Star Cast: Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Adarsh Gourav, Rohan Gurbaxani, Kalki Koechlin
Director: Arjun Varain Singh
Available On: Netflix
Runtime: 2 hours 14 minutes
Plot: Situated in the bustling city of Mumbai, three inseparable friends navigate the intricacies of life, relationships, and career challenges in a slice-of-life drama that unfolds like a gripping thriller. Their lives take an unexpected turn when the impact of an obsessive relationship with social media becomes starkly evident.
Synopsis: In the heart of Mumbai, roommates Ahana (played by Ananya Panday) and Imaad (played by Siddhant Chaturvedi), along with their friend Neil (played by Adarsh Gourav), confront the consequences of their deep connection with social media. Imaad, a stand-up comedian, seeks solace in Tinder, while Ahana dreams of a perfect relationship with Rohan (Rohan Gurbaxani), and Neil aspires to establish his own gym. Each grapples with personal struggles in a world where the line between the real and the virtual is rapidly eroding.
Review: The narrative raises thought-provoking questions about the potential aftermath if social media were to suddenly crash, forcing people to confront reality. Drawing parallels to the psychological manipulation inherent in social networking, the story echoes the insightful words from the Netflix documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’—”If you are not paying for the product, you are the product.”
Directorial Debut: Arjun Varain Singh’s debut as a director delivers a scathing social commentary on the existential crisis faced by millennials and Gen Z. The film reflects the urban experience, holding up a mirror to our current state of mind. What begins as a lighthearted tale of friendship transitions into a dark relationship thriller that delves into trauma and loneliness in the digital age.
Themes Explored: The film explores the thinning line between real and reel life, highlighting the challenges of completing tasks without succumbing to the allure of social media updates. It poses poignant questions about the impact of the “doing it for the gram” culture on our ability to truly live, feel, and experience life. The script masterfully weaves in class disparity, portraying influencers projecting lifestyles beyond their means and fitness enthusiasts grappling with societal expectations.
Writing Style: Penned by Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Yash Sahai, and Arjun, the script, while occasionally meandering, effectively integrates tension into the narrative. The story raises pertinent questions about the transformation of capturing moments into creating content and the dominance of scrolling over genuine living.
Performances: Siddhant Chaturvedi’s portrayal of Imaad strikes a rare balance between warmth and detached arrogance, while Ananya Panday dispels notions of nepotism, making the audience invest in her character’s vulnerabilities. Adarsh Gourav, as Neil, skillfully brings forth the character’s emotional turmoil and repressed anger.
Overall Impression: “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” emerges as a highly relevant and unsettling modern-day horror, offering a stark reality check. It challenges viewers to reconsider the significance of seemingly trivial actions in the virtual realm, leaving a lasting impact. While some aspects of the plot remain ambiguous, the anxiety-inducing treatment and compelling performances elevate the film to a must-watch.
Watch Trailer : Kho Gaye Hum Kahan | Official Trailer
