Ananya Panday, a rising star in the world of Indian cinema, has been basking in the limelight with the enthusiastic reception of her new film ‘CTRL’ on OTT platforms. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, ‘CTRL’ delves into the complex web of social media’s influence on mental health and how its tentacles can stretch into dangerous territory. In a recent chat as part of her promotional efforts for the film, Ananya expressed a rather bold opinion: she wishes that the internet was free of apps like Reddit and Photoshop.
In the context of a candid promotional interview with Instant Bollywood, both Ananya Panday and Vikramaditya Motwane were engaged in a lively discussion about the digital age and its impact. During their conversation, they were posed with an intriguing question about which social media applications they felt should not exist. Without hesitation, Ananya pointed to Reddit, before elaborating further by also calling out Photoshop. “I think it would be fascinating to see a world where people show their real selves, without the layers of edited filters,” she remarked, emphasizing her thoughts on not just Photoshop but on photo editing platforms in general.
Motwane, lauded for his innovative storytelling in Indian cinema, has taken his craft to the digital landscape with ‘CTRL’. Known for films like ‘Udaan’, ‘Lootera’, and ‘Trapped’, he has now ventured into uncharted territory by directing India’s first screenlife thriller. This genre tells a story entirely through digital screens, leveraging the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence. In this groundbreaking film, Ananya Panday takes on the role of Nella Awasthi, an influencer navigating the tumultuous aftermath of a breakup. In a bid to move on from her ex-boyfriend Joe, she turns to Artificial Intelligence for solace and control.
During a discussion with ANI about casting Ananya Panday in such a pivotal role, Motwane elucidated the reasons behind his choice. He sought an actress who resonated with the contemporary youth, someone familiar with the nuances of internet culture, and could portray the intricacies of someone who maneuvers through the trolling and adulation of the online world.
. “Ananya has a presence that is hard to miss,” Motwane noted. “I was captivated by her performance in ‘Gehraiyaan’. She exuded a unique charm, making her an obvious choice for the script, even when it was just beginning to take shape.”
The film’s narrative not only showcases the prowess of its leads but also engages with a sobering message about the pitfalls of social media dependence. Ananya’s on-screen journey provides a mirror to society’s growing reliance on digital identities, often overshadowed by enhanced, seemingly perfect personas. Her character’s struggle with technology and its interference in personal healing echoes concerns that are increasingly pertinent in today’s fast-paced digital world.
Ananya Panday’s reflections on wanting to remove Reddit and Photoshop add another layer to the ongoing conversation about the impact of technology on perceptions of self-worth and authenticity. The conversation steers towards the idea that behind every user, be it influencer or not, is an authentic self that may be in danger of being perpetually masked by the pressures to conform to digital standards.
Reflecting on the burgeoning discourse around digital authenticity, Ananya’s comments have sparked a broader discussion on how platforms like Reddit facilitate candid dialogues while simultaneously harboring spaces that can amplify negative voices. As for Photoshop and similar apps, her critique underscores the ongoing debate about the societal pressure to adhere to idealized images, which can often perpetuate unrealistic standards of beauty and self-presentation.
With ‘CTRL’, both Ananya Panday and Vikramaditya Motwane invite audiences to pause and ponder over the pervasive reach of technology. They challenge viewers to look beyond the screen and appreciate a more unfiltered reality. Through the film, they highlight the necessity of balance in a world where digital life so frequently mirrors or influences reality, urging a more mindful approach to both content creation and consumption.
