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| Anek | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Anubhav Sinha |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Ewan Mulligan |
| Edited by | Yasha Ramchandani |
| Music by | Songs: Anurag Saikia Background Score: Mangesh Dhakde |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | AA Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 147 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Budget | ₹40 crore[2] |
| Box office | ₹11.10 crore[3] |
Anek (transl. Many) is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film[1] written and directed by Anubhav Sinha who also co-produced it with T-Series.[4] It stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Andrea Kevichüsa, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra and J. D. Chakravarthy.[5][6][7]
Anek revolves around a police official sent as a secret agent to Northeast India to bring a peace deal between the government and the separatist groups in the North East, who want to break away from India.[8][9] Anek was released in cinemas worldwide on 27 May 2022 to mixed reviews.[10][11][12]
Cast
[edit]- Ayushmann Khurrana as Agent Aman / Joshua
- Andrea Kevichüsa as Aido
- Manoj Pahwa as Abrar
- Kumud Mishra as Abrar's boss
- J. D. Chakravarthy as Anjaiyyah Bellamkonda IPS
- Loitongbam Dorendra Singh as Tiger Sangha
- Thejasevor Belho as Niko
- Rajib Kro as Johnson
- Sheila Devi as Emma
- Meenakshi as Gopa
Production
[edit]Filming began in February 2021 and continued extensively throughout parts of northeastern India [13] and wrapped up within March 2021.[14][15]
Music
[edit]| Anek | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |
| Released | 7 June 2022 |
| Recorded | 2021–2022 |
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack |
| Length | 15:51 |
| Language | Hindi Nagamese English |
| Label | T-Series |
| Producer | Anurag Saikia |
The music rights of the film are owned by T-Series. The music of the film is composed by Anurag Saikia. The first single was released on 24 May 2022.[16]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Voice of Anek" | Shakeel Azmi | Sunidhi Chauhan, Vivek Hariharan, Anurag Saikia | 3:48 |
| 2. | "Oh Ku Takum" | Jonathan Lemtur | Imnanungsang Tzudir, Temsuwapang Aiee | 2:23 |
| 3. | "Shaal Wunga" | Basharat Peer | Noor Mohammad Shah, Muntazir Faraz | 2:38 |
| 4. | "Oh Mama" | Anurag Saikia | Neha Karode, Anurag Saikia | 4:02 |
| 5. | "Rabbit (Cafe Song)" | Anurag Saikia | Neha Karode | 3:02 |
| Total length: | 15:51 | |||
Release
[edit]Theatrical
[edit]The film was released in theatres worldwide on 27 May 2022.[11]
Home media
[edit]The digital streaming rights of the film is owned by Netflix. The film streamed on Netflix from 26 June 2022.[17]
Reception
[edit]Anek received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances and timely themes, but criticism for its screenplay and direction.[18][19][20] On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 67% of 6 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.8/10.[21]
A critic for The Times of India rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Anek, through its runtime, draws subtle parallels between the northeast and other parts of the country, in particular Jammu and Kashmir."[22] Tina Das of The Print rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Anek manages to showcase the complex layers of the insurgency in the Northeast, and it does that well."[23] Phuong Le of The Guardian rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Anek is a rare commercial film that spotlights Northeastern Indian stories, and goes out of its way to refuse to condemn guerrilla fighters as terrorists."[24] Devesh Sharma of Filmfare rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "The political message packs a punch, its power is somewhat diminished by the execution and the writing, which is rusty in places."[25] Navneet Vyasan of News 18 rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "If it wasn't for its cast, Anubhav Sinha's directorial 'Anek' would've been a test of your patience. Thankfully, it isn't."[26] Swati Chopra of The Quint rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Anek is preachy in parts, but the film has its heart in the right place and it could have done better if the film didn't feel rushed, leading to less clarity."[27] Fengyen Chiu of Mashable rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Anek tries very hard to bring forth the problems of North-east people in India but the message doesn't quite reach properly."[28]
Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Anek is sharper playing principled dissenter than uninvited saviour of the North East."[29] Sukanya Verma of Rediff rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "There's too much going on in Anek, and a lot of it is terribly disjointed."[30] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Ayushmann Khurrana and the film stay woolly, being careful to stay in the middle of the while-on-the-one-side, but-also tightrope. Anubhav Sinha dips his toe into relatively unexplored territory, with mixed results."[31] Bharathi Pradhan of Lehren rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "The cinematic effort to mainstream the North-East, ends up in a mess that further alienates instead of integrating."[32] Anna M. M. Vetticad of Firstpost rated the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Visually spectacular, politically blurred, well-meaning and yet Anek fails to reach out across the barrier of the screen."[33] Umesh Punwani of Koimoi rated the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Anubhav Sinha had so much to showcase, but he chose the wrong platform to do so."[34] Monika Rawal Kukreja of The Hindustan Times stated, "Anubhav Sinha's latest political-social drama starring Ayushmann Khurrana fails to keep up with the expectations sets by Thappad, Mulk, Article 15."[35]
Accolades
[edit]| Year[a] | Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 68th Filmfare Awards | Best Female Debut | Andrea Kevichüsa | Won | [36] |
| Best Cinematography | Ewan Mulligan | Nominated | |||
| Best Sound Design | Kaamod L Kharde | ||||
| Best Background Score | Mangesh Dhakde |
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ Refers to the year in which the ceremony was held.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Anek". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
ANEK is a Hindi language action thriller film in which an undercover cop infiltrates a separatist group.
- ^ "Anek (2022)- Box Office India". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
- ^ "Anek Box Office". Bollywood Hungama. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek Trailer: कैसे साबित होता है हम सिर्फ इंडियन हैं? आयुष्मान खुराना की 'अनेक' ने उठाया सवाल". Aaj Tak. 5 May 2022. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek Trailer: Ayushmann Khurrana Is An Undercover Cop On A Mission To Find "Peace"". NDTV. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek Cast List". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ "'अनेक' ट्रेलर के ये 10 सेकंड हिंदी थोपने वाले तमाम लोगों के लिए ही बने हैं". The Lallantop. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek trailer: Ayushmann Khurrana, Anubhav Sinha reunite for film on the otherisation of the North East. Watch". Hindustan Times. 5 May 2022. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek motion teaser: Ayushmann Khurrana's 'mission for peace begins', watch". The Indian Express. 5 May 2022. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/anek
- ^ a b Hymavathi, Ravali. "Ayushmann Khurrana's 'Anek' Gets A New Release Date". The Hans India (Press release). Archived from the original on 13 April 2022. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
- ^ "'Anek' trailer: Ayushmann Khurrana film looks at discrimination in the North-East". Scroll. 5 May 2022. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ "After 'Article 15', Anubhav Sinha & Ayushmann Khurrana come together for their next titled 'Anek'". National Herald (Press release). 2 February 2021. Archived from the original on 3 February 2021. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "Anek Trailer: 'जीतेगा कौन? हिंदुस्तान' आयुष्मान खुराना की 'अनेक' का दमदार ट्रेलर रिलीज". Navbharat Times. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ "Ayushmann Khurrana wraps up Anubhav Sinha's Anek, calls it very special". India Today (Press release). 20 March 2021. Archived from the original on 20 March 2021. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
- ^ @TSeries (24 May 2022). "Anek mein hoon Ek main! #VoiceOfAnek Sunne ke baad har Hindustani ab bas yahi kahegaSong out now :…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Ayushman Khurana's Anek on OTT: Release date, where to watch, cast, and plot". India Today. 26 June 2022. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
- ^ "Anek box office collection Day 1: Ayushmann Khurrana film fails to pull people to cinema halls". The Indian Express. 28 May 2022. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
Anek has received a mixed response from film critics.
- ^ https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/anek
- ^ "Anek Review: Ayushmann Khurrana's Political Thriller Helmed by Anubhav Sinha Gets Mixed Reactions From Critics". Latestly. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
- ^ "Anek Movie Review : An unsettling, thought-provoking narrative from the northeast". The Times Of India. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anubhav Sinha's Anek only mildly hints at AFSPA violence in Northeast but drives point home". The Print. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek review – gunfights, boxing and what it means to be Indian". The Guardian. 25 May 2022. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek Movie Review". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek Review: Ayushmann Khurrana-Starrer May Test Your Patience, But It's Worthwhile". News 18. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Review: Ayushmann Khurrana's 'Anek' Has Its Heart in the Right Place". The Quint. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "'Anek' Review: Ayushman Khuranna, Anubhav Sinha Shed Light On Plight Of North-East Indians But Its No 'Article 15'". Mashable. Retrieved 27 May 2022.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "'Anek' review: Political thriller muddles its way through the North East". Scroll.in. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek Review". Rediff. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek movie review: Ayushmann Khurran, Andrea film swings between conviction and a cop-out". The Indian Express. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek Review: Too Much Makes It Messy". Lehren. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek movie review: A Kashmiri Muslim symbolising the ruthless Indian establishment in the North-East? C'mon!". Firstpost. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek Movie Review: Ayushmann Khurrana's Message Loses In Translation, Creating A Complicated Chaos!". Koimoi. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 3 June 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Anek review: Ayushmann Khurrana skillfully shoulders this relevant film that loses focus after every few steps". The Hindustan Times. 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Winners of the 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023". Filmfare. 28 April 2023. Archived from the original on 27 April 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
External links
[edit]Background and context
Historical overview of Northeast India insurgency
The Naga insurgency, a cornerstone of Northeast India's protracted conflicts, emerged in the aftermath of India's independence. The Naga National Council (NNC), established in the 1940s, initially pursued sovereignty through petitions but escalated to armed resistance in the 1950s amid demands for an independent Nagaland, drawing on historical grievances from British-era administrative separations and post-1947 integration disputes.[6][7] This movement inspired similar ethnic separatist campaigns across the region, including among Mizos and Assamese, fueled by perceptions of cultural distinctiveness and resistance to central authority.[8] Violence intensified through the 1960s and 1970s, with militants conducting ambushes, bombings, and extortion rackets that terrorized civilians and security forces; inter-ethnic clashes, such as Naga-Kuki confrontations in the 1990s, alone claimed over 1,000 lives in a five-year span.[9] In response, the government enacted the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act on September 11, 1958, initially for Naga Hills and later extended regionally, empowering security personnel with broad operational authority in "disturbed areas" to curb militant activities.[10] Factionalism within Naga groups culminated in the formation of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) in 1980 from NNC dissidents, followed by its 1988 split into NSCN-Isak-Muivah (IM) and NSCN-Khaplang, which perpetuated intra-group violence alongside anti-state operations.[8] Counter-insurgency efforts, including military operations and surrenders, progressively diminished active militants and incidents; overall Northeast violence incidents dropped 73% from 11,121 (2004-2014) to 3,033 (2014-2023), with security force fatalities declining accordingly.[11] A pivotal ceasefire with NSCN-IM took effect in 1997, paving the way for negotiations that yielded the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, between the Government of India and NSCN-IM, which delineated broad parameters for a political settlement recognizing Naga aspirations without conceding sovereignty.[12][13] Parallel measures addressed root factors like economic underdevelopment and isolation through initiatives such as the North Eastern Council (established 1971 for regional planning) and the Act East Policy, channeling central investments into infrastructure that often exceed state-generated revenues, thereby fostering integration amid the region's ethnic mosaic of over 200 communities.[14][15] Despite these advances, sporadic extortion and factional killings underscore persistent challenges, though empirical trends indicate a marked decline in large-scale insurgency.[16]Real-world inspirations for the film's themes
The film's exploration of unity amid separatist strife draws partial inspiration from the protracted Naga peace process, particularly the 2015 Framework Agreement between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), which aimed to address long-standing demands for Naga self-determination but has stalled over core issues like a separate Naga flag and constitution.[17] [18] NSCN-IM leaders, including Thuingaleng Muivah, have consistently framed these as non-negotiable prerequisites for resolution, rooted in assertions of historical sovereignty rather than integration into a unified Indian framework, contrasting with Anek's narrative emphasis on national cohesion over territorial fragmentation.[19] Director Anubhav Sinha has cited personal connections to Nagaland, including interactions influencing the portrayal of regional grievances, though the film generalizes diverse insurgencies across Northeast states into a singular unity motif, diverging from groups' explicit sovereignty claims.[20] Northeast India's tribal autonomy movements, including concerns over demographic shifts from migration, inform the film's backdrop of ethnic tensions and resource disputes, yet empirical trends underscore a marked decline in violence attributable to intensified security operations and accords rather than alienation-driven sympathy for militants. Insurgency incidents in the region fell by approximately 70% and civilian fatalities by 80% from peak levels to 2019, with further reductions through 2023 linked to surrenders and counter-insurgency efficacy post-2014.[11] This causal trajectory challenges motifs of perpetual institutional failure, as evidenced by programs like Operation Sadbhavana, where Indian Army and Assam Rifles initiatives, including over 40 Goodwill Schools, have facilitated education and community outreach to foster integration in remote areas.[21] [22] Sinha's oeuvre, including Article 15's scrutiny of caste-based institutional biases in policing, extends to Anek's implied critique of central governance in handling peripheral unrest, yet data on deradicalization—such as reduced militant recruitment amid economic stabilization in states like Nagaland, where GSDP growth reached 7.7% in 2023-24—highlights successes in stability through pragmatic security and development over narrative portrayals of irreconcilable divides.[23] These elements reflect broader debates on causal drivers of unrest, prioritizing verifiable pacification metrics over unsubstantiated tropes of endemic disaffection.[24]Plot
Detailed synopsis
Amartya Rao, working undercover as Joshua for India's Research and Analysis Wing, is deployed to Kohima, Nagaland, to facilitate a peace accord between the government and the separatist Naga militants led by Rana, head of the Tiger Sangha group.[25][26] The mission involves creating pressure on the militants by simulating a rival faction known as Johnson, using an outdated photograph of a former member to fabricate threats and compel negotiations offering limited autonomy in exchange for disarming.[27] Joshua integrates into the local community, befriending Aido, an aspiring national-level boxer training amid the region's tensions, whose father Wangnao harbors connections to insurgent activities. As Joshua gathers intelligence, a genuine Johnson faction emerges, opposing the accord and advocating for broader economic reforms and education rather than mere political concessions, drawing support from disillusioned locals including Niko, a young man radicalized after his cousin's death in crossfire.[28] Betrayals surface when Joshua's cover is jeopardized during encounters, leading to violent clashes, including a police operation that kills Niko, and revelations about Wangnao's role in countering both militants and government forces.[29] In the climax, Joshua pursues Wangnao across the border into Myanmar following a militant ambush, securing his surrender along with evidence of illicit activities by both Wangnao and Rana's group, such as involvement in drug trade.[28] Confronted with moral conflicts over the accord's viability, Joshua reports the findings to his superior Abrar Butt, resulting in the peace talks' abrupt cancellation due to exposed corruption on multiple sides.[28] The narrative concludes with Aido achieving victory in her boxing championship bout, juxtaposed against the unresolved insurgency, underscoring personal resilience amid systemic failures.[28]Cast and characters
Lead roles and performances
Ayushmann Khurrana stars as Aman, operating under the alias Joshua, a special agent deployed to Northeast India for undercover operations aimed at resolving insurgent conflicts through infiltration and negotiation. His role requires proficiency in local dialects and cultural assimilation to navigate militant groups and government interests.[30][25] Andrea Kevichüsa debuts in the film as Aido, a determined boxer from Nagaland pursuing a spot on the national team amid personal hardships and regional unrest. Her character embodies the struggles of Northeastern youth balancing ambition with socio-political turmoil.[31][32] Kumud Mishra portrays Divakar, a high-ranking official overseeing intelligence efforts tied to the mission's geopolitical stakes.[33] Manoj Pahwa appears as Abrar Bhatt, an intelligence operative coordinating with field agents in the counter-insurgency framework.[33]Supporting cast
Abhinay Raj Singh played Raaj Jai, a militant cadre whose role underscored the internal factional tensions among insurgent groups in the film's ensemble.[34][35] Manoj Pahwa portrayed Abrar Bhatt, contributing to the bureaucratic elements through his depiction of an intelligence operative navigating operational challenges.[1][36] Kumud Mishra appeared as Divakar, Abrar's superior, adding depth to the administrative hierarchy in the supporting framework.[1][37] J. D. Chakravarthy enacted Anjaiyaah Bellamkonda, enhancing the ensemble's portrayal of authoritative figures in conflict zones.[36][1] The production incorporated Naga and other Northeast Indian actors, such as Loitongbam Dorendra Singh as Tiger Sanga, to provide authentic representation in local community roles, reflecting the film's commitment to regional casting for cultural accuracy.[38][1][37]Production
Development and scripting
Following the commercial and critical success of his 2019 film Article 15, director Anubhav Sinha initiated development on Anek as a socio-political thriller addressing underrepresented conflicts in Northeast India. The project was publicly announced on February 2, 2021, via a first-look poster shared by lead actor Ayushmann Khurrana, marking Sinha's second collaboration with the actor after Article 15.[39] Sinha's vision centered on illuminating the region's insurgencies and peace negotiation efforts, drawing from limited prior cinematic depictions to emphasize authentic narratives of identity and integration.[40] The screenplay was co-written by Sinha, Sima Agarwal, and Yash Keswani, with Sinha handling the story and dialogues to ensure a layered exploration of geopolitical tensions. Scripting emerged from a year-long research phase involving academic reading of books on Northeast history and discussions with regional experts, sparked by Sinha's conversations with his Tai-Chi instructor Deepak Das, a native of Nagaland, who provided insights into local culture and grievances. This process sought to ground the narrative in factual complexities rather than generalizations, avoiding overt didacticism while highlighting paths to unity amid diversity.[41] The title Anek, translating to "many" in Hindi and incorporating the acronym for Northeast, encapsulates Sinha's intent to depict multiple routes to national cohesion despite separatist divides. Produced jointly by T-Series (Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar) and Sinha's Benaras Media Works, the film carried a reported budget of approximately ₹30 crore, allocated toward scripting authenticity and thematic depth.[42][43]Pre-production and casting
Anubhav Sinha cast Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead role of Joshua, an undercover agent, drawing on their prior collaboration in Article 15 (2019), where Khurrana demonstrated versatility in socially nuanced parts.[44] This selection aligned with Sinha's vision for a protagonist navigating intricate political dynamics without relying on conventional action-hero tropes. Pre-production emphasized authentic Northeast Indian elements, including the casting of Nagaland native and model Andrea Kevichusa as Aido, a determined boxer, to foreground regional talent and perspectives in a Hindi film.[32] Sinha prioritized research into Northeast socio-political realities to eschew reductive portrayals, conducting groundwork that informed character development and setting authenticity, though specifics on consultations remained internal to the team.[31] The technical crew was finalized with cinematographer Saurabh Goswami, selected for his proficiency in handling rugged, location-specific visuals essential to the film's conflict zones.[33] These preparations occurred amid the COVID-19 disruptions, which indirectly extended timelines before principal photography commenced in early 2021.Filming and technical aspects
Principal photography for Anek commenced in February 2021, primarily in Northeast India, including locations in Assam such as Kaziranga and Meghalaya such as Shillong.[45][46] Additional sequences were filmed in Arunachal Pradesh, utilizing real-world sites like Pasighat and Pangin to capture the insurgency-themed action and socio-political backdrop.[47] The production wrapped on March 20, 2021, after an intensive schedule focused on these remote areas.[48] Filming faced logistical challenges due to the rugged terrain of Assam and Meghalaya, which demanded adaptive shooting strategies and contributed to the physical demands on the cast and crew.[46][49] Many local actors from these regions were cast to enhance authenticity in portraying the ethnic and cultural dynamics.[46] Action sequences were choreographed by international specialist Stefan Richter, emphasizing realistic and high-energy combat integrated with the narrative's conflict zones.[50][51] The production adhered to prevailing industry standards during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, though specific on-set incidents were not publicly detailed.[50]Music and soundtrack
Composition and songs
The original songs for Anek were composed by Anurag Saikia, while the background score was created by Mangesh Dhakde.[30][52] Saikia's compositions blend Naga folk influences with Bollywood sensibilities, notably in "Oh Ku Takum," a track sung in Nagamese by Imnanungsang Tzudir and Temsuwang Aier to evoke regional authenticity.[53][54] The soundtrack includes five songs: "Voice of Anek," a rap-style anthem with lyrics by Shakeel Azmi, performed by Sunidhi Chauhan, Vivek Hariharan, and Saikia himself; "Shaal Wunga," penned by Basharat Peer; "Oh Ku Takum," with lyrics by Jonathan Lemtur; and situational pieces "Rabbit (Cafe Song)" and "Oh Mama," both with lyrics by director Anubhav Sinha.[55][56] "Voice of Anek" was released as the lead single on May 27, 2022, via T-Series, ahead of the full album's digital launch on June 7, 2022.[57][58] Dhakde's score utilizes subtle percussion and folk-inspired instrumentals to underscore the film's tense action sequences and Northeast Indian milieu, creating a haunting atmospheric layer without overpowering the narrative.[59]Critical response to music
Critics commended the background score for its dense and praiseworthy composition, particularly in amplifying the film's tense action sequences and overall atmosphere.[60] The music was also highlighted for its impressive integration with sound design, effectively supporting the narrative's emotional and regional undertones without commercial excess.[61] One review described the soundtrack as minimalist and meaningful, enhancing the story's emotional depth while maintaining restraint to avoid overpowering the visuals.[59] Songs composed by Anurag Saikia elicited mixed reactions, often viewed as secondary to the score.[29] While tracks like the farmer's folk song were praised for their melancholic resonance, aligning with the film's themes of strife, the title track faced criticism for lacking vitality.[29] Overall, the vocal pieces were deemed more misses than hits, potentially diluting the authenticity through conventional Bollywood structuring rather than innovative fusion of Northeastern cultural elements.[29] The soundtrack achieved moderate streaming presence on platforms like Spotify but did not secure prominent chart positions or widespread viral traction.[62]Release
Marketing and promotion
The marketing campaign for Anek centered on building anticipation through digital teasers and interactive fan engagement, with the official motion teaser released on May 4, 2022, followed by the full trailer on May 5, 2022.[63][64] These materials highlighted the film's action-thriller elements, including intense undercover operations and combat sequences, while underscoring its social message of national unity amid Northeast India's insurgencies, portraying protagonist Joshua's mission to broker peace between separatists and the government.[65][66] A key promotional tactic involved Ayushmann Khurrana launching an interactive "rescue mission" challenge on May 3, 2022, encouraging fans to participate online for exclusive access to teaser content, which generated buzz through social media shares and personalized video messages from the actor.[67][68] Khurrana leveraged his personal social media platforms to amplify these efforts, posting updates that tied into the film's theme of unity, though the campaign relied more on content-driven appeal than high-octane star power typical of mainstream commercial releases.[69] Targeted outreach included promotional events featuring Khurrana alongside co-star Andrea Kevichüsa, such as appearances on May 24 and 25, 2022, to connect with audiences familiar with Northeast narratives, though no major film festival tie-ins were reported.[70][71] The strategy emphasized the film's socio-political depth over mass spectacle, aligning with director Anubhav Sinha's track record of message-oriented cinema.[40]Theatrical distribution
Anek received a theatrical worldwide release on May 27, 2022. In India, distribution was handled by T-Series, the production banner's associated entity.[72] Overseas markets, including the UK, were managed by distributors such as Cinestaan AA.[73] The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) awarded the film a U/A rating prior to release, requiring minimal modifications that included the excision of several profane terms, such as "b**** c**d," "rkhana," "l*a," and "fk," to comply with certification guidelines.[74] No substantial alterations for violence or other content were reported. Screen allocation prioritized urban multiplexes, with comparatively limited availability in regions like Northeast India, reflecting broader logistical challenges in India's uneven cinema infrastructure.[75] The rollout coincided with competitive scheduling against films like Jug Jugg Jeeyo, influencing circuit bookings in key markets.Digital and home media availability
_Anek premiered digitally on Netflix on June 26, 2022, about one month following its theatrical debut on May 27, 2022.[76][77] The streaming release expanded accessibility to global viewers through Netflix's platform, which includes multilingual subtitles supporting regional Indian languages alongside English and others.[78] As of 2024, it remains available for streaming exclusively on Netflix, with no free ad-supported options reported.[79] Physical home media formats like DVD and Blu-ray have seen negligible distribution for Anek in India, consistent with broader Bollywood trends where digital piracy erodes viability for such releases.[80] High rates of online unauthorized sharing in the Indian film sector, leading to substantial revenue losses estimated in billions annually, further discourage investment in physical media production and sales.[81] This shift prioritizes over-the-top (OTT) platforms for post-theatrical home viewing, minimizing reliance on tangible formats vulnerable to replication.Commercial performance
Box office earnings and budget
_Anek was produced on a reported budget of approximately ₹30 crore.[43] Other estimates place the total cost, including prints and publicity, at ₹40 crore.[82] The film earned ₹2.11 crore net on its opening day, May 27, 2022, followed by ₹2.20 crore on day two and ₹1.95 crore on day three, for a first-weekend total of around ₹6.26 crore net in India.[43] Collections declined sharply thereafter, with day four at approximately ₹0.50 crore net, reflecting poor word-of-mouth reception.[83] The total India net collection stood at ₹8.15 crore, with India gross at ₹9.7 crore and overseas gross at ₹1.19 crore, yielding a worldwide gross of ₹10.89 crore.[84] Given the budget and earnings, Anek underperformed commercially, classified as a flop by trade analysts.[84] Contributing empirical factors included post-COVID audience hesitancy toward theatrical releases in 2022, competition from Hollywood films like Top Gun: Maverick, and limited mass-market draw despite the lead actor's established base.[83]Factors influencing financial outcome
The Indian film exhibition sector in 2022 was navigating a partial recovery from COVID-19 disruptions, with domestic box office revenues rebounding but selectively favoring high-engagement mass entertainers over niche genres like political thrillers.[85] Anek, budgeted at approximately ₹47 crore, earned only ₹8.37 crore in India gross and $325,000 overseas, resulting in a worldwide total under ₹11 crore and classifying it as a commercial disaster.[4] This underperformance aligned with broader industry trends, where 39 Bollywood releases flopped amid audience fatigue with serious content and a pivot toward escapist films during economic recovery.[86] Direct competition exacerbated Anek's challenges, as its May 27, 2022, release coincided with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, a horror-comedy that amassed over ₹266 crore nett in India by capitalizing on family-oriented, low-stakes entertainment.[87] Anek's opening day nett collection stood at just ₹1.75 crore, dropping sharply thereafter to a six-day total of ₹7.77 crore, reflecting limited initial traction in urban multiplexes where post-pandemic viewers prioritized proven formulas over geopolitical narratives.[88][87] Genre-specific risks further constrained viability, as evidenced by director Anubhav Sinha's prior film Article 15 (2019), a social thriller with a ₹30 crore budget that grossed nearly ₹100 crore worldwide, achieving profitability through broader thematic resonance and pre-pandemic attendance patterns.[88] In contrast, Anek's focus on Northeast India insurgency yielded minimal regional uplift despite its setting, with collections skewing toward established Hindi heartland circuits rather than South or Northeast territories, where piracy and lower theater density amplified opportunity costs.[4] This highlighted the volatility of issue-based cinema in a market demanding immediate gratification over reflective viewing.Reception
Critical analysis
Critics gave Anek mixed reviews, with an approval rating of 67% on Rotten Tomatoes based on six reviews.[89] The film's IMDb user rating stands at 6.3 out of 10 from over 22,000 votes, reflecting divided opinions on its execution despite appreciation for its subject matter.[1] Ayushmann Khurrana's portrayal of the undercover agent Joshua received widespread praise for its intensity and stoic delivery, often described as a career highlight that evoked comparisons to classic Bollywood anti-heroes.[90][91] Supporting performances, including those by Andrea Kevichüsa and Kumud Mishra, were noted for adding depth to the ensemble.[1] The film's focus on Northeast India's insurgency was commended as timely and rare in mainstream Hindi cinema, with outlets like The Hindu highlighting its incisive exploration of regional alienation and demands for belonging within the Indian union.[2] Action sequences were occasionally lauded for competent choreography, particularly in confined jungle confrontations, despite budgetary constraints.[91] Conversely, the screenplay drew criticism for inconsistencies and failure to sustain narrative momentum, with reviewers pointing to choppy structure and superficial handling of complex conflicts.[1] Pacing issues, including sporadic lulls and rushed resolutions, undermined engagement, as noted in assessments describing the film as dragged by poor editing and over-reliance on didactic exposition.[92][91] Koimoi rated it 2 out of 5, faulting the script for complicating its socio-political message into chaos rather than clarity.[29] While left-leaning critics such as The Guardian valued its refusal to outright vilify insurgents, portraying them with nuance amid systemic grievances, others argued this approach generalized Northeast dynamics into a muddled plea, softening accountability for violence without deeper causal analysis.[90][93] Scroll.in scored it 2.5 out of 5, critiquing the muddled thriller elements that diluted its political inquiry.[94]Audience and public response
Audience reception to Anek has been mixed, reflected in an IMDb user rating of 6.3 out of 10 from 22,788 votes as of late 2024.[1] User reviews frequently commend the film's ambitious premise addressing Northeast India's insurgency and unity themes but lament execution shortcomings, such as a choppy screenplay and superficial treatment of political conflicts.[91][95] Discussions on forums like Reddit highlight good intentions undermined by muddled storytelling and shaky direction, with users noting attempts to cover multiple complex issues in a single narrative led to unresolved depth.[96] Quora contributors echo this, describing the film as failing to strike emotional chords despite its socio-political ambitions, resulting in divided personal assessments.[97] Responses show regional polarization: Northeast viewers expressed appreciation for spotlighting underrepresented issues like ethnic divisions but criticized factual inaccuracies and generalizations in portraying insurgency dynamics.[93] In contrast, urban audiences often viewed the didactic tone as preachy, with some screenings marred by insensitive laughter at serious cultural depictions, diverging from the film's intent to provoke reflection.[98] Director Anubhav Sinha acknowledged this divide, attributing it to the film's challenging subject matter on national integration.[99]Accolades and nominations
Anek garnered limited recognition at major Indian film awards, with primary accolades centered on actress Andrea Kevichüsa's debut performance. The film did not secure nominations in prominent categories such as Best Film, Best Director, or Best Actor at events like the Filmfare Awards.[100] At the 68th Filmfare Awards in 2023, Kevichüsa won Best Female Debut for her role as the Naga activist Dolhini, marking a breakthrough for representation from Northeast India.[100][101] The film received additional nominations at the same ceremony, including Technical Awards for Best Sound Design (Kaamod Khanna) and Best Editing (Prashant Naik).[100]| Award Ceremony | Category | Recipient/Nominee | Outcome | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards | Best Female Debut | Andrea Kevichüsa | Won | 2023 |
| Filmfare Awards | Best Sound Design | Kaamod Khanna | Nominated | 2023 |
| Filmfare Awards | Best Editing | Prashant Naik | Nominated | 2023 |
| Zee Cine Awards | Best Debut Actress (Jury's Choice) | Andrea Kevichüsa | Nominated | 2023 |
| Grazia Millennial Awards | Scene Stealer of the Year | Ayushmann Khurrana | Nominated | 2023 |
| Bollywood Film Journalist Awards | Best Debut (Female) | Andrea Kevichüsa | Won | 2023 |
