evolved significantly over nearly a decade of development.

Kashyap revealed that the Amazon MGM Studios partnership came about through a chance encounter on a Melbourne flight, where he pitched the script mid-air to a senior executive, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of film financing and development.

Collaborative Approach

The film’s development benefited from collaborative input, with co-writers Ranjan Chandel and Prasoon Mishra contributing to the screenplay. The musical elements also developed organically, with various composers contributing songs based on their response to the script.

Working with Amazon MGM Studios provided Kashyap with creative freedom reminiscent of his early filmmaking days, allowing him to pursue his vision without significant commercial constraints.

Themes and Cultural Commentary

Family Dynamics and Social Structure

At its core, Nishaanchi explores family relationships against the backdrop of crime and social upheaval. The film examines how individual choices affect family bonds and community relationships.

In Kashyap’s inversion of genre convention, it is the mother figure who wields ultimate power, turning traditional gender roles within crime narratives on their head.

Crime and Conscience

The narrative explores the moral complexities of crime, presenting characters who aren’t simply good or evil but exist in morally ambiguous spaces where circumstances drive decisions.

The film addresses themes of brotherhood, betrayal, love, and redemption while examining how identical individuals can develop vastly different moral compasses.

Regional Identity and Cultural Authenticity

Set in Uttar Pradesh, the film authentically captures regional dialect, customs, and social dynamics. Kashyap’s attention to cultural specificity adds layers of authenticity that ground the dramatic events in recognizable social realities.

Comparison with Kashyap’s Previous Works

Evolution and Continuity

Critics consistently compare Nishaanchi to Kashyap’s earlier works, particularly Gangs of Wasseypur, noting both similarities and differences in approach and execution.

While maintaining his signature style, Kashyap shifts focus from pure gangster narrative to family drama, creating what he describes as a more emotionally grounded story.

Technical and Artistic Growth

The film demonstrates Kashyap’s continued evolution as a filmmaker while returning to themes and settings that established his reputation. The longer runtime allows for more comprehensive character development than some of his recent works.

Awards and Recognition Potential

Given the strong critical reception, particularly for Monika Panwar’s performance and Kashyap’s direction, the film has potential for recognition in various award categories including Best Actress, Best Director, and technical awards for cinematography and music.

Aaishvary Thackeray’s debut performance may also receive recognition, particularly for the challenging dual role that showcases significant range and maturity.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

Sequel Potential

Critics note that this represents only “Part 1” of a larger story, suggesting that Kashyap envisions expanding this narrative universe. The film’s ending and character development support the possibility of continuation.

Influence on Independent Cinema

Nishaanchi’s approach to balancing commercial and artistic elements may influence other filmmakers attempting to create challenging content within mainstream production frameworks.

Career Implications

For Aaishvary Thackeray, this debut establishes him as a serious performer capable of handling complex material. If he “charts his journey wisely, this debut could position him as a next-generation” leading man in serious cinema.

For Monika Panwar, the film reinforces her position as one of Indian cinema’s most reliable character actors, capable of anchoring complex narratives.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

Nishaanchi succeeds as a return to form for Anurag Kashyap while introducing promising new talent. The film rewards patience with rich character development and authentic performances, though its demanding runtime and complex narrative may limit its appeal to casual viewers.

Strengths:

• Exceptional performances, particularly from Monika Panwar
• Authentic regional atmosphere and cultural specificity
• Strong directorial vision and technical execution
• Successful debut from Aaishvary Thackeray
• Rich thematic content exploring family and morality

Areas for Improvement:

• Nearly three-hour runtime may test audience patience
• Occasional indulgent sequences that slow pacing
• Limited commercial appeal beyond art-house audiences
• Complex narrative structure may confuse casual viewers

Recommended For:

• Fans of Anurag Kashyap’s previous works
• Viewers who appreciate character-driven crime dramas
• Audiences interested in authentic regional cinema
• Those seeking challenging, artistic content
• Film enthusiasts who enjoy complex narratives

Consider Carefully If:

• You prefer shorter, fast-paced entertainment
• You’re looking for light, commercial entertainment
• You have limited patience for art-house cinema
• You’re not interested in crime drama themes

Nishaanchi stands as proof that Anurag Kashyap remains a vital voice in Indian cinema, capable of creating challenging, rewarding content that pushes boundaries while honoring his artistic roots. While it may not achieve widespread commercial success, the film succeeds in its primary objectives: telling an authentic story with conviction and introducing new talent with confidence.