Logout (film)
| Logout | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Amit Golani |
| Written by | Biswapati Sarkar |
| Produced by | Kevin Vaz Ajit Andhare Sameer Saxena Saurabh Khanna Amit Golani Biswapati Sarkar |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Pooja S Gupte |
| Edited by | Atanu Mukherjee |
| Music by | Haroon-Gavin |
Production companies | Viacom18 Studios Posham Pa Pictures |
| Distributed by | ZEE5 |
Release date |
|
Running time | 108 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Logout is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language cyber thriller drama film starring Babil Khan,[1] which is also a sharp critique on our dependence on smartphones.[2] The cast also includes Rasika Dugal, Gandharv Dewan, and Nimisha Nair.[3] Directed by Amit Golani, produced by Viacom18 Studios and Posham Pa Pictures and written by Biswapati Sarkar,[4] Logout explores the dark side of digital fame and the psychological toll of life lived online. It was released on ZEE5 on April 18, 2025.[5]
Plot
[edit]Logout follows Pratyush Dua (played by Babil Khan), a popular social media influencer on the verge of reaching ten million followers. Charismatic and engaging, Pratyush has built his public image around a carefully curated digital persona. While his online success continues to rise, his sister Ananya expresses concern about his increasing obsession with fame and online validation.
During a public event, Pratyush's smartphone, central to his social media activity, is stolen. Initially dismissing it as a minor setback, he soon discovers that an anonymous figure, operating under the pseudonym "Shadow," has hijacked his online accounts. The unknown individual begins posting unsettling content, manipulating Pratyush’s public image, and leaking fragments of his personal information. What starts as digital vandalism quickly escalates into a full-blown invasion of privacy, with Shadow exploiting the influencer’s private data, messages, and financial details.
As Pratyush attempts to regain control of his accounts, he reaches out to his manager and close friend Vikram, as well as Inspector Rhea, a cybercrime officer investigating the breach. Despite their efforts, Shadow remains elusive and appears to anticipate every move. The attacker’s taunts become increasingly psychological, using Pratyush’s own digital footprint to destabilize him.
The impact is swift and public. Followers misinterpret the cryptic posts as coming from Pratyush himself, sparking backlash and tarnishing his reputation. He becomes isolated, paranoid, and consumed by the mystery surrounding Shadow’s identity and motivations. Ananya tries to intervene but struggles to break through his growing detachment from reality.
The story is largely presented in a screenlife format using smartphone interfaces, video calls, and social media feeds to portray events. Interspersed flashbacks trace Pratyush’s rise to online fame, illustrating the pressures and compromises that shaped his influencer journey. These glimpses into his past reveal a person who once valued authentic connections but gradually drifted toward superficial online validation.
As the digital cat-and-mouse game unfolds, Pratyush uncovers subtle clues suggesting that Shadow might be someone with a personal connection to his past. The revelation forces him to reflect on the cost of his success, how the pursuit of popularity led to strained relationships and emotional isolation. Confronted with the darker side of his lifestyle, he becomes determined to reclaim his identity.
The film builds toward a tense climax as Pratyush sets a trap to expose Shadow. In doing so, he is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and the world he inhabits. The resolution tests his resilience and raises questions about whether he can redefine his sense of self beyond the virtual persona he has built.
Logout explores the consequences of digital dependency, the fragility of online identities, and the psychological toll of cyberstalking. Through Pratyush’s experience, the film examines the challenges of fame in the age of constant connectivity, where public perception can be shaped and shattered by a single device. Ananya provides a grounded counterpoint to Pratyush’s unraveling, while Vikram and Inspector Rhea offer practical support amid the chaos.
Ultimately, Logout presents a cautionary tale about the blurred lines between real life and the digital world and the emotional cost of living under the constant gaze of an online audience.
Cast
[edit]- Babil Khan as Pratyush Dua, aka Pratman
- Rasika Dugal as Pratyush's Sister
- Gandharv Dewan as excitable manager JD
- Nimisha Nair as obsessive fan Sakshi Kishore aka SK
- Medha Rana as The Girl in the party
- Bhuvan Bam as Himself(cameo appearance)
Production
[edit]Produced by Digital 18 Media Private Limited (formerly Viacom18 Studios) in association with Posham Pa Pictures, Prior to its streaming debut, the film was screened at several international film festivals in 2024, including the Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, and River to River Florence Indian Film Festival in 2024.[6]
Release
[edit]The official trailer was released on April 8, 2025, alongside the announcement of the release date.[7] Logout was released on ZEE5 on April 18, 2025.[3][8][9]
Reception
[edit]‘Logout’ received largely positive reviews, with critics praising Babil Khan’s performance as a social media influencer confronting cyberstalking, while opinions varied on the screenplay, pacing, and technical aspects. The film’s focus on social media addiction, privacy, and isolation was noted, though some found the climax and narrative execution lacking.
Shilajit Mitra of The Hindu wrote that Khan’s “magnetic performance anchors the cyberstalking thriller,” but noted uneven pacing and a dramatic conclusion.[10] Rishabh Suri from Hindustan Times noted the film as a “relatable take on smartphone-driven chaos,” highlighting Khan’s ability to lead the narrative.[11] Udita Jhunjhunwala of Mint described it as a “watchable commentary on digital isolation,” praising Khan but critiquing the inconsistent screenplay.[12] Sukanya Verma from Rediff.com noted a “chilling digital descent,” but said Rasika Dugal’s role was underused.[13] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express wrote that the film “raises questions about digital obsession but falters in improbability,” citing plot conveniences.[14] A reviewer for ABP Live noted that the thriller “offers a glimpse into influencer life,” commending Khan but pointing to narrative gaps.[15] Prachi Arya from India Today wrote that Khan “stands out in a tech-thriller,” but highlighted technical flaws.[16]
Vinamra Mathur of Firstpost noted Khan’s “strong performance in a relevant thriller,” though some elements felt uneven.[17] Trisha Gaur from Koimoi wrote that Khan’s “intense act echoes Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Fan’,” but criticized CGI and dubbing issues.[18] Shreyanka Mazumdar of News18 described the film as “impactful yet inconsistent,” praising Khan but noting tonal shifts.[19] Pratikshya Mishra from The Quint noted that the film “explores the influencer-follower dynamic,” but found the climax rushed.[20] Rahul Desai from Hollywood Reporter India wrote that Khan “drives the screenlife thriller,” but narrative inconsistencies persisted.[21] Ronak Kotecha from The Times of India noted Khan’s “gripping act in a digital obsession tale,” but said metaphors felt forced.[22] Aishwarya Vasudevan of OTTplay wrote that Khan “lifts a tale of isolation,” though the screenplay faltered.[23]
Sharva Srivastava from Times Now noted the film’s “take on influencer culture,” but said the screenlife format disrupted flow.[24] Troy Ribeiro of The Free Press Journal wrote that the thriller “captures a digital descent,” but the climax was predictable.[25] Nandini Ramnath from Scroll.in noted that the film “comments on social media behaviour,” but criticized its metaphors.[26] Varsha Agarwal of DNA India wrote that the thriller “outshines ‘CTRL’,” likening it to ‘Fan’ for its obsessive themes.[27] Sulaya Singha from Sangbad Pratidin noted that Khan’s act “lifts the film’s take on digital pressures,” but pacing lagged.[28] Dipti Mishra from Jagran wrote that the film “tackles internet obsession,” driven by Khan’s act.[29] Pankaj Shukla of Amar Ujala noted a “take on digital fame,” but said the resolution was rushed.[30]
References
[edit]- ^ Agarwal, Varsha. "Why did Irrfan Khan's son Babil urge people to unfollow social media influencer Pratyush Dua?". DNA India. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Logout trailer: Influencer Babil Khan faces a digital nightmare after obsessive fan hijacks his phone and life. Watch". Hindustan Times.
- ^ a b Naaz, Fareha. "Logout OTT release: Irfan Khan fans excited over son Babil Khan movie; here's when, where to watch cyber-thriller online". Mint.
- ^ "Logout director Amit Golani: Wanted to highlight how online relationships overshadow real-life bonds". Cinema Express. 2025-04-11. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Logout: Awake-up call on the hidden dangers of phone addiction". Tribune.
- ^ "Logout trailer: Babil Khan's thriller is a wake-up call on phone addiction". India Today. 2025-04-08. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Babil Khan plays a frantic social media influencer in ZEE5's 'Logout'; trailer out". Telegraph India.
- ^ Scroll Staff (2025-04-08). "Watch: In 'Logout', a fan stalks Babil Khan's social media influencer". Scroll.in. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Logout trailer: Babil Khan is a social media star willing to kill or die for his phone. Watch". The Indian Express. 2025-04-09. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ Mitra, Shilajit (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Babil Khan cyberstalking thriller". The Hindu.
- ^ Suri, Rishabh (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Babil Khan is good in this relatable story". Hindustan Times.
- ^ Jhunjhunwala, Udita (2025-04-17). "Logout review: Film starring Babil Khan". Mint.
- ^ Verma, Sukanya (2025-04-17). "Logout review". Rediff.com.
- ^ Gupta, Shubhra (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Babil Khan's solo act". The Indian Express.
- ^ "Logout review: Babil Khan, Rasika Dugal thriller". ABP Live. 2025-04-17.
- ^ Arya, Prachi (2025-04-17). "Logout review: Babil Khan gets likes in this tech thriller". India Today.
- ^ Mathur, Vinamra (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Babil Khan gives his best shot". Firstpost.
- ^ Gaur, Trisha (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Babil Khan delivers a masterclass". Koimoi.
- ^ Mazumdar, Shreyanka (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Babil Khan shines". News18.
- ^ Mishra, Pratikshya (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Babil Khan's latest movie". The Quint.
- ^ Desai, Rahul (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Babil Khan is the life". Hollywood Reporter India.
- ^ Kotecha, Ronak (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review". The Times of India.
- ^ Vasudevan, Aishwarya (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Babil Khan anchors chilling tale". OTTplay.
- ^ Srivastava, Sharva (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Babil Khan unmasks toxic loop". Times Now.
- ^ Ribeiro, Troy (2025-04-17). "Logout review: Babil Khan's thriller". The Free Press Journal.
- ^ Ramnath, Nandini (2025-04-17). "Logout review: Stalker thriller". Scroll.in.
- ^ Agarwal, Varsha (2025-04-17). "Logout review: Babil Khan's cyber thriller". DNA India.
- ^ Singha, Sulaya (2025-04-17). "Here is the review of Babil Khan starrer Logout". Sangbad Pratidin.
- ^ Mishra, Dipti (2025-04-17). "Logout movie review: Internet obsession". Jagran.
- ^ Shukla, Pankaj (2025-04-18). "Logout movie review". Amar Ujala.