Name: Ankahi Kahaniya
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: 2021-09-17T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Kunal Kapoor, Zoya Hussain, Abhishek Banerjee, Rinku Rajguru, Delzad Hiwale

The opening shot of a mannequin’s blank stare sets the tone for Ankahi Kahaniya, an anthology film that dives headfirst into unconventional love stories. Directed by three distinct voices—Abhishek Chaubey, Saket Chaudhary, and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari—this Netflix release presents a triptych of tales centered around loneliness, loss, and longing in the bustling chaos of big city life.

The film’s first segment, directed by Abhishek Chaubey, is undeniably its most striking. Here, Abhishek Banerjee delivers a performance worth watching as Pradeep Loharia, a man who falls in love with a mannequin. The premise is undeniably creepy, but it’s also where the segment finds its strength. Banerjee’s portrayal is nuanced, capturing the loneliness and desperation of his character with a raw intensity that anchors the story. Chaubey’s direction is clear and unflinching, allowing the absurdity of the situation to shine through without ever feeling like a parody. The use of color and lighting in this segment is particularly effective, creating a stark contrast between the mannequin’s blank stare and the vibrant cityscape that surrounds it.

The second segment, directed by Saket Chaudhary, feels somewhat misguided in comparison. While it explores themes of unrequited love and loss, it lacks the same level of emotional resonance as the first segment. The performances are solid, particularly from Rinku Rajguru and Delzad Hiwale, but the story itself never quite finds its footing. The segment’s pacing is uneven, and the resolution feels rushed, leaving the audience with more questions than answers.

The final segment, directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, is the most conventional of the three. It deals with themes of loyalty and heartbreak, but it’s also where the anthology feels most derivative. The performances from Kunal Kapoor and Zoya Hussain are commendable, but the story itself is one we’ve seen many times before. However, the segment does offer some truly memorable moments, particularly a scene in which Kapoor’s character confronts his own mortality with a quiet dignity that is deeply moving.

Where Ankahi Kahaniya truly shines is in its exploration of loneliness and the unexpected connections that can form in a crowded city. Each segment offers a unique perspective on these themes, and the anthology as a whole does a commendable job of highlighting the diversity of human experience. The film’s reliance on unconventional premises sometimes feels forced, and not all of the segments are equally successful.

The cinematography is another standout aspect of the film. Each director brings their own visual style to their segment, creating a cohesive yet diverse look that ties the anthology together. The use of color and lighting is particularly effective in the first segment, where the stark contrast between the mannequin’s blank stare and the vibrant cityscape creates a striking visual metaphor for loneliness.

However, Ankahi Kahaniya also has its fair share of shortcomings. The pacing is uneven, with some segments feeling rushed while others drag on. The transitions between segments are also somewhat jarring, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in each story. Additionally, the film’s reliance on unconventional premises sometimes feels forced, and not all of the segments are equally successful.

The anthology format presents its own set of challenges, and Ankahi Kahaniya is no exception. The film struggles with a lack of cohesion, both thematically and visually. While each segment offers a unique perspective on loneliness and love, they don’t always feel like they belong in the same film. This lack of cohesion is particularly evident in the transitions between segments, which can feel abrupt and disorienting.

Despite these shortcomings, Ankahi Kahaniya does offer some truly memorable moments and performances. Abhishek Banerjee’s portrayal of Pradeep Loharia is a standout, as is Kunal Kapoor’s quiet dignity in the face of mortality. The film’s exploration of loneliness and unexpected connections is also commendable, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless themes.

In terms of its fit within the genre, Ankahi Kahaniya is a mixed bag. While it does offer some truly unique and unconventional love stories, it also struggles with pacing and cohesion. The film’s reliance on derivative storytelling in its final segment is also a detriment to its overall impact.

Ultimately, Ankahi Kahaniya is a film that will likely resonate most with viewers who appreciate unconventional love stories and nuanced performances.