'Nishaanchi' Review: Anurag Kashyap Returns to Form with a Gritty, Glorious Masala Epic
Anurag Kashyap is back in his element. With "Nishaanchi," the acclaimed director has made a powerful and confident return to the sprawling, milieu-driven crime sagas that first defined his unique voice in Indian cinema. The film is a lively and layered homage to the 1980s masala entertainer, skillfully blending crime, drama, and comedy into a cohesive whole. While its indulgent, near-three-hour runtime may test the patience of some, "Nishaanchi" is an immersive and deeply entertaining experience, anchored by a stunning debut performance from Aaishvary Thackeray in a challenging dual role.
A Throwback to 80s Masala, with a Modern Edge
From its opening moments, "Nishaanchi" feels like a film Kashyap was born to make. It evokes the raw energy of classic 80s revenge dramas but enriches the formula with the complex characters and layered storytelling that are his signature. The narrative is vast and multi-generational, a structure that will inevitably draw comparisons to his magnum opus, "Gangs of Wasseypur." However, while it shares a similar epic scope, "Nishaanchi" carves out its own distinct identity. The film is set in the gritty world of Kanpur, and Kashyap, with the help of his stellar cast and crew, captures the texture and dialect of the city with remarkable precision, creating a world that feels completely authentic and lived-in.
A Sprawling Saga of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge
The story unfolds around twin brothers, Babloo and Dabloo, both played by Aaishvary Thackeray. Babloo is the daring, charismatic criminal, while Dabloo is the timid mama's boy. The plot is set in motion by a bank heist gone horribly wrong, which lands Babloo in jail and forces Dabloo and his love interest, Rinku (Vedika Pinto), on the run. From there, the narrative plunges into an extended flashback, revealing the tragic story of the twins' parents. Both former sports players whose dreams were crushed by politics, their lives are torn apart by a devastating act of betrayal that sets the stage for the next generation's cycle of violence and revenge. It's a dense and intricate plot, and Kashyap takes his time detailing every thread, demanding the audience's full attention and investment.
A Star is Born in a Field of Stellar Performances
What truly elevates "Nishaanchi" beyond a standard commercial potboiler is its exceptional cast. The film is a remarkable launching pad for Aaishvary Thackeray, who delivers an impressively confident and nuanced debut. The twin brothers are polar opposites, and Thackeray manages to make both characters distinctly believable, a huge accomplishment for any actor, let alone a newcomer. He is matched by a spirited performance from Vedika Pinto, who brings a compelling resilience to her tragic character. The film is also populated by a host of Kashyap regulars and brilliant character actors, including a reliably menacing Kumud Mishra and the ever-versatile Vineet Kumar Singh. The entire ensemble, even in the smallest of roles, adds to the rich authenticity of the world Kashyap has built.
By the time the "End of Part 1" title card appears, it's clear that Kashyap has only just begun to lay the groundwork for his sprawling saga. "Nishaanchi" is not without its flaws—its deliberate pace and sheer length can feel indulgent at times—but it is a powerful, gritty, and glorious return to form for one of India's most important filmmakers.
