Nishaanchi Movie: Anurag Kashyap’s Gangster Comeback with Aaishvary Thackeray’s Bold Debut

Anurag Kashyap is back in his favourite playground — the world of gangsters, revenge, and raw human emotions. His latest film, Nishaanchi, released on 19 September 2025, is set in early 2000s Kanpur and blends the gritty realism Kashyap is known for with the larger-than-life masala of Bollywood classics.

The film has already got people talking, thanks to Aaishvary Thackeray’s debut in a double role and Monika Panwar’s powerhouse act. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

Plot in Simple Words

The story revolves around twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo Nishaanchi (both played by Aaishvary Thackeray). Babloo is the aggressive one who lands in jail after a failed bank heist, while the softer Dabloo tries to keep things afloat with their love interest Rinku (Vedika Pinto).

A flashback then takes us into the parents’ story Manjiri (Monika Panwar), a sharpshooter, and Jabardast Singh (Vineet Kumar Singh), a wrestler crushed by politics. Their tragic lives are tied to the villainous Ambika Prasad (Kumud Mishra), setting the stage for a revenge saga that spans generations.

It’s crime, family drama, and revenge all rolled into one.

What Works in Nishaanchi

Strong Performances

• Aaishvary Thackeray impresses in his debut, handling both Babloo and Dabloo with surprising confidence. His Kanpuriya accent and screen presence make him one to watch.

• Monika Panwar steals the show as Manjiri. Fierce, emotional, and utterly convincing — she is the soul of the film.

• Kumud Mishra once again proves why he’s Bollywood’s go-to villain.

Authentic Kanpur Vibes

From the dialect to the narrow lanes, Kashyap’s world feels real. The detailing of the setting transports you straight into UP’s gangster belt.

Technical Brilliance

• Cinematographer Sylvester Fonseca captures the chaos beautifully — cramped prison fights, by-lane chases, and intense shootouts.
  

• Music by Anurag Saikia, Dhruv Ghanekar, Manan Bhardwaj, and even Aaishvary Thackeray himself stands out. Songs like “Birwa” and “Pigeon Kabootar” add to the narrative instead of distracting from it.
  

Where It Falls Short

• Too Long: At 2 hours 56 minutes, the film feels stretched. The second half drags and could have been 30 minutes shorter.

• Feels Familiar: If you’ve seen Gangs of Wasseypur or even Karan Arjun, some beats will feel predictable. It’s Kashyap reworking his old template.

Box Office & Reviews

• Critics have given mixed-to-positive reviews — performances praised, length criticised. Ratings range from 2.5 to 4 stars.

• Box office numbers are weak, with collections struggling to cross even ₹1 crore on opening day. This shows the tough spot content-driven cinema is in today’s market.
  

Final Verdict

Nishaanchi is not Kashyap’s best, but it’s far from his worst. It’s a love letter to old-school Bollywood masala, with sharp dialogues, great performances, and technical brilliance.

• If you’re a fan of crime sagas, you’ll enjoy it.

• If you’re expecting another Gangs of Wasseypur, you may walk out a little disappointed.

Rating: 3/5

The real takeaway? Aaishvary Thackeray has arrived, and Monika Panwar continues to shine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Nishaanchi connected to Gangs of Wasseypur?

Not directly, but it has the same gangster vibe and Kashyap’s signature storytelling style.

2. How long is Nishaanchi movie?

The runtime is 2 hours and 56 minutes, making it nearly 3 hours long.

3. Who is the hero of Nishaanchi?

The film stars Aaishvary Thackeray in a double role as twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo.

4. Is Nishaanchi worth watching in theatres?

Yes, if you enjoy crime dramas, strong acting, and Kashyap’s raw storytelling. But be prepared for the long runtime.

5. How did Nishaanchi perform at the box office?

The film opened weakly, earning less than ₹1 crore on day one, despite strong performances and hype.