Release Date: 16 May 2025 | Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller | Rating: 4/5
Thrillers and dramas in Bollywood have always fascinated audiences, especially when they are full of friendship, mystery, and suspense. Pune Highway , directed by Rahul Da Cunha and Bugs Bhargav Krishna, is one such film that tells the story of friends growing up in a Mumbai apartment around a mysterious murder. Starring a strong cast of Amit Sadh, Jim Sarbh, and Manjari Phadnis, the film has premiered at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024. Let’s discuss the story, acting, and technical aspects of the film in detail in this Pune Highway movie review .
Story of Pune Highway: A web of friendship and mystery
Pune Highway revolves around five friends – Khandu, Vishnu, Nikki, Natasha, and Babu – who grow up in Mumbai’s ‘Shanti Bhavan’ apartment. The friends are having a great time and bonding with each other, but an accident leaves Babu paraplegic. Still, life remains happy in Shanti Bhavan. Then one day, an unidentified body is found in a lake 200 kilometers away. The friends’ lives change completely when the body is identified, and their friendship leads to an unexpected and shocking end.
The story of the film is based on a play that Rahul Da Cunha had previously performed on stage. The story is a deep portrayal of friendship, betrayal, and truth. The mix of suspense and drama keeps the audience hooked till the end.
Performance: Powerful performances by Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh
Amit Sadh brings amazing depth to his character. His emotional and intense acting style keeps the audience engaged with the story. Jim Sarbh, who is known for his subtle and impressive acting, once again leaves his mark. His performance has tension and mystery that deepens the mood of the film. Manjari Fadnis and Ketaki Narayan also impress in their roles, especially Manjari’s sensitivity in the role of Natasha.
Supporting actors like Swapnil Ajgaonkar, Shishir Sharma, and Anuvab Pal also fit their roles well. Audiences on X have called Amit and Jim’s jodi a ‘powerhouse performance’, and it won’t be wrong to say that these two are the soul of the film.
Technical Aspects: Magic of Cinematography and Music
Deep Metkar’s cinematography is a strong point of the film. From the narrow lanes of Mumbai to the open views of the Pune highway, every frame brings the story alive. The camera work in the suspense scenes is particularly impressive. Abhishek Gupta’s editing keeps the film crisp and sharp, though the flashbacks can seem a bit heavy at some places.
The background music and sound design add to the tension of the story. The songs may be few, but they perfectly match the mood of the story. A user on X praised the film’s ‘visual storytelling’, highlighting the strength of its technical side.
What’s special?
- Strong Performances: Performances by Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh are the highlight of the film.
- Suspense and Drama: A mix of murder mystery and friendship makes the story thrilling.
- Technical Excellence: Superb use of cinematography and sound design.
- Story Line: Drama inspired script that keeps the suspense going.
What remained incomplete?
Some viewers may find the film’s first half a bit slow, as a review on X described it as a ‘bumpy and uneven’ murder mystery. Some characters, such as Nikki and Vishnu, could have been given more depth. Also, the climax leaves some questions unanswered, which may leave viewers a bit dissatisfied.
Why watch Pune Highway?
Pune Highway is a film that is a perfect blend of suspense, drama, and emotions. If you are a fan of thrillers and crime dramas, this film will not disappoint you. It is also special for those viewers who want to see something new and meaningful apart from the star-studded masala films. The pairing of Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh, as well as the technical aspects of the film, make it a memorable cinematic experience.
SEO Tips: How to search Pune Highway online?
If you want more information about Pune Highway then use following keywords:
- Pune Highway Movie Review Hindi
- Pune Highway Movie Review Amit Sadh
- jim sarbh pune highway movie
- crime thriller movie 2025
- Rahul Da Cunha Movie Review
Final Rating: 4/5
Pune Highway is a brilliant crime thriller that grabs the attention of the audience with its strong story, powerful acting, and technical excellence. However, some minor flaws prevent it from being perfect. This film is definitely worth watching for those who like stories full of suspense and emotions.
Pan Card Form