Like Aani Subscribe Review: A Twisted Thriller with a Dark Social Message

In today’s fast-paced digital age, where social media dominates every corner of our lives, it’s rare to find a movie that challenges the norms, twisting our perceptions of right and wrong. Enter Like Aani Subscribe, a Marathi-language mystery thriller directed by Abhishek Merukar. Starring Amey Wagh, Jui Bhagwat, and Amruta Khanvilkar, this film delivers an unpredictable ride packed with dark, intellectual undertones about the use of social media, morality, and human nature.

While Like Aani Subscribe shines in moments of brilliance, with jaw-dropping twists and impressive performances, it also has its flaws. Yet, it leaves viewers questioning not just the plot, but the world we live in. So, let’s dive deep into this social media thriller, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and why you should pay attention to this unique cinematic experience.

Plot Overview: Social Media Meets Murder Mystery

Like Aani Subscribe sets its foundation on a premise that feels both timely and relevant a murder mystery revolving around social media fame, fraud, and deceit. The story begins with Rohidas/Rohit (played by Amey Wagh), a small-time scammer who swindles Rs. 20 lakh through an insurance fraud and flees to Mumbai. Seeking a fresh start, he meets Khushi (played by Jui Bhagwat), a struggling actress-turned-social media influencer.

One day, during a live session on Juhu Beach, Khushi finds a mysterious bag. With her live audience tagging along, she turns the discovery into a social media event, only to find herself in a twisted situation when the bag leads her to the house of a dead man none other than Rohit himself.

With Khushi becoming the prime suspect in the murder case, she seeks help from Deepika (played by Amruta Khanvilkar), an NGO worker. Deepika connects her with a private investigator to uncover the truth behind Rohit’s death. What follows is a whirlwind of secrets, lies, and shocking twists that keep the audience guessing until the very last moment.

Performances: Jui Bhagwat Steals the Show

While Like Aani Subscribe features an ensemble cast of talented actors, it’s Jui Bhagwat who truly steals the spotlight. As the social media influencer Khushi, Jui delivers a compelling performance that balances vulnerability with the fierce determination to clear her name. Her portrayal of a woman caught between her digital persona and real-life crisis is authentic and relatable, making her breakdown during an Instagram live session after her arrest one of the film’s most powerful moments. It’s the kind of performance that even seasoned actors would envy.

Amey Wagh, known for his versatility, steps into the role of Rohit with ease. His character may be a scammer, but Amey brings a certain charm to his portrayal that makes Rohit’s darker actions feel disturbingly acceptable. His ability to switch from a village boy accent to an urban con artist is seamless, adding layers to his character.

Amruta Khanvilkar, in her role as Deepika, surprises with her subtle and nuanced performance. Far from her usual glamorous roles, Amruta embodies a sophisticated and mature character with grace. Her ability to convey guilt and suspicion through simple facial expressions is commendable.

Supporting performances from actors like Shubhankar Tawde (Ravi), Rajasi Bhave (Shruti), and Virat Madke (the inspector) further elevate the film. However, Pushkaraj Chirputkar’s portrayal of a bumbling detective feels somewhat forced, and Shivraj Waichal’s character arc remains underdeveloped. Lastly, Gautami Patil’s item number added purely for mass appeal feels out of place and detracts from the film’s serious tone.

A Dark and Twisted Story: Plot, Pacing, and Morality

Like Aani Subscribe starts slowly, setting up the characters and their motivations. For the first half of the movie, the plot feels like a standard drama, and the pacing is a bit sluggish. However, once the murder mystery unfolds, the movie shifts gears. The second half is packed with revelations, twists, and moments of tension that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

What truly sets this film apart from typical thrillers is its moral complexity. The plot forces the audience to grapple with tough questions about social media, fame, and how society treats both influencers and those who fall from grace. The unexpected twists, especially in the last 15 minutes, subvert audience expectations, challenging the very notion of what it means to be “good” or “bad.”

At its core, Like Aani Subscribe plays on the idea that social media is a double-edged sword. It can make you famous, but it can also turn you into a suspect or a victim in the blink of an eye. The dark, intellectual message of the film becomes clear when we see how deeply flawed society is and how individuals unknowingly contribute to the damage.

The film also challenges conventional morality. In most stories, we root for the hero, expecting them to prevail. But Like Aani Subscribe turns this on its head, forcing viewers to question their own ethical standards. The finale is not the feel-good, neatly-wrapped conclusion that audiences may expect, and this discomfort is part of the movie’s brilliance.

Technical Aspects: A Mixed Bag

While Like Aani Subscribe shines in its writing and performances, its technical aspects are less consistent.

Cinematography and Sound Design

The cinematography, though competent, fails to elevate the film to its full potential. For a thriller, one would expect tighter framing, more suspenseful angles, and creative camera work during investigative scenes. Instead, many shots feel flat and uninspired, missing opportunities to add visual tension to key moments.

The sound design is adequate, but it lacks the punch necessary for a film with such intense subject matter. Thrillers thrive on sound the subtle creaks of a door, the faint hum of a background track to build suspense but Like Aani Subscribe doesn’t fully capitalize on this. A sharper, more dynamic soundscape could have added another layer of immersion.

Editing and Pacing

The editing is one of the film’s weaker points, particularly in the first half. The slow pace may test viewers’ patience, as the narrative takes its time to set up the story. Certain scenes, like Rohit’s backstory or Deepika’s repeated conversations with the police, feel unnecessarily drawn out. Cutting these down would have tightened the plot and kept the audience more engaged.

On the bright side, the second half is much stronger in terms of pacing. Once the mystery unravels, the film moves quickly, keeping the audience guessing until the end.

Music

The music, unfortunately, doesn’t contribute much to the film’s atmosphere. Aside from the ill-fitting item number, the soundtrack is forgettable. A more haunting or suspenseful score could have amplified the tension and added emotional depth to critical moments.

Where Like Aani Subscribe Stands Out: The Unpredictability Factor

If there’s one thing Like Aani Subscribe gets right, it’s the element of surprise. The movie’s final twist is both shocking and thought-provoking, leaving viewers to reflect long after the credits roll. In an era where many thrillers follow a predictable formula, it’s refreshing to see a film that dares to take risks, even if those risks don’t always pay off.

A Flawed but Fascinating Thriller

Like Aani Subscribe isn’t perfect, but it’s certainly one of the more intriguing Marathi films in recent memory. Its exploration of social media, morality, and human nature sets it apart from the usual fare, and the performances particularly Jui Bhagwat’s are worth watching. While the film could have benefited from tighter editing and more polished technical work, its unpredictability and dark, thought-provoking message make it a compelling watch.

If you’re a fan of mystery thrillers with a twist and don’t mind a movie that challenges your sense of right and wrong, Like Aani Subscribe should definitely be on your watchlist.

FAQs

1. What is Like Aani Subscribe about?
Like Aani Subscribe is a Marathi-language mystery thriller that revolves around a murder mystery set against the backdrop of social media fame and fraud. The film follows Khushi, a social media influencer, who becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a scammer.

2. Who are the lead actors in Like Aani Subscribe?
The film stars Amey Wagh as Rohit, Jui Bhagwat as Khushi, and Amruta Khanvilkar as Deepika.

3. What makes Like Aani Subscribe different from other thrillers?
The film’s unpredictability and its dark, intellectual message about the morality of social media use set it apart. It also features a shocking twist in the last 15 minutes that challenges conventional thriller narratives.

4. Is Like Aani Subscribe worth watching?
If you enjoy films that make you think and don’t mind darker, more complex stories, Like Aani Subscribe is worth your time. However, if you’re looking for a traditional feel-good thriller, this film’s ending may leave you unsettled.

5. What are the drawbacks of Like Aani Subscribe?
The film suffers from slow pacing in the first half, average cinematography, and forgettable music. It could have benefited from tighter editing and a more engaging soundtrack.