Ankahi Kahaniya

Netflix’s Ankahi Kahaniya: The Anthology That Divided Critics and Sparked Behind-the-Scenes Buzz

Ankahi Kahaniya (2021), Netflix’s Hindi-language anthology film, arrived with a star-studded directorial lineup—Abhishek Chaubey, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, and Saket Chaudhary—and a cast featuring Kunal Kapoor, Zoya Hussain, and Abhishek Banerjee. But while the film’s premise—three standalone stories exploring love, lust, and loneliness—promised depth, its reception was anything but unanimous. latestnetflix.com's read is that Behind the scenes, the collaboration between three distinct directors and a mix of rising and established talent offered a rare glimpse into the challenges of crafting an anthology for a streaming giant.

A Director’s Trio: Creative Clash or Cohesive Vision?

The film’s most intriguing behind-the-scenes dynamic was the collaboration between its three directors, each known for starkly different styles. Chaubey (Udta Punjab, Sonchiriya) brought a gritty, realist edge, Iyer Tiwari (Bareilly Ki Barfi, Panga) leaned into warm, character-driven narratives, and Chaudhary (Hindi Medium) specialized in sharp, dialogue-heavy storytelling. The directors themselves hinted at the balancing act in a joint interview, describing Ankahi Kahaniya as a film about "the unsaid emotions in relationships". Yet, the question lingered: Could three distinct voices coalesce into a single, satisfying experience?

The trailer, released by Netflix India, teased a visually diverse anthology, with each segment carrying its own tone—from the melancholic to the darkly comedic. But reviews suggested the execution was uneven. Some critics praised the film’s ambition, while others found it disjointed, with one reviewer calling it "dull, slow, and a drag". The directors’ talk, however, framed the project as a deliberate exploration of contrasts, with each story reflecting a different facet of modern relationships. Whether this was a strength or a flaw depended largely on the viewer.

The Cast: Rising Stars and Veteran Talent in the Spotlight

The anthology format allowed the film to showcase a mix of established and emerging actors, each bringing their own flavor to their segments. Abhishek Banerjee, fresh off his breakout role in Stree (2018), headlined the first story, directed by Iyer Tiwari, playing a character grappling with unrequited love. His segment was widely discussed for its emotional rawness, with some reviewers calling it the standout of the anthology.

Kunal Kapoor and Nikhil Dwivedi led the third story, directed by Chaudhary, which took a darker, more suspenseful turn. Kapoor, known for his understated performances in films like Rang De Basanti, played a man entangled in a morally ambiguous relationship, while Dwivedi’s role added a layer of tension. Meanwhile, Zoya Hussain and Rinku Rajguru, both acclaimed for their intense performances in independent cinema, featured in supporting roles, further elevating the film’s acting pedigree.

Yet, despite the talent on display, some critics argued that the anthology format limited the actors’ ability to fully develop their characters. One review noted that while individual performances were strong, the stories themselves felt "incomplete". This critique underscored a common challenge for anthologies: balancing brevity with depth.

Netflix’s Gamble: Did the Anthology Format Pay Off?

Ankahi Kahaniya was Netflix’s attempt to tap into the growing appetite for Indian anthology films, following the success of projects like Ghost Stories (2020) and Ajeeb Daastaans (2021). The streaming giant’s strategy was clear: assemble a powerhouse team of directors and actors, give them creative freedom, and let the anthology format cater to diverse tastes. But the mixed reception raised questions about whether the gamble paid off.

The film’s Rotten Tomatoes page, which aggregates critic and audience scores, reflects this divide. While some viewers appreciated its bold storytelling, others found it lacking in cohesion. The directors, however, defended the project as a reflection of real, messy relationships—where not every story has a neat resolution. Whether this artistic vision resonated with audiences remains a matter of debate.

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fascinating Experiment

Ankahi Kahaniya may not have been a unanimous critical darling, but it was undeniably ambitious. The collaboration between three distinct directorial voices, paired with a talented ensemble cast, made it a fascinating case study in the challenges of anthology filmmaking. For some, it was a refreshing take on modern relationships; for others, it was a missed opportunity. Either way, it left an impression—one that sparked conversations about love, lust, and the stories we leave untold.