Indian cinema, for all its diversity, has often left the Northeast in the shadows—its stories, struggles, and people too frequently overlooked by the mainstream. With Anek, director Anubhav Sinha boldly thrusts this region and its realities into the spotlight, crafting a political action thriller that’s as much about the soul of India as it is about the fate of its characters. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana as an undercover agent, Anek dives deep into questions of identity, belonging, and what it truly means to be “Indian.”

This review offers a comprehensive exploration of the film’s plot, characters, themes, box office performance, similar films, reasons to watch, and answers to frequently asked questions. Anek is more than a movie—it’s a cinematic conversation about unity, diversity, and the price of peace.

Detailed Plot Summary

A Land of Many Voices

The film opens in the lush, rain-soaked landscapes of Northeast India—a region marked by decades of insurgency, political neglect, and a persistent sense of alienation from the Indian mainstream. The government is desperate to broker peace with the region’s most powerful rebel leader, Tiger Sangha, whose group runs a parallel government and commands fierce loyalty.

Joshua’s Mission

Joshua (Ayushmann Khurrana), a tough, pragmatic undercover agent, is dispatched to the Northeast under the alias “Joshua.” His real name is Aman, but his identity is as fluid as the politics he navigates. Joshua’s objective: bring Tiger Sangha to the negotiating table and secure a peace accord. The stakes are high, and his handler, Abrar Butt (Manoj Pahwa), wants results—fast.

Joshua sets up a cafe as his base and begins infiltrating local networks. He quickly realizes the region is a tangled web of interests, with multiple separatist groups vying for power. The government’s strategy is to weaken Tiger’s dominance by supporting a rival group, Johnson, which Joshua himself helped plant. But Johnson has grown beyond his control, and its true leadership is a mystery even to him.

Aido: The Boxer’s Dream

Parallel to Joshua’s mission is the story of Aido (Andrea Kevichüsa), a young, fiercely talented boxer who dreams of representing India on the national stage. Aido’s journey is emblematic of the region’s struggle for recognition—she faces racism and exclusion at every turn, but her determination never wavers. Her father, Wangnao (Mipham Otsal), is a respected schoolteacher who secretly heads the Johnson rebel group. This duality—public respectability and hidden rebellion—mirrors the complex relationship between the Northeast and the Indian state.

Joshua and Aido: Colliding Worlds

Joshua, in his efforts to infiltrate the separatist networks, befriends Aido. Their relationship is layered: Joshua initially sees her as a means to an end, but he is gradually moved by her resilience and her desire to be accepted as Indian. Aido, for her part, is drawn to Joshua but remains fiercely independent, shaped by the trauma and hope of her homeland.

As Joshua delves deeper, he realizes that the Northeast’s problems are not merely about guns and politics—they are about identity, dignity, and the longing to belong. The more he tries to manipulate events, the more he is forced to confront his own assumptions and the limitations of his mission.

The Personal and the Political

The film’s narrative is punctuated by moments of raw humanity: a mother’s fear that her son will join the rebels and be killed; a teenager’s struggle to resist the lure of militancy; Aido’s heartbreak as she is denied a place on the national team because she “doesn’t look Indian.” These stories are not mere subplots—they are the emotional core of Anek.

Joshua’s mission comes to a head when he is ordered to eliminate Johnson, the very group he helped create. As violence escalates and betrayals mount, Joshua is forced to choose between following orders and doing what he believes is right. The film’s climax is a tense, morally ambiguous standoff that leaves no easy answers—only the lingering question: What does it mean to be Indian?

Character Analysis

Joshua/Aman (Ayushmann Khurrana)

Joshua is a fascinating protagonist. He begins as a cold, businesslike operative, focused solely on the mission. But as he becomes enmeshed in the lives of the people he is supposed to “save,” he is forced to confront his own prejudices and the ethical ambiguities of his work. Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a restrained, nuanced performance, capturing both the toughness and vulnerability of a man caught between duty and conscience.

Aido (Andrea Kevichüsa)

Aido is the heart of the film—a young woman whose dream of representing India is constantly thwarted by racism and bureaucracy. Andrea Kevichüsa’s debut performance is a revelation: she brings strength, dignity, and a quiet fury to the role. Aido’s journey is deeply moving, and her resilience in the face of systemic discrimination is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

Wangnao (Mipham Otsal)

Wangnao, Aido’s father, embodies the region’s duality: a respected teacher who is also a rebel leader. His love for his daughter is genuine, but his commitment to the cause is unwavering. Wangnao’s character highlights the generational divides and the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

Abrar Butt (Manoj Pahwa)

As Joshua’s boss, Abrar Butt is the embodiment of the bureaucratic mindset—pragmatic, ruthless, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. Manoj Pahwa brings subtlety to a role that could have been one-dimensional, making Butt both a foil and a mirror to Joshua.

Tiger Sangha, Johnson, and Others

The film’s supporting cast, including the enigmatic Tiger Sangha and the shadowy Johnson, add layers of intrigue and complexity. Each character represents a different facet of the Northeast’s struggle—power, resistance, compromise, and the elusive quest for peace.

Themes

Identity and Belonging

At its core, Anek is a meditation on identity. What does it mean to be Indian in a country as diverse—and as divided—as India? The film refuses to offer easy answers, instead presenting a mosaic of perspectives: the patriotism of the mainland, the alienation of the Northeast, the longing for recognition, and the pain of exclusion.

Racism and Marginalization

The film does not shy away from depicting the everyday racism faced by people from the Northeast. From casual slurs to institutional discrimination, Anek lays bare the prejudice that keeps the region at arm’s length from the rest of the country. Aido’s struggles as a boxer are a microcosm of this larger reality.

The Limits of Power

Through Joshua’s journey, the film explores the limitations of state power. Peace, it suggests, cannot be imposed from above—it must be negotiated, earned, and, above all, understood. The film is critical of both the government’s heavy-handed tactics and the rebels’ intransigence, painting a picture of a conflict with no easy villains or heroes.

The Cost of Conflict

Anek is unflinching in its portrayal of violence and its consequences. The film shows how conflict destroys families, dreams, and futures. Yet, it also highlights the resilience of those who refuse to give up hope, even in the darkest of times.

Unity in Diversity

The film’s very title, meaning “many,” is a nod to India’s diversity. Anek challenges the audience to embrace this diversity not as a weakness, but as the country’s greatest strength. The film’s message is clear: true unity can only be achieved by acknowledging and respecting the differences that make India what it is.

Box Office Collection

Anek was released in cinemas worldwide on 27 May 2022. Despite its ambitious subject and star cast, the film struggled at the box office.

• Budget: ₹40 crore

• Box Office Collection: ₹11.10 crore

The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising its intent and performances but noting its narrative complexity and pacing as potential drawbacks. However, its impact has grown over time, especially on streaming platforms, where its thought-provoking themes have found a more receptive audience.

Similar Movies

If you found Anek compelling, here are some films that explore similar themes of identity, conflict, and social justice:

• Article 15 (2019): Also directed by Anubhav Sinha, this film tackles caste discrimination in rural India through the eyes of a police officer.

• Haider (2014): Vishal Bhardwaj’s adaptation of Hamlet, set in conflict-ridden Kashmir, explores insurgency, identity, and betrayal.

• Chak De! India (2007): While a sports drama, it addresses issues of regional prejudice and national identity through the lens of a women’s hockey team.

• Axone (2019): A slice-of-life drama about Northeast Indians in Delhi, focusing on racism and cultural identity.

• Mulk (2018): Another Sinha film, this one examines Islamophobia and the struggle for belonging in contemporary India.

• Talvar (2015): A procedural thriller that also comments on systemic biases and the search for justice.

Why You Should Watch Anek

• Unexplored Setting: The film brings Northeast India—its beauty, complexity, and struggles—to the forefront of mainstream cinema.

• Powerful Performances: Ayushmann Khurrana and Andrea Kevichüsa deliver standout performances that ground the film’s political themes in real emotion.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: Anek asks difficult questions about identity, belonging, and the meaning of nationhood—questions that resonate far beyond the screen.

• Nuanced Storytelling: The film refuses to paint its characters or conflicts in black and white, instead embracing the messy reality of politics and human nature.

• Social Relevance: In an era of increasing polarization, Anek is a timely reminder of the need for empathy, dialogue, and understanding.

Conclusion

Anek is not an easy film. It is dense, challenging, and sometimes unsettling. But it is also necessary—a film that dares to look beyond the surface, to confront the divisions that continue to shape India’s present and future. Anubhav Sinha’s direction, combined with strong performances and a commitment to authenticity, makes Anek a significant contribution to Indian cinema’s ongoing conversation about who we are, and who we want to be.

If you’re looking for a film that entertains, provokes, and lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, Anek is well worth your time.

FAQs

Q: Is Anek based on a true story?

A: No, Anek is a work of fiction, but it is inspired by real events and issues in Northeast India.

Q: Is the film suitable for family viewing?

A: The film deals with mature themes of violence, politics, and identity. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for younger audiences.

Q: What language is the film in?

A: Anek is primarily in Hindi, with some dialogues in local Northeast languages.

Q: Who are the main actors?

A: Ayushmann Khurrana stars as Joshua/Aman, with Andrea Kevichüsa as Aido, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and J.D. Chakravarthy in key roles.

Q: What makes Anek different from other political thrillers?

A: Its focus on Northeast India, nuanced portrayal of conflict, and refusal to offer easy answers set it apart.

Q: Where can I watch Anek?

A: After its theatrical run, Anek is available on major streaming platforms.

Q: Why did the film underperform at the box office?

A: The film’s complex narrative, heavy themes, and lack of mainstream “masala” elements may have limited its commercial appeal, but it has been praised for its ambition and relevance.

Q: What is the central message of Anek?

A: The film challenges viewers to rethink what it means to be Indian, highlighting the importance of empathy, inclusion, and understanding in a diverse nation.