Pune Highway

"Na story ka pata, na character - sab hawa mein flow ho rahe hain."

I had hopes. Not high hopes, but at least something watchable. Pune Highway, however, turned out to be a chaotic circus dressed as a thriller. It's like someone put together a theatre rehearsal, added some random dialogues, dim lighting, and called it cinema.

The story? Still searching.

The characters? Lost on the same highway, I guess.

The pacing? Slow enough to make a snail yawn.

The drama? Over-the-top notanki, without any soul.

The suspense? Non-existent. Even Google Maps has more plot twists.

The whole movie moves with zero direction - neither literally nor emotionally. It's not just boring, it's frustratingly pointless. If you're looking for a masterclass on how to waste talented actors and test audience patience, this might be it.

Verdict: Watch only if your WiFi is down and you've finished watching paint dry.

Perfect combo of boring, slow, and bekaar.

Honestly, I went into Pune Highway with zero expectations. The trailer had some buzz, but these days, there are a million thrillers out there to choose from. Still, this movie genuinely surprised me kuch alag hi feel tha ismein.

It opens with a murder, no dramatic buildup, no typical masala just throws you straight into a tense situation. At first, it feels simple. But as the story moves forward, the tension slowly starts to creep in. You're never quite sure who to trust.

There's no loud, foreshadowing background score, no over-the-top drama. It's raw, grounded and that's exactly what makes it hit harder. And honestly, it makes you think: films like this deserve better budgets and more support.

By the end, I was like, "Yeh toh socha hi nahi tha!" It's not flawless, but it's the kind of film that lingers in your mind.

If you're into something offbeat, different, and quietly tense, definitely give this one a shot.

Adapted from Rahul da Cunha's play, Pune Highway is a slow-burn psychological thriller that trades jump scares for moral unease. The film pivots around a group of childhood friends whose lives unravel after a body is found near their apartment complex - a narrative ripe with paranoia, guilt, and suppressed history.

The tension never explodes, it festers. Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh deliver the expected fireworks - both playing men haunted in different keys. But it's Sudeep Modak, as the quiet, watchful Inspector Pethe, who is the film's quietest coup. His performance is subtle and unsettling, never demanding attention but always commanding it. There's something almost Kafkaesque in the way he draws out confessions - not with force, but with stillness.

The film's pacing stumbles in parts, and its theatrical roots occasionally peek through, but Pune Highway succeeds in crafting an atmosphere that stays with you - grimy, grey, and eerily familiar.

Pune Highway is a taut, atmospheric thriller that grips you from its opening scene and doesn't let go. Set almost entirely in a single night, the film masterfully captures the anxiety, tension, and chaos that unfolds when three friends find themselves at the center of a disturbing, unpredictable crisis.

But it is Amit Sadh who stands out with a performance that is equal parts restrained and explosive. As the emotionally complex and conflicted character, Sadh brings depth, vulnerability, and simmering intensity to the screen. He portrays fear, confusion, and anger with such authenticity that you can't help but be drawn into his mental state.

Whether it's the unspoken tension in his eyes or the breakdown of a man under immense psychological pressure, Amit delivers a career-defining act-proving once again that he's one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema today. His presence anchors the film, adding a sense of urgency and realism that elevates the entire narrative.

Pune Highway is a must-watch for lovers of smart thrillers-and Amit Sadh's performance alone is worth the ride.

Pune Highway masterfully blends dark humour with nail-biting suspense, pulling off a tonal balance that's rarely achieved in thrillers. What begins as an awkward, almost comedic situation quickly takes a sharp, unnerving turn. The writing is clever and layered, slowly peeling back the characters' fears and flaws without relying on cliché. The confined setting only adds to the tension, giving the film an intimate, theatrical feel. There's a sense of unease that builds quietly, erupting in unexpected ways. It's witty without being forced, shocking without being cheap, and overall, a refreshing and intelligent thriller that stays with you long after.

Stars: 8 Stars.