Pune Highway: A Gripping Thriller That Balances Friendship and Suspense
Pune Highway, directed by Bugs Bhargava Krishna and Rahul da Cunha, premiered at IFFI Goa 2024 and released in theaters on 23 May 2025. The film became available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video on 4 July 2025. Starring Amit Sadh as Pramod “Khandu” Khandelwal and Jim Sarbh as lawyer Vishnu Shegal, this psychological thriller delves into a haunting murder mystery that unravels within a circle of childhood friends. When a dead body is discovered near a remote lake far from their hometown, long-buried secrets begin to surface. The film masterfully layers suspense, with Sarbh delivering a powerful performance as a conflicted lawyer caught between loyalty and truth. The tension is palpable, the dialogue feels authentic, and the pacing keeps viewers invested from beginning to end.
Performance-Driven Thriller with Strong Emotional Undercurrents
The strength of Pune Highway lies in its compelling performances and sharp character dynamics. Amit Sadh brings intensity and depth to his role, while Jim Sarbh’s portrayal of Vishnu offers a nuanced take on guilt, duty, and moral complexity. The film tackles themes of friendship, trauma, and consequence with a thoughtful approach. Critics have praised its suspenseful narrative and tight direction, though some noted occasional lapses in emotional depth. Still, with a concise runtime of 126 minutes and a focused script, Pune Highway succeeds as a gripping thriller that avoids clichés. It is a worthwhile watch for those seeking intelligent storytelling and character-driven mystery.