Pune Highway (2025) Review: A Tense Murder Mystery with Uneven Execution
Pune Highway, directed by Bugs Bhargava Krishna and Rahul da Cunha, is a Hindi-language thriller adapted from da Cunha’s acclaimed stage play. The film delves into themes of friendship, guilt, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of a gripping murder investigation.
🎭 Plot Overview
The narrative centers on three childhood friends—Pramod Khandelwal (Amit Sadh), Vishnu Saigal (Jim Sarbh), and Nicky (Anuvab Pal)—who are haunted by a past incident where they failed to act during a brutal attack on their friend, Babu Bhonsle. Years later, they find themselves entangled in the murder of Mona (Ketaki Narayan), the daughter of a powerful politician. As the investigation unfolds, secrets resurface, testing their friendship and moral compasses.
🎬 Performances
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Jim Sarbh delivers a compelling performance as Vishnu, portraying a man torn between loyalty and personal demons.
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Amit Sadh embodies Pramod with intensity, though his character’s development feels underexplored.
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Anuvab Pal provides comic relief as Nicky, but his character’s depth and motivations are inadequately addressed.
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Ketaki Narayan stands out as Mona, infusing her role with a sense of mystery and complexity.
🎥 Direction and Cinematography
The film attempts to translate the intimacy of its stage origins to the screen, maintaining a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens tension. However, the adaptation sometimes falters, with certain scenes feeling more theatrical than cinematic.
🧩 Strengths
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Suspenseful Narrative: The film maintains a steady pace, keeping viewers engaged with its unfolding mystery.
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Exploration of Guilt and Friendship: The storyline delves into how past actions (or inactions) can haunt individuals, adding depth to the characters’ relationships.
⚠️ Weaknesses
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Character Development: Several characters lack sufficient backstory, making it challenging for audiences to fully connect with their motivations.
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Inconsistent Tone: The film’s attempt to blend humor with serious themes sometimes undermines the gravity of the narrative.
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Overextended Climax: The resolution feels prolonged, diluting the impact of the film’s conclusion.
⭐ Verdict
Pune Highway offers a suspenseful journey into the complexities of friendship and the weight of past decisions. While it boasts strong performances and a compelling premise, the film’s execution is marred by uneven character development and tonal inconsistencies. It’s a watchable thriller that could have reached greater heights with more cohesive storytelling.
Critics’ Ratings:
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Filmfare: 3/5 – “Watch it for Jim Sarbh and Amit Sadh’s performances.”
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Times of India: 2.5/5 – “Suspense holds steady, but the ride turns bumpy.”
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Scroll.in: Mixed – “A bumpy and uneven murder mystery.”
For a visual perspective on Pune Highway, you can watch the following review: