Pune Highway directed by Bugs Bhargava Krishna and Rahul da Cunha who also co-produced with Seema Mohapatra under Drop D Films, Ten Years Younger Productions is a psychologically intense thriller that delves into themes of friendship, guilt, and hidden secrets, all revolving around a suspicious death. This film is showing now in theatres.
Story
The story revolves around three friends—Pramod (Amit Sadh), Vishnu (Jim Sarbh), and Nicky (Anuvab Pal)—who have drifted apart. Their lives are turned upside down when a woman from their past, Mona (Ketaki Narayan), is discovered dead under mysterious circumstances.
As the investigation unfolds, dark truths emerge, challenging their friendship and forcing them to confront repressed traumas and regrets. The film’s gradual psychological tension is primarily confined to a single location, evoking past betrayals and unresolved feelings while methodically revealing the cracks in their friendship.
Performances
Amit Sadh delivers a commendable performance in a complex role, effectively portraying guilt, grief, and restraint, and his emotional journey is both credible and pivotal to the film’s weight.
Jim Sarbh captivates as Vishnu, infusing his lines with humor and menace, and his quirky charm contributes to a chaotic energy that fits the film well.
Anuvab Pal impresses with a nuanced performance, serving as an emotional anchor that is essential for understanding the shared history of the characters. Despite her limited screen time, Ketaki Narayan is impactful in her flashbacks, as her character acts as the emotional catalyst for the plot. While Manjari Fadnis and Sudeep Modak provide competent performances, their roles lack sufficient depth to leave a memorable impression.
Behind the scenes
Bugs Bhargava Krishna’s direction, along with Rahul Da Cunha’s guidance, excels in establishing mood and maintaining tension, although there are moments when the tone awkwardly shifts between thriller and emotional drama. The cinematography by Deep Metkar effectively captures the film’s somber, reflective mood.
Some scenes could have benefited from tighter editing, as their extended presence drags the pacing down, particularly in the climax following the slow buildup of the first two acts. The music by Shor Police and sound design, complemented by a minimalistic score, enhance the overall atmosphere without overwhelming the narrative.
Final Analysis
While the premise of friends entangled in a mysterious death is familiar, Pune Highway offers a refreshing psychological approach. It emphasizes emotional disintegration more than the typical whodunnit narrative. The limited setting enhances the sense of isolation and urgency, and the dialogue feels authentic, raw, and sometimes disturbing, effectively utilizing emotional outbursts and silences.
The second act, however, falters due to excessive emotional confrontations and flashbacks that could have been more succinct. Some characters, especially Mona (Ketaki Narayan) as well as supporting roles played by Manjari Fadnis and Sudeep Modak, come across as plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out personalities. While the film attempts to deliver surprises, seasoned viewers may find certain twists and revelations to be predictable.
In summary, Pune Highway effectively explores deep emotional themes within a psychological thriller framework. The film successfully creates an atmospheric tension bolstered by strong performances—particularly from Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh. Though it stumbles at times with pacing and predictability, its emotional foundation remains strong. It’s not a flawless thriller, but it is a thought-provoking, slow-burn drama that engages intellectually rather than relying solely on mystery.
