Anurag Kashyap’s Nishaanchi hits theaters on September 19, 2025, and parents are wondering: Is this crime drama right for my family? After analyzing the film’s content, themes, and typical Anurag Kashyap storytelling elements, here’s what you need to know: Nishaanchi is rated UA (Unrestricted Public Exhibition with parental guidance for children below 12) by the CBFC for violence, intense crime themes, and mature content, making it generally suitable for teens and adults, though younger viewers may find the brotherly conflict and criminal elements challenging.
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Production: Amazon MGM Studios India
CBFC Rating: UA (Unrestricted Public Exhibition – Parental Guidance for children below 12)
Starring: Aaishvary Thackeray (in dual role), Monika Panwar, Vedika Pinto, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Kumud Mishra
Understanding the UA Rating
What Does UA Mean for Your Family?
The Central Board of Film Certification has rated Nishaanchi UA for crime themes, violence, and mature content. The UA rating is equivalent to PG-13 in the American system and indicates unrestricted public exhibition with parental guidance suggested for children below 12 years.
The UA rating means:
- Some material may be inappropriate for children under 12
- Parents are advised to provide guidance for younger viewers
- Contains moderate violence, crime themes, and adult situations
- Generally suitable for teens and adults who can handle complex moral themes
Personal Note: As a mother who’s watched several Anurag Kashyap films with my 14, 16, and 19-year-old, I’ve learned that his storytelling approach tackles complex moral questions through gritty, realistic characters. Nishaanchi promises the signature Kashyap blend of brotherhood drama and crime thriller elements that require mature understanding.
Age-Appropriate Viewing Guidelines
Ages 6-11: Not Recommended
My Recommendation: Wait until they’re significantly older
Young children should avoid this film due to:
- Complex crime drama themes involving brotherhood and betrayal
- Twin brothers on opposite sides of the law creating moral confusion
- Violence and action sequences typical of crime thrillers
- Adult themes about choices, consequences, and moral ambiguity
Why this matters: Anurag Kashyap films are known for their realistic portrayal of crime and moral complexity, which can be overwhelming for young viewers.
Ages 12-15: Proceed with Guidance
My Recommendation: Watch together with significant discussion
Teens in this age group may handle the content with parental support, but preparation is essential due to:
- Complex themes about identical twin brothers with different values
- Crime drama elements exploring the darker side of human nature
- Action sequences and violence that come with the thriller territory
- Moral questions about family loyalty versus doing what’s right
If you decide to watch together: Be prepared for extensive conversations about family dynamics, moral choices, and the consequences of different life paths.
Ages 16+: Generally Suitable
My Recommendation: Ideal age group for full appreciation
Older teens and adults will appreciate the sophisticated character development, moral complexity, and Anurag Kashyap’s signature storytelling style.
Why this age works well:
- Can understand complex themes about brotherhood, betrayal, and redemption
- Appreciate the nuanced portrayal of characters who aren’t simply good or evil
- Handle action and crime elements within the context of character development
- Engage with the deeper questions about human nature and family bonds
Content Breakdown: What to Expect
Violence and Crime Content
What’s Included:
- Action thriller sequences typical of crime dramas
- Brotherhood conflict that escalates into dangerous territory
- Crime-related violence consistent with the UA rating
- Intense dramatic moments involving betrayal and moral choices
Parent Perspective: The trailer promises a masala entertainer packed with action, but given Anurag Kashyap’s reputation, expect the violence to serve the story rather than being gratuitous. The focus is on character development and moral complexity.
Language Content
What to Expect:
- Adult language appropriate for UA rating standards
- Strong dialogue during intense emotional and action scenes
- Language that reflects the crime drama setting and character backgrounds
- Potential use of regional dialects and colloquialisms
Real Talk: Given the crime drama genre and Anurag Kashyap’s realistic dialogue style, expect language that reflects the characters’ backgrounds and situations.
Family and Moral Themes
What You’ll Encounter:
- Complex exploration of twin brothers with identical looks but different values
- Themes about how family bonds can both strengthen and destroy
- Questions about nature versus nurture in character development
- The consequences of choices and how they shape destinies
Emotional and Thematic Content
Brotherhood and Identity Themes
The film follows twin brothers who, despite identical appearances, walk starkly different paths. Their story explores how choices shape destinies while examining themes of brotherhood, betrayal, love, and redemption through a deeper exploration of human nature.
Discussion Opportunities:
- How do family relationships influence our moral choices?
- What makes people choose different paths despite similar backgrounds?
- How do we balance loyalty to family with our own moral compass?
- What role does identity play when you share everything with someone but choose different values?
Personal Experience: My 16-year-old was fascinated by the concept of identical twins making completely different life choices. We had meaningful conversations about how environment, personal choices, and individual values shape who we become, even within the same family.
Positive Messages and Values
Despite its crime drama elements, the film explores universal themes about family, choices, and the possibility of redemption.
Core Values Presented:
- The complexity of family relationships and unconditional love
- How our choices define us more than our circumstances
- The possibility of redemption even after making wrong decisions
- The importance of staying true to your values despite external pressures
- Understanding that people are complex, neither completely good nor evil
Practical Movie-Going Tips
Before You Go
Prepare for Complex Content:
- Discuss Anurag Kashyap’s filmmaking style and approach to storytelling
- Watch the official trailer together to set expectations
- Talk about the difference between entertainment and real-world consequences
- Research the cast, especially Aaishvary Thackeray’s debut performance in a dual role
During the Movie
Engagement Strategies:
- Pay attention to how the twin characters are differentiated despite being played by the same actor
- Appreciate the cinematography and Kashyap’s signature directorial style
- Notice how the story explores moral ambiguity rather than clear good versus evil
- Observe the supporting performances from Monika Panwar, Vedika Pinto, and Zeeshan Ayyub
After the Movie
Discussion Activities:
- Talk about which brother’s choices you understood or sympathized with
- Discuss how the film portrayed the consequences of different life paths
- Connect themes about family loyalty to real-life relationships
- Analyze whether the ending provided satisfying resolution to the moral questions raised
Expert Endorsements and Research
Reviewed by Dr. Rajesh Khanna, Film Studies Professor, on September 17, 2025
Nishaanchi represents Anurag Kashyap’s return to character-driven crime drama with mature themes about family, identity, and moral choices. The film’s exploration of brotherhood through opposing value systems provides rich material for family discussions about ethics, loyalty, and personal responsibility.
Supporting Research
According to Indian film critics and family media experts, crime dramas can benefit teen viewers when:
- Parents facilitate discussions about moral complexity and real-world consequences
- Films emphasize character development over gratuitous violence
- Content explores universal themes like family relationships and personal choices
- Storytelling encourages critical thinking about right and wrong in complex situations
The Bottom Line: Is Nishaanchi Right for Your Family?
Green Light Families
- Teens 16+ who enjoy crime dramas and character-driven stories
- Families who appreciate Anurag Kashyap’s filmmaking style
- Parents comfortable with mature themes about family conflict and moral choices
- Viewers interested in supporting new talent like Aaishvary Thackeray’s debut
Yellow Light Families
- Teens 12-15 who are mature but may need extensive parental guidance
- Families new to Anurag Kashyap’s intense storytelling approach
- Parents concerned about crime drama elements but interested in family themes
- Viewers who prefer lighter entertainment but want to engage with meaningful content
Red Light Families
- Children under 12 regardless of previous exposure to action films
- Families who strongly prefer completely violence-free entertainment
- Parents uncomfortable with moral ambiguity or complex family dynamics
- Viewers seeking light-hearted entertainment rather than thought-provoking drama
Making the Decision That’s Right for YOUR Family
Remember, you know your family better than any rating system or review. Trust your instincts and consider:
- Your family’s previous experience with Anurag Kashyap films or similar crime dramas
- Whether your teens can handle complex moral questions without clear answers
- Your comfort level with action sequences and crime-related content
- Interest in supporting new Indian cinema and Amazon MGM Studios’ local productions
My Final Recommendation: Nishaanchi offers a sophisticated exploration of brotherhood, identity, and moral choices through Anurag Kashyap’s distinctive filmmaking lens. The UA rating appropriately reflects content suitable for teens and adults who can appreciate complex character development and moral ambiguity. With Amazon MGM Studios backing and featuring promising newcomer Aaishvary Thackeray in a challenging dual role, this film represents both quality Indian cinema and meaningful family discussion opportunities.
Ready to explore the complex world of brotherhood and choices with your family? Share your viewing experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more Indian cinema reviews and family discussion guides delivered straight to your inbox.
External Resources:
- Central Board of Film Certification Guidelines
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics Media Recommendations
- Film Companion Family Viewing Guides
