Vikramaditya Motwane reveals alternative ending in first draft of Ananya Panday’s CTRL, hints at possible sequel
Vikramaditya Motwane’s film called CTRL, starring Ananya Panday, has been released on Netflix and is gaining popularity for all the right reasons. The director recently shared his thoughts on potential sequels for the film, mentioning that the original draft had a different ending planned. He explained that the vengeful ending for Nella didn’t fit the flow of the story, especially within the screenlife format, which led to some changes.
According to Hindustan Times, when asked about the possibility of a sequel where Nella seeks revenge but without the screenlife format, Vikramaditya Motwane expressed skepticism. He stated, “Maybe. I don’t know. I don’t believe in sequels. I think Nella’s story is tragic. She has gone down that dark path once again.” Vikramaditya believes that CTRL should be a cautionary tale rather than turning into a revenge-driven narrative.
In the initial draft, Vikramaditya explored an ending where Nella’s journey takes a revengeful turn. However, the magnitude of the challenge she faced forced a decision: to stick with the screenlife format or shift to a more traditional climax.
It became evident that integrating such a drastic shift wouldn’t fit naturally into the story’s structure, particularly with the limitations of the format. He said, “That’s when we realized, why would anyone in their right mind stream or shoot this, what would be the screenlife element? So, that idea was quickly abandoned.”
From the beginning, the director had a clear vision for the film, aiming for a collaborative effort. He credits Sumukhi Suresh for the dialogues and Ananya Panday for bringing the story to life. Recognizing his distance from the digital world of young adults, Vikramaditya ensured the film resonated with a generation well-versed in the digital landscape.
In developing the AI character, Allen, Vikramaditya took a different approach from the typical AI portrayals in films like Her and Ex Machina. Rather than creating a unique, artistic AI, he opted for a more relatable, mass-market creation.
Motwane shared that Allen was designed with the idea of what a mainstream company would release to the public—an adaptable app that could handle social media, correct past mistakes, and act as a friend and guide. To appeal to a wider audience, Allen was given customizable personality traits, allowing users to choose their preferred AI type.
CTRL marks the first collaboration between director Vikramaditya Motwane and actress Ananya Panday. The film features a diverse ensemble cast, including Vihaan Samat, Devika Vatsa, Kamakshi Bhat, Suchita Trivedi, Samit Gambhir, Ravish Desai, and Aparshakti Khurana, adding richness to the narrative. CTRL premiered on Netflix on October 4.
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