Pune Highway (2025) is a Hindi crime-drama thriller that blends friendship, guilt, and suspense into one emotionally charged narrative. Directed by Bugs Bhargava Krishna and Rahul da Cunha, the film captures how childhood bonds can evolve into complicated adult relationships when secrets and tragedies come to light.
Released in May 2025, the movie stars Amit Sadh, Jim Sarbh, Manjari Fadnis, and Anuvab Pal in leading roles. Adapted from Rahul da Cunha’s acclaimed stage play of the same name, Pune Highway is a film that questions morality, explores the burden of memory, and examines the haunting consequences of past choices.
Movie Name : Pune Highway (2025) Hindi Movie
Movie Category : Latest Bollywood Hindi Movies (2025)
Genre : Drama, Thriller,
Release Date : 2025
Staring : Amit Sadh, Jim Sarbh, Anuvab Pal, Sudeep Modak,
Director: Rahul da Cunha,
Rating : 8.0
Storyline – The Road Between Past and Present
The story begins in Mumbai, where a group of childhood friends — Khandu, Vishnu, Nicky, and others — once shared laughter and innocence in a residential building called Shantibhavan. They grew up together, their lives intertwined through school, mischief, and loyalty.
But something terrible happened years ago — an incident on the Pune Highway that changed everything. A friend named Babu was left paralyzed after a mysterious event, and what really happened that night remains unclear.
Years later, a murder shakes them all. A body surfaces in a lake, and suddenly the old friends are pulled back into each other’s orbit. The secrets they buried resurface, forcing them to face their guilt, betrayals, and fears. What begins as a reunion quickly spirals into a psychological and emotional thriller filled with tension and revelation.
Cast and Characters
The movie’s strength lies in its well-written characters and powerful performances:
- Amit Sadh as Pramod “Khandu” Khandelwal – The loyal, hot-headed friend carrying deep guilt from the past.
- Jim Sarbh as Vishnu Saigal – A sharp lawyer and childhood buddy whose composed nature hides inner conflict.
- Manjari Fadnis as Natasha Khandelwal – Khandu’s sister, emotionally tied to the group and a silent observer of their unraveling.
- Anuvab Pal as Nicky Thomas – The quirky, unpredictable member of the group who adds both humor and unease.
- Ketaki Narayan as Mona Mansekar – A woman whose death becomes the center of the mystery.
- Shishir Sharma and Sudeep Modak appear in key supporting roles, each adding weight to the unfolding drama.
Every actor delivers believable, layered performances that make the emotional turmoil feel authentic and raw.
Themes That Drive the Film
Pune Highway isn’t just about a crime — it’s about the human psyche. The film explores several deep themes:
Friendship and Betrayal
At its heart, the story examines how friendships formed in childhood can erode when tested by tragedy and guilt. It asks: how well do we really know our closest friends?
Guilt and Redemption
Each character carries the weight of past mistakes. The Pune Highway incident becomes a symbol of their collective trauma — something they cannot escape, no matter how far they drive from it.
Truth and Perception
The narrative plays with perspective. Every friend recalls the past differently, blurring the line between truth and lies.
Memory and Time
The film shows how memories change over time. What one remembers as innocence, another remembers as betrayal.
Direction, Writing, and Screenplay
Directors Bugs Bhargava Krishna and Rahul da Cunha handle the story with restraint and precision. Since the film is based on a stage play, the dialogues and confined settings play a crucial role. Rather than relying on large-scale action, the film draws its intensity from conversations, silences, and subtle glances.
The screenplay moves between past and present, slowly revealing the layers of each character. The tone remains suspenseful but grounded, avoiding the clichés of typical Bollywood thrillers.
Visuals and Music
The cinematography by Deep Metkar creates a moody, atmospheric tone. The lighting captures the duality of memory — bright during flashbacks, darker and colder in the present.
Music by Shor Police complements the tone perfectly. The score isn’t loud or intrusive; it’s emotional and haunting, adding depth to moments of silence and tension.
Pacing and Tone
“Pune Highway” is a slow-burn thriller — not packed with car chases or high-stakes shootouts. Instead, it takes its time to unfold, focusing on character emotions.
The first act builds nostalgia and establishes relationships. The second act digs into mystery and suspicion. The final act delivers the emotional punch — revealing that guilt can destroy even the strongest bonds.
Audience Response and Reviews
Critics have given mixed to positive reviews for Pune Highway.
- Viewers have praised the performances of Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh for their realistic portrayals of conflicted men.
- The writing and tension have been appreciated for feeling intimate and believable.
- Some audiences, however, felt the pacing slowed down in the middle and that the climax could have been tighter.
Still, most agree that the film offers something different — a psychological drama in a market flooded with formula thrillers.
Why You Should Watch Pune Highway
If you’re looking for a film that combines emotion, tension, and realism, this one’s worth watching. Here’s why:
- Strong performances – Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh bring raw emotion and power to their roles.
- Character-driven storytelling – Every scene reveals new details about the past, making you question who to trust.
- Emotional depth – It’s not just about solving a murder; it’s about confronting one’s conscience.
- Beautifully shot – The visuals make every moment feel immersive and real.
Why It Might Not Be for Everyone
“Pune Highway” isn’t a typical Bollywood entertainer. If you expect flashy songs or fast-paced chases, this might feel slower. The focus is more on inner turmoil and less on spectacle. But if you appreciate layered narratives, it will pull you in.
Final Verdict
Pune Highway (2025) is a thought-provoking Hindi thriller that mixes mystery with human emotion. It reminds us that sometimes the most dangerous roads aren’t physical highways but the emotional paths we travel within ourselves.