Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is back on the big screen with his latest crime drama Nishaanchi. Featuring Aaishvary Thackeray in his debut role alongside Vedika Pinto, the movie was released in theatres today on September 19, 2025. If you’re planning to catch it, here’s our comprehensive Nishaanchi review to help you decide.
Story
Nishaanchi takes audiences to Kanpur in 2006, where identical twins Babloo and Dabloo (both played by Aaishvary Thackeray) team up with Babloo’s friend Rinku (Vedika Pinto) for a high-stakes bank heist. However, their plan derails when Babloo is arrested and sentenced to ten years in prison, while Dabloo escapes with Rinku.
The narrative then rewinds to the past, introducing their father Jabardasth (Viineet Kumar Singh), a passionate wrestler who struggles with lack of recognition. Supported by his friend Ambika Prasad, he tries to overcome personal setbacks but meets a tragic end—an event that deeply impacts Babloo’s life and choices.
The film raises critical questions: What drives Babloo into a world of crime? Does he rise as a dreaded gangster or carve a happier future with his family? These answers unfold only on screen.
Performances
One of the biggest highlights of the movie is Aaishvary Thackeray’s impressive debut. Portraying dual roles, he shines as both the daring Babloo and the innocent Dabloo, showcasing notable versatility in action and comic scenes.
Monika Panwar, as the twins’ mother, delivers a powerful performance that balances emotional and hard-hitting moments. Vedika Pinto is decent as Rinku, while seasoned actors like Kumud Mishra, Viineet Kumar Singh, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub bring depth to their roles and keep the narrative engaging.
Behind the scenes
The strength of Nishaanchi lies in its authentic writing, crafted by Kashyap along with Ranjan Chandel and Prasoon Mishra. The film stays rooted in its Kanpur setting, reflecting the city’s raw energy. Sharp, witty dialogues inject humor at the right moments while heightening tension during conflicts.
Apart from the writing, Kashyap uses music and action sequences to enhance the experience. While some songs blend seamlessly with the story, others disrupt the film’s pacing and dilute the tension. The wrestling akhada song, for instance, feels unnecessary and forced.
At nearly three hours long, Nishaanchi is Kashyap’s lengthiest film to date. Unfortunately, this extended runtime doesn’t work in its favor. Certain scenes drag on, creating a lull in the narrative. A tighter edit and focused storytelling could have elevated the film’s overall impact. Moreover, the occasional use of dark humor doesn’t always land with the audience.
Final Verdict
Overall, Nishaanchi is a gritty, one-time watch that benefits greatly from its strong performances and compelling storyline. However, the lengthy runtime and inconsistent pacing stop it from being one of Anurag Kashyap’s best works. If you enjoy crime dramas rooted in realism with powerhouse acting, Nishaanchi might still be worth your ticket.
