Plot Summary:

In the bustling city of Mumbai, three close-knit friends – roommates Ahana (Ananya Panday), Imaad (Siddhant Chaturvedi), and their friend Neil (Adarsh Gourav) – grapple with the complexities of life, relationships, and professional challenges. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when the trio confronts the profound impact of social media obsession on their daily existence.

Review: “What if the digital world we’ve built suddenly crashes, and we’re forced to confront the stark reality of our lives?” This is the question posed by the Netflix documentary ‘The Social Dilemma,’ a thought-provoking reminder that “if you are not paying for the product, you are the product.”

Ahana, Imaad, and Neil, our protagonists, find themselves contemplating this idea in a harsh reality check. Imaad, a stand-up comic, seeks solace in Tinder; Ahana yearns for an ideal relationship with Rohan (Rohan Gurbaxani), and Neil aspires to launch his own gym. Each character grapples with personal struggles, reflecting the pervasive influence of social media on their lives.

The line between the tangible and the virtual is rapidly fading, with the constant need to check updates on social media becoming an adventure sport. The offline world, once considered a luxury, has become a necessity in a society increasingly haunted by the virtual realm’s perils.

The film questions whether the pursuit of social media validation has robbed us of the ability to truly live, feel, and experience life. Likes and follows offer instant gratification, fueling our compulsion to document every moment. This attention-seeking behavior forces us to place our self-worth in the hands of strangers least invested in our well-being.

Debutant director Arjun Varain Singh’s slice-of-life drama serves as a scathing social commentary on the existential crisis faced by millennials and Gen Z. The narrative evolves from a breezy friendship tale to a dark relationship thriller, addressing trauma and loneliness in the digital age.

Though slightly meandering, the tension in the storyline keeps viewers engaged. Writers Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Yash Sahai, and Arjun seamlessly weave class disparities into the narrative, touching on influencers selling lifestyles beyond their means and Neil’s struggle as a fitness instructor facing societal judgments.

While some aspects of the plot feel ambiguous, leaving room for audience interpretation, the anxiety-inducing, mystery-laden treatment takes precedence. The film leaves viewers restless, anticipating an impending disaster. The privileged milieu in Zoya and Reema’s writing tackles first-world dilemmas, and despite its authenticity, this may resonate more with certain audiences.

Siddhant Chaturvedi delivers a nuanced performance, balancing warmth with detached arrogance in his portrayal of Imaad. Ananya Panday defies the nepotism stereotype, drawing audiences into her character’s vulnerabilities and fears. Adarsh Gourav leaves a lasting impression, skillfully expressing Neil’s emotional turmoil and repressed anger.

“Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” emerges as a highly relevant, unsettling modern-day horror, offering a stark reality check. It prompts viewers to reconsider the value of that seemingly insignificant selfie or the act of indulging in time-wasting online pursuits.