Ananya Panday CTRL Draws Parallels to Kate Winslet Iconic Role in Eternal Sunshine

Ananya Panday CTRL Draws Parallels to Kate Winslet Iconic Role in Eternal Sunshine


Since the release of the trailer for Ananya Panday's upcoming film CTRL, social media has been buzzing with comparisons to Hollywood classics like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Her. While fans eagerly anticipate the film’s release, they’ve noted thematic similarities between these iconic films and CTRL, which also seems to explore memory, love, and technology in innovative ways.

In a recent interview with News18, Vikramaditya Motwane, the director of CTRL, addressed these comparisons, revealing that he expected such reactions from the audience. Motwane candidly explained, “The moment we wrote the film, we knew that they’re going to ask us about Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. But we’re fine with it [the comparisons]. There’s also a little bit of Her in it.”

While these comparisons place CTRL in the company of critically acclaimed films, Motwane insists that his film has its own distinct identity. He embraces the dialogue about the film’s inspirations but emphasizes that CTRL brings a fresh perspective to the conversation. Let’s dive deeper into the two films CTRL is being compared to and how they connect to Motwane’s latest project.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Her: A Brief Overview

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), directed by Michel Gondry, is a romantic science fiction drama that follows the story of a couple, played by Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey, who undergo a procedure to erase their memories of each other after a painful breakup. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the nature of memories, making it an emotionally complex and visually innovative story. The film’s unique narrative earned it an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

On the other hand, Her (2013), directed by Spike Jonze, is a romantic sci-fi film that focuses on a man (played by Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with an artificial intelligence system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The movie touches on themes of loneliness, connection, and the role of technology in human relationships. Like Eternal Sunshine, Her also won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

What Does This Mean for CTRL?

With two critically acclaimed films being brought into the conversation, comparisons could easily put pressure on any director. However, Vikramaditya Motwane seems to welcome the association, stating that while elements of Eternal Sunshine and Her are present in CTRL, the film is still very much its own unique creation.

“The beauty of cinema is in how stories influence each other,” Motwane shared. “Our film stands on its own, but we also understand why people are reminded of these classics. It’s always fascinating to see how audiences draw their own connections.”

Fans are excited to see how Ananya Panday tackles such a challenging and layered role, as the trailer hints at a story that dives into themes of memory and identity — elements that Eternal Sunshine and Her explored beautifully. However, CTRL promises to be much more than just a blend of these films.

What to Expect from Ananya Panday’s CTRL

While not much has been revealed about the full plot, the trailer teases a futuristic storyline, exploring love and relationships in a world shaped by technology. Ananya Panday steps into a character that seems to wrestle with her own memories and reality, leading to comparisons with Kate Winslet’s unforgettable performance in Eternal Sunshine.

According to Motwane, Panday brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the role, adding depth to her portrayal that will likely surprise many viewers. “Ananya's performance is something I’m incredibly proud of. She has truly made this character her own, and I can’t wait for the audience to experience it.”



As the buzz continues to grow around CTRL, the comparisons to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Her have only heightened excitement for the film’s release. While it’s clear that CTRL has been influenced by these Hollywood classics, Vikramaditya Motwane insists that his film is an original creation with a story that will resonate with today’s audiences in new and unexpected ways.

With Ananya Panday taking on a thought-provoking role, and the film exploring universal themes of love, memory, and technology, CTRL is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year. Fans are eager to see how Motwane’s vision unfolds on the big screen, and whether CTRL will earn its place alongside the classics it’s being compared to.