Pune Highway is a Hindi-language psychological thriller that deeply explores themes such as friendship, trauma, memory, and moral uncertainty.
Co-directed by Bugs Bhargava Krishna and Rahul da Cunha, the film is adapted from a well-known play of the same name, authored by da Cunha.
The film is Produced by Rahul da Cunha and Seema Mohapatra.
It boasts a strong cast featuring Amit Sadh, Jim Sarbh, Anuvab Pal, Manjari Fadnis, Ketaki Narayan, and Sudeep Modak.
Making its debut at the esteemed 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa in November 2024, Pune Highway sparked curiosity and critical dialogue.
The film was subsequently released in Indian theaters on 23 May 2025, distributed by Zee Studios and Cinépolis India.
Plot Summary
Pune Highway’s narrative is anchor in a grim and disturbing event that reunites a group of childhood friends after years apart.
Set against the urban landscape of Mumbai and the unsettling atmosphere of a highway motel, the story intertwines mystery with emotional turmoil.
Khandu (Amit Sadh), Vishnu (Jim Sarbh), and Nicky (Anuvab Pal) were once close-knit friends growing up together in Shantibhavan—a simple apartment complex in Mumbai.
A decade ago, a horrific and mysterious act of violence left their dear friend Babu paraplegic, leaving emotional wounds that never fully healed.
Many years later, the lifeless body of Mona (Ketaki Narayan)—a woman closely connected to all of them and the daughter of a man with political influence—is found 200 kilometers from the city, floating in a lake near the Pune Highway.
As the police probe unfolds, the past re-emerges, pulling each of them into a psychological maelstrom of suspicion, guilt, and repressed secrets.
What starts as a murder mystery gradually evolves into a powerful character-driven drama that examines the weight of trauma, the vulnerability of friendship, and the quest for resolution.
Performances
The film thrives on the power of its performances:
Amit Sadh delivers a nuance and layer portrayal as Khandu—a man battling his own inner demons while safeguarding those he cares for.
Jim Sarbh, portraying Vishnu, contributes his signature intensity and unpredictability, depicting a character who is both intellectual and volatile.
Anuvab Pal, who is primarily recognized for his theatrical and comedic work, surprises viewers with a sincere and moving representation of Nicky, the group’s emotional center.
Manjari Fadnis plays a pivotal supporting role as Natasha, adding significant emotional layers to the story.
Ketaki Narayan has a short yet impactful role as Mona—the instigator of the film’s tragic events.
Sudeep Modak appears as Babu, whose quiet suffering and physical limitations serve as a grim reminder of the past the group cannot evade.
Direction and Adaptation
Directors Bugs Bhargava Krishna and Rahul da Cunha effectively convert a stage play into a cinematic thriller.
Preserving the essence of the original work while employing film techniques like flashbacks, varying perspectives, and atmospheric lighting.
The adaptation not only recounts the play—it reinvents it for a contemporary, screen-aware audience.
The screenplay maintains its claustrophobic tension, particularly in scenes set in confined areas—a nod to its theatrical origins.
The film’s rhythm is taut, and despite a few inconsistencies in the latter half, the narrative remains compelling until the final act.
Technical Brilliance
Cinematographer Deep Metkar is essential in creating the psychological tension.
His use of contrasting tones—between the urban harshness and the haunting stillness of the highway—establishes a chilling visual ambiance.
Editor Abhishek Gupta deserves recognition for sustaining the film’s momentum and tension.
The story fluidly transitions between past and present, heightening both suspense and emotional depth.
The music duo Shor Police, consisting of Clinton Cerejo and Bianca Gomes.
They delivers a moody and minimalist score that enhances the film’s atmosphere.
The background music amplifies the tension and mirrors the characters’ internal struggles without overwhelming the visuals.
Themes and Symbolism
Pune Highway delves into several intricate themes:
Friendship and Betrayal:
The film explores how childhood connections can be shattered by trauma and reshaped in adulthood.
Memory and Guilt:
The way each character views their past is tinted by feelings of guilt, denial, or rationalization.
This creates a multi-layer narrative of unreliable recollections.
Societal Power Dynamics:
Featuring a politically powerful family, the film subtly critiques how systems of power can distort truth and justice.
The highway serves as a metaphor—a space of transition, escape, danger, and ambiguity.
It embodies both a physical and mental journey for the characters.
Reception and Critical Analysis
Critics have given a mixed-to-positive response:
Filmfare described it as “a haunting character exploration with strong performances from Jim Sarbh and Amit Sadh.”
Scroll.in remarked that the film “maintains its mystery but occasionally falters in delivering emotional depth during its quieter scenes.”
Times of India award it a 2.5/5, praising the performances but faulting the inconsistent pacing and predictability in some areas.
ET Now commend it as “a compelling thriller that demonstrates the importance of writing, direction, and acting over lavish budgets.”
Release and Distribution
Following its world premiere at IFFI 2024, Pune Highway attracted attention on the festival circuit.
However, its theatrical release in India was delay from the intended May 16 date to May 23, 2025, due to escalating cross-border tensions.
Amit Sadh stated, “The nation comes first,” highlighting the production team’s sense of responsibility.
The film was eventually launch nationwide by Zee Studios in collaboration with Cinépolis India.
Receiving a positive reaction from audiences drawn to layered thrillers and performance-centric cinema.
Conclusion
Pune Highway breaks free from the usual Bollywood thriller mold.
It’s a psychological exploration of fractured relationships, hidden truths, and the lasting impact of trauma.
Although not without its flaws, it distinguishes itself through its performances, immersive storytelling, and thought-provoking themes.
With its independent roots and theatrical origins, it presents a welcome departure from formulaic narratives.
If you enjoy introspective thrillers such as Talvar, Kahaani, or Monica, O My Darling, Pune Highway could be a worthwhile journey.
Do check out: Bhool Chuk Maaf (2025) Movie Review
