Language: Hindi
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Murder Mystery
Released In Theatres: 23 May 2025
In this Pune Highway movie review, we delve into the intricacies of Rahul da Cunha’s latest psychological thriller. The film, featuring Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh in lead roles, stands out as a tense, character-driven narrative that explores themes of friendship, trauma, and mystery. This review covers the plot, performances, direction, visuals, and overall impact of Pune Highway while keeping a special focus on what makes it a must-watch thriller in contemporary Hindi cinema.
Plot Summary: A Mystery That Unfolds with Emotional Depth
Pune Highway centers around three friends — Pramod (Amit Sadh), Vishnu (Jim Sarbh), and Nicky (Anuvab Pal) — who reunite after a young woman named Mona (Ketaki Narayan), linked to all of them, dies under suspicious circumstances. As the police investigation progresses, buried secrets emerge, shaking their friendship and forcing them to confront painful memories. The film blends psychological tension with murder mystery, resulting in a gripping narrative that keeps viewers engaged throughout.
Must Read: Pune Highway Trailer Review: A Dark, Gripping Journey Through Friendship and Secrets
Performances That Elevate Pune Highway
The heart of this Pune Highway movie review lies in its standout performances. Amit Sadh delivers a compelling and nuanced portrayal of Pramod, his restrained intensity making the character believable and emotionally resonant. Jim Sarbh’s portrayal of Vishnu adds layers of complexity, with subtle hints of nervousness and hidden motives. Anuvab Pal and Ketaki Narayan also provide authentic and memorable performances that round out the core cast beautifully.
Direction and Screenplay: A Tightly Woven Thriller
Director Rahul da Cunha, along with co-writer Bugs Bhargava Krishna, crafts a screenplay that focuses heavily on character development and suspense rather than loud thrills. The screenplay’s theatrical roots are evident in the film’s intimate staging and tightly controlled pacing. Though the climax extends slightly longer than necessary, the overall script keeps the tension taut and the emotional stakes high, making this a standout thriller in recent years.
Check Out: Pune Highway Teaser Review: A Gripping Glimpse Into A High-Stakes Thriller
Cinematography and Sound Design: Setting the Tone
The film’s visuals emphasize a claustrophobic, gritty atmosphere appropriate for the psychological drama. Dimly lit interiors, muted color palettes, and carefully composed close-ups immerse the audience in the protagonists’ mental states. The subtle background score complements the mood perfectly without distracting from the performances or dialogue.
Pune Highway Movie Review: Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Strengths:
- Powerful and subtle acting performances by Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh
- Well-written script with an emphasis on emotional depth
- Effective use of confined spaces and lighting to enhance suspense
- Realistic and grounded portrayal of complex human emotions
Areas to Improve:
- Climax could be more concise to maintain pacing
- Secondary characters could benefit from more development
- Some moments in the narrative feel slightly predictable
Why Pune Highway Is Worth Watching
This Pune Highway movie review concludes that the film is a refreshing take on the psychological thriller genre in Hindi cinema. Its focus on friendship, betrayal, and internal struggles, combined with excellent performances, offers a cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. If you appreciate thrillers that prioritize character depth over spectacle, Pune Highway is highly recommended.
Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Overall, Pune Highway is a strong addition to the Indian psychological thriller genre. With its compelling performances, thoughtful direction, and engaging storyline, it offers a refreshing alternative to formulaic crime dramas. This Pune Highway movie review highly recommends it for fans of smart, emotionally charged thrillers.
Should You Watch Pune Highway?
Definitely yes. If you enjoy films that explore human psychology, friendship, and mystery in a subtle yet impactful way, Pune Highway delivers an engrossing experience worth your time.