Anurag Kashyap’s Nishaanchi is a Kanpur-set tale of twins caught between loyalty, betrayal, and crime. With strong performances and immersive world-building, the film hits many high notes but is weighed down by its length and familiar tropes.
Story
The film revolves around Babloo and Dabloo, twin brothers played by debutant Aaishvary Thackeray. Their lives take very different turns after betrayal and ambition disrupt their family. Babloo, drawn into crime under the influence of the manipulative Ambika Prasad, becomes a swaggering gangster. Dabloo, in contrast, remains close to his mother Manjari, who represents resilience and integrity after losing her husband. What follows is a story of revenge, fractured loyalties, and an inevitable clash between the two brothers, with Kanpur’s gritty underbelly serving as the backdrop.
Strengths of the Film
The most striking aspect of Nishaanchi is its performances. Aaishvary Thackeray makes a promising debut, successfully distinguishing the fiery Babloo from the more restrained Dabloo. Monika Panwar delivers a standout performance as Manjari, a widow who refuses to be cowed by power or politics. Kumud Mishra adds weight as the cunning Ambika, and Vineet Kumar Singh brings grit as Jabardast, the father whose downfall triggers much of the conflict. Vedika Pinto lends charm and energy as Rinku, who becomes entangled in the brothers’ rivalry.
Kashyap’s world-building is another major strength. The lanes of Kanpur, the akharas, the local dialect, and the blend of humour and menace make the setting feel alive. Cinematographer Sylvester Fonseca captures the mood with sharp visuals, and Kashyap’s signature style is evident in the way he fuses dark humour with filmi references. The film often slips in clever nods to Hindi cinema’s past, which adds flavour without derailing the narrative.
Where It Falters
At nearly three hours long, the film meanders in places, especially in the second half, testing the viewer’s patience. Kashyap’s fondness for the world he created in Gangs of Wasseypur lingers here, and the film often feels like an echo of that earlier landmark. The narrative leans on familiar tropes: the clash between good and evil twins, the widowed mother, and the inevitable love triangle. While the women characters are strong on paper, they sometimes end up serving more as emotional anchors than as fully realised individuals.
Highlights
Despite its unevenness, the film delivers several memorable moments. The flashback sequences featuring Manjari and Jabardast stand out, portraying a love story rooted in shared passion for sport and dreams crushed by politics. The local humour, drawn from Kanpur’s dialect and mannerisms, provides much-needed levity, while dialogues brimming with earthy wisdom add depth. One particularly effective scene contrasts azaan and temple bells echoing across Kanpur, capturing Kashyap’s flair for visual symbolism.
Verdict
Nishaanchi is Anurag Kashyap’s return to the crime-ridden heartland that made him a cult name. It combines strong performances, detailed world-building, and moments of sharp humour, but is held back by its length and reliance on familiar territory. The film does not fully escape the shadow of Wasseypur, yet it manages to keep the viewer engaged with its atmosphere and character dynamics. For fans of gritty, small-town sagas, Nishaanchi offers enough to warrant a trip to the theatre, though patience is required.
Bullseye Rating:★★★ (3/5 stars)
Nishaanchi is currently playing in theatres.
