Exploring Ambition and Rivalry in Anurag Kashyap's 'Nishaanchi'

A Tale of Twin Brothers and Their Struggles

Set in Kanpur during 2006, 'Nishaanchi' follows identical twins Babloo and Dabloo, portrayed by Aaishvary Thackeray, as they attempt a bank heist alongside Babloo's girlfriend, Rinku. The poorly executed robbery leads to Babloo's imprisonment, leaving Rinku vulnerable and Dabloo finally stepping out from his brother's shadow.

Directed by Anurag Kashyap, 'Nishaanchi' is the first installment of a two-part narrative that delves into the contrasting personalities of the brothers and their shared affection for Rinku. While the film is well-crafted and features strong performances, it ultimately presents a familiar storyline centered on ambition and revenge, marked by mild sibling rivalry.

Kashyap's exploration of traditional Bollywood tropes includes all the expected elements: bickering twins, a widow struggling to survive, and a villain intent on seizing what isn't his. The filmmakers, including co-writers Prasoon Mishra and Ranjan Chandel, manage to tone down the sentimentality, opting for a more realistic and gritty portrayal of these clichés.

Ambika Prasad, played by Kumud Mishra, acts as a manipulative force, creating discord between the wrestler Jabardast (Viineet Kumar Siingh) and his mentor. Meanwhile, Jabardast's wife, Manjari (Monika Panwar), faces the challenge of raising their twin sons alone. Babloo emerges as a confident figure, while Dabloo adopts a more reserved demeanor.

As Ambika threatens Rinku's safety, Babloo transitions from being Ambika's loyal enforcer to Rinku's devoted partner. Rinku's rapid transformation feels rushed, while Dabloo remains in the background, waiting for his moment to shine.

'Nishaanchi' occasionally references classic films, drawing inspiration from titles like 'Mother India', 'Deewar', and even 'Scarface', as well as Kashyap's own 'Gangs of Wasseypur'. Similar to 'Gangs of Wasseypur', this film features an eclectic soundtrack and characters influenced by popular cinema, with Babloo's understanding of romance stemming from 'Raja Hindustani'.

However, lacking the unique characters, humor, and chaotic spirit that defined 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'Nishaanchi' feels like a diluted version of that epic tale of vengeance across generations.

While 'Gangs of Wasseypur' presented a rich tapestry of predictable Bollywood narratives, 'Nishaanchi' spans 176 minutes of largely unremarkable storytelling, heavy on exposition. The most intriguing aspect of the plot—the contrasting lives of the twins—barely surfaces.

The film does feature moments of wildness, clever humor, and self-referential commentary on the impact of Hindi cinema. Kashyap's ability to draw out the best performances from his actors is evident.

Monika Panwar and Kumud Mishra shine in the ensemble cast, while Aaishvary Thackeray, in his debut role, surprises with more depth than mere novelty.

Panwar, despite appearing youthful alongside her grown sons, excels as the resilient Manjari, infusing her character with a fierce and complex presence.

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub makes a brief appearance as the unscrupulous police inspector Kamal Ajeeb, while Kumud Mishra impresses as Ambika Prasad, skillfully using his nuanced voice and calm demeanor.

Similar to Ambika, whose bark is worse than his bite, the film aspires to deliver more than the typical Hindi narrative of sibling rivalry and revenge in a small-town setting. The absence of melodrama in 'Nishaanchi' is refreshing, as is the portrayal of Babloo and Dabloo's struggles as those of ordinary men rather than larger-than-life heroes on a grand quest.

Ultimately, the theme of doubling, a beloved cinematic trope, serves merely as a plot device in a film that falls short of its potential.

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