Inside Anurag Kashyap’s 'Nishaanchi' song & what it reveals about the film

Few filmmakers in India stir up conversation the way Anurag Kashyap does. With every film, he attempts to peel open a new corner of human emotion and conflict. His upcoming project, Nishaanchi, is no exception. Scheduled for a theatrical release on September 19, the film already has industry watchers curious — partly for its gripping premise and partly because it introduces Aaishvary Thackeray in a challenging double role.

The makers have now released the first taste of the film’s music, and it’s as intimate as it is intriguing. The track Neend Bhi Teri has been launched by Amazon MGM Studios India and Zee Music Co., bringing a softer, emotional counterpoint to a film otherwise rooted in conflict and power.

A New Voice Steps Into Cinema

Aaishvary Thackeray’s debut has been the subject of speculation for months, and Nishaanchi finally provides the platform. What makes his entry notable is not just the fact that he is Kashyap’s newest lead, but that his very first role involves two drastically different characters. Playing against Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Kumud Mishra, he has a line-up of seasoned co-actors to both support and challenge him on screen.

For a debutant to sing for his own film is unusual, but that is exactly what Thackeray has done. Alongside the original version of Neend Bhi Teri sung by its composer Manan Bhardwaj, the movie will feature a version recorded by him. It is a creative choice that adds another layer to how audiences will experience the emotions of his character.

Music at the Core

While Kashyap’s films are often remembered for their narrative daring, his soundtracks have always carved their own niche. Neend Bhi Teri continues that tradition. Written, composed, and performed by Manan Bhardwaj, the song captures the hesitations, pauses, and vulnerabilities that define early stages of love and longing. Instead of turning to an elaborate arrangement, Bhardwaj opts for restraint, letting silences and minimal instrumentation heighten the mood.

This dual-version approach — one sung by the composer himself and another by the film’s leading man — positions the song as more than a background element. It functions as an emotional bridge between characters, hinting at the fragile ties and suppressed desires that shape the story.

A Film About Brothers and Choices

At its core, Nishaanchi explores the journey of two brothers who grow apart, choosing diverging paths that eventually place them in direct conflict. Written by Prasoon Mishra, Ranjan Chandel, and Kashyap himself, the script looks at family, loyalty, ambition, and the cost of decisions. With such a premise, the double role played by Thackeray isn’t simply a gimmick — it sits at the thematic heart of the film.

Supporting him are actors with strong dramatic chops. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, known for his textured performances, and Kumud Mishra, a dependable powerhouse of presence, ensure that the film’s emotional and moral stakes remain grounded.

Kashyap’s Consistent Experimentation

Anurag Kashyap’s reputation as a director who avoids the safe route makes every project an event in itself. With Nishaanchi, he seems intent on combining an intense family drama with a musical undercurrent. Rather than simply serving up a clash between brothers, the film promises a layered journey where affection, betrayal, and ambition intersect.

By bringing in a first-time actor for such a demanding part, Kashyap has taken a risk that feels in line with his larger filmmaking philosophy — to throw audiences into spaces where certainty is absent and everything depends on how the characters navigate their fate.

Countdown to September

As the release date approaches, two elements are drawing the most chatter: Aaishvary Thackeray’s double debut as both actor and singer, and the film’s music that already seems to carry a significant emotional load. Whether Nishaanchi shapes up as a mainstream hit or a niche favorite, it is already positioning itself as one of the more curious theatrical releases of the year.

For audiences, the combination of Kashyap’s vision, a newcomer in a high-stakes role, and a soundtrack that carries narrative weight is enough reason to circle September 19 on the calendar.