Pune Highway REVIEW: Amit Sadh, Jim Sarbh Take Us To Thriller Ride Full Of Friendship, Secrets And Suspense

Film:
Pune Highway

Director: Bugs Bhargava Krishna, Rahul Da Cunha

Cast: Amit Sadh, Jim Sarbh, Anuvab Pal, Manjari Fadnis, Ketaki Narayan, Sudeep Modak

Platform: In theatres

Runtime: 2 hours 7 minutes

Pune Highway Review

Pune Highway brings together three estranged friends—Pramod (Amit Sadh), Vishnu (Jim Sarbh), and Nicky (Anuvab Pal)—whose lives are thrown into turmoil when Mona (Ketaki Narayan), a woman from their past, is found dead under suspicious circumstances.

Dark truths that put their friendship to the test and make them both face long-buried trauma and remorse start to come to light as the inquiry progresses. The film’s slow-burning psychological mood, which is primarily set in the cramped confines of a single place, hints at past betrayals and unresolved emotions while gradually exposing the flaws in their friendship.

What Works

The idea of friends and a mysterious death is not new, but Pune Highway handles it with a fresh psychological twist. It focuses more on emotional unravelling than just the whodunnit angle. The film’s limited setting works in its favour increasing the sense of isolation and urgency. The conversations are real, raw, and occasionally unsettling. The emotional outbursts and silences are both used effectively.

What Doesn’t Work

After a compelling setup, the second act drags, with repeated emotional confrontations and flashbacks that could’ve been trimmed. Some characters, particularly Mona (Ketaki Narayan) and supporting roles like Manjari Fadnis and Sudeep Modak, feel like plot devices rather than fully developed individuals. While the film tries to surprise, seasoned viewers may find some twists and revelations predictable.

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Technical Analysis

Bugs Bhargava Krishna, Rahul Da Cunha’s direction especially in terms of creating mood and maintaining tension. However, at times, the tone fluctuates awkwardly between thriller and emotional drama. In terms of cinematography, Pune Highway does a great job capturing the gloomy, introspective tone.

The editing of a few scenes overstayed their welcome, which could have been corrected with sharper editing. The climax also feels slow after the slow burn of the first two acts. Its music and sound design and minimalistic score work well, adding unease without being overpowering.

Star Performances

Amit Sadh shines in a layered role, balancing guilt, grief, and restraint. His emotional arc is believable and carries much of the film’s weight.

Jim Sarbh is magnetic as Vishnu, delivering his lines with both humour and menace. His eccentric charm brings a chaotic energy that works well.

Anuvab Pal surprises with a strong performance, providing emotional anchor points that are key to understanding the characters’ shared history.

Ketaki Narayan does well in limited flashbacks and presence. While her role is small, her character serves as the emotional trigger for the story.

Manjari Fadnis and Sudeep Modak are competent but don’t get enough material to leave a lasting impact.

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Conclusion

Pune Highway is an emotionally charged psychological thriller that explores friendship, guilt and buried secrets against the backdrop of a suspicious death. The film succeeds in building atmosphere and tension, held by solid performances—especially by Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh. While the story occasionally falters with pacing and predictability, the emotional core remains intact. It’s not a perfect thriller, but it is a thought-provoking, slow-burn drama that engages more with the mind than just with mystery.

Watch the trailer of Pune Highway here:

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Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.