Nishaanchi Roars with Chaos: Anurag Kashyap’s 3-Hour Gamble on Crime and Comedy
Kashyap Reloaded: A 177-Minute Crime Carnival That Breaks the Mold
Nishaanchi Unleashed: Anurag Kashyap’s Bold Crime Comedy Dares Bollywood to Keep Up – Anurag Kashyap has never been one to play it safe. With Nishaanchi, his longest film to date, the maverick director returns to his gritty roots but this time with a twist of comedy, chaos, and conscience. Clocking in at nearly three hours, the film is a genre-bending crime comedy that marks the explosive debut of Aaishvary Thackeray, who plays twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo – mirror images with clashing moral compasses.
Set in early-2000s Uttar Pradesh, Nishaanchi follows the tangled lives of two brothers caught between love, loyalty, and lawlessness. Babloo is a soft-spoken romantic entangled with Rangeeli Rinku (played by Vedika Pinto), while Dabloo is a volatile hustler with a penchant for trouble. Their paths collide in a whirlwind of mistaken identities, corrupt cops, and emotional betrayals.
Kashyap, who co-wrote the film with Ranjan Chandel and Prasoon Mishra, has described Nishaanchi as a throwback to the golden age of Hindi cinema from Bimal Roy to Amitabh Bachchan. But don’t expect sepia-toned nostalgia. This is Kashyap in full throttle, blending slapstick with social commentary, and satire with sentiment.
The film also stars Monika Panwar as the mother of the twins, along with Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Kumud Mishra in pivotal roles. Backed by Amazon MGM Studios and Jar Pictures, Nishaanchi is a cinematic cocktail that’s equal parts absurd and affecting.
Censored but Unapologetic: CBFC Cuts and Kashyap’s Comeback
In true Kashyap fashion, Nishaanchi stirred controversy before its release. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared the film with a UA rating but only after censoring 12 curse words. While some critics argue that the cuts dilute Kashyap’s raw storytelling, the director remains unfazed.
“I’m not here to shock anymore,” Kashyap said in a recent interview. “I’m here to entertain and maybe provoke thought while doing it.”
This marks a tonal shift from his earlier works like Gangs of Wasseypur and Ugly, which were unapologetically dark and violent. With Nishaanchi, Kashyap seems to be embracing a more playful, albeit still politically charged, narrative style.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Anurag Saikia and Manan Bhardwaj, adds to its offbeat charm. From retro qawwalis to techno-infused chase sequences, the music mirrors the film’s chaotic energy.
Interestingly, the film ends with a post-credit tease: “Part 2 in the works.” This confirms that Nishaanchi is not just a standalone experiment but the beginning of a new franchise. Whether it will follow the Wasseypur model of staggered releases or take a longer route remains to be seen.
Release Date, Premiere Buzz & Streaming Plans
Nishaanchi is set to hit theatres nationwide on September 19, 2025, with advance bookings already open. The premiere will be held at Mumbai’s iconic Liberty Cinema, where Kashyap’s cult classics once played to packed houses. Expect a red carpet flooded with indie stars, political royalty (given Aaishvary’s lineage), and cinephiles eager to witness the next big thing.
Amazon Prime Video has acquired the streaming rights, though the OTT premiere date is yet to be announced. Given the film’s length and layered storytelling, it’s likely to enjoy a strong theatrical run before landing online.
Nishaanchi will compete at the box office with Jolly LLB 3, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. While the latter has mass appeal, Nishaanchi is banking on Kashyap’s cult following and Aaishvary’s curiosity factor to draw audiences.
The film’s trailer, which dropped earlier this month, has already racked up millions of views. Fans are particularly intrigued by Aaishvary’s double role, which showcases his range from brooding intensity to manic comedy.
Why Nishaanchi Could Be Kashyap’s Most Daring Gamble Yet
Nishaanchi is more than just a film it’s a litmus test for Kashyap’s evolution as a filmmaker. After years of being typecast as the “dark lord of indie cinema,” he’s now experimenting with tone, structure, and casting. Choosing a debutant like Aaishvary Thackeray who comes from a political dynasty but has no prior acting credits is a bold move. And it seems to be paying off.
Early reviews from private screenings suggest that Aaishvary delivers a breakout performance, seamlessly switching between Babloo’s innocence and Dabloo’s menace. Vedika Pinto, too, shines as Rangeeli Rinku, a character that’s equal parts comic relief and emotional anchor.
But the real star here is Kashyap’s storytelling. Nishaanchi is packed with meta-humor, political jabs, and emotional gut-punches. It’s a film that laughs at its own chaos while forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about identity, morality, and legacy.
If Nishaanchi succeeds, it could redefine what mainstream Bollywood considers “commercial.” If it fails, it will still be remembered as a brave, unfiltered attempt to push boundaries.
Either way, Kashyap has made it clear: he’s not done reinventing himself. And with Nishaanchi, he’s inviting us to join the ride, no seatbelts required.
Also read: Bollywood on Netflix: 7 Hindi Movies Lighting Up September 2025 With Drama, Romance & Laughter
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