The internet is everywhere — on our phones, in our homes, and, let’s be honest, even in our heads sometimes. We swipe, we like, we share, and we scroll, not realizing how deeply embedded the internet has become in our lives.
Have you ever stopped to wonder: is the internet controlling us?
If you’ve never questioned that before, Ananya Pandey’s latest film CTRLmight just push you to ask, “Wait, who’s really in charge here — me or my phone?”
CTRL — A Movie Told in Screens
CTRL, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, is a new-age thriller that takes a deep dive into our relationship with social media, data privacy, and love in the digital age. It’s a movie told entirely through screens — yes, much like how we all experience our day-to-day lives.
In a refreshing break from the usual storytelling methods, the film unfolds through social media videos, camera footage, and digital interactions, giving us a bird’s-eye view of what our lives would look like if someone could watch us 24/7. Spoiler alert: it’s pretty eerie.
Meet Nella and Joe — Modern Love, Social Media Style
At the heart of CTRL are Nella (played by Ananya Pandey) and Joe Mascarenhas (Vihaan Samat), a modern couple who showcase their love to the world through social media. From cutesy vacation videos to spontaneous moments of affection, they are what many would call “relationship goals.”
Their joint page, cleverly named ‘NJoy’ (a combo of Nella + Joe), is filled with the kind of viral content you see online every day — funny, lighthearted, and occasionally cringe-inducing (because who doesn’t want to know the “best places to make out in college”? Spoiler: chemistry lab, because, duh, chemistry).
But beneath the filters and hashtags, things take a turn. When Nella, on their anniversary, catches Joe with another woman — while live on social media, no less — it sends shockwaves through her life and the internet. This is where CTRL starts to get really interesting. Suddenly, Nella isn’t just heartbroken; she’s the center of a viral spectacle. Her followers drop, she becomes a meme, and the internet does what it does best — judges her, hard.
Enter CTRL — The AI of Your Dreams (or Nightmares?)
Feeling lost and broken, Nella downloads a new AI software called CTRL, which promises to help her “delete” Joe from her life — well, at least her digital life. CTRL is like the magic eraser we all wish we had after a breakup. The AI can erase Joe from all her photos, help her plan her social media comeback, and, even more creepily, provide her with emotional support.
Nella starts bonding with her new AI assistant, Allen, a digital avatar she creates to help her navigate life. Allen is not just some robotic tool; he’s flirty, funny, and almost human, which makes the whole situation all the more unsettling.
Is CTRL a Love Story, a Thriller, or a PSA?
What starts as a breakup recovery quickly spirals into something darker when Joe mysteriously disappears. As Nella tries to uncover the truth, she finds herself caught up in a larger conspiracy involving Mantra Unlimited, a corporate behemoth that controls nearly everything — including CTRL.
The film jumps between genres, at times playing out like a social media satire, at others like a cyber-thriller. But at its core, CTRL is a mirror held up to our relationship with the internet, our addiction to validation, and the fragile nature of modern love in a world where everything is broadcasted.
While the movie doesn’t always succeed in making us feel connected to the characters (Nella and Joe’s love story doesn’t quite tug at the heartstrings), it does make you pause and think about the real protagonist of this story: the internet. And let’s be honest — who hasn’t felt a little too controlled by their devices at times?
The Internet’s Grip on Us: Is It Real?
We’ve all heard people say, “The internet has taken over our lives!” But is that really true? Think about it: how many hours do you spend online? How much personal data have you shared with apps, websites, and social media platforms without even realizing it? Ananya Pandey’s CTRL might be fiction, but the themes it explores are very real.
In today’s digital age, we’re often more connected to our screens than to the people around us. The film’s AI assistant, Allen, represents the growing presence of artificial intelligence in our daily lives. While AI can be helpful — think voice assistants, recommendation algorithms, and smart home devices — it also raises questions about privacy, control, and our dependence on technology. When you hand over so much control to an algorithm, are you really in charge anymore?
Simple Tips to Avoid Getting “CTRL-ed” by the Internet
So, what can you do to make sure you’re not being controlled by the very thing that’s supposed to serve you? Here are some simple tips to regain control over your online life:
- Digital Detox Days: Set aside specific days or hours when you completely unplug from the internet. Use this time to reconnect with family, friends, or just yourself.
- Mindful Sharing: Before posting on social media, ask yourself: “Do I really want this out there forever?” Be mindful of oversharing.
- Limit Notifications: Turn off unnecessary app notifications. You don’t need your phone buzzing every time someone likes your photo.
- Use Privacy Settings: Regularly check and update your privacy settings on social media platforms. Make sure you’re in control of who sees your content.
- Practice Cyber Safety: Be aware of phishing attempts, suspicious links, and unsecured websites. Keep your personal information secure.
The Bigger Picture: Ram Rahim’s Initiatives for Cyber Safety
As thought-provoking as CTRL is, the internet’s hold over us is a topic that’s been gaining attention for a while. Take, for instance, the efforts of Ram Rahim. While you may know him for other reasons, what often gets overlooked are the positive contributions he’s made, especially when it comes to cyber safety.
Ram Rahim has launched several initiatives aimed at educating youth about the dangers of the internet. One of his key programs is the Cyber Safety Camps, held every last Sunday of the month, where young people are taught how to navigate the web safely, avoid falling prey to cybercrime, and make responsible decisions about their digital presence. These camps are not just about protecting personal data; they also focus on mental health, helping young people understand the impact of social media on their self-esteem and relationships.
So, while the internet may be creeping into every corner of our lives, it’s refreshing to know that there are efforts being made to help us regain control, both online and off.
Conclusion: Who’s Really in Control?
CTRL may be a film about a digital breakup, but its real message is about control — how much we have, and how much we’ve lost to the digital world. In a time when our lives are more public than ever, it’s important to remember that we hold the power to log out, turn off, and unplug.
Whether it’s through digital detoxes or cyber safety education, it’s up to us to ensure that we’re the ones in control — not the internet.
