The Story of Ankahi Kahaniya
Ankahi Kahaniya—which translates to "untold stories"—is a 2021 Indian Hindi-language anthology that follows three separate narratives woven together by a central theme: the search for connection in a crowded world. As big city life buzzes around them, lonely souls discover surprising sources of companionship and meaning in tales of love, loss and longing. The film doesn't try to be a thriller or a comedy. Instead, it settles into the quiet spaces between people—the unspoken glances, the missed opportunities, the moments when two strangers almost become something more. Each story operates on its own terms, with its own rhythm and emotional temperature, though they share a melancholy sensibility that defines the whole.
Behind the Making of Ankahi Kahaniya
Ankahi Kahaniya brought together three accomplished Indian directors—Abhishek Chaubey, Saket Chaudhary, and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari—each steering one segment of the anthology. This collaborative approach isn't new in Hindi cinema, but it's still rare enough to signal ambition. The film was produced by RSVP Movies and Flying Unicorn Entertainment, and Netflix released it globally on September 17, 2021, positioning it as a prestige play for the streaming platform's Hindi-language slate. The ensemble cast includes Abhishek Banerjee, Rinku Rajguru, Delzad Hiwale, Kunal Kapoor, Zoya Hussain, Nikhil Dwivedi, and Palomi Ghosh—a mix of established character actors and rising talent. The screenplay was written by five credited writers: Piyush Gupta, Hussain Haidry, Shreyas Jain, Zeenat Lakhani, and Nitesh Tiwari, which might explain why the tonal shifts feel both deliberate and sometimes uneven. The film carries a TV-14 rating, making it accessible to a broad audience, though its emotional weight skews toward adults. Critical reception was mixed—Rotten Tomatoes settled it at 55%, while IMDb users gave it a 5.6 out of 10 across 1,047 votes. It earned one award nomination, a modest tally that reflects the film's struggle to break through the noise.
What Makes Ankahi Kahaniya Stand Out
What's striking about Ankahi Kahaniya is that it doesn't pretend to have all the answers. The film sits with discomfort—the awkwardness of being alone in a crowd, the sting of wanting someone who doesn't want you back, the strange comfort of a stranger's company. Abhishek Banerjee, in particular, carries a kind of lived-in weariness that feels authentic; he doesn't need to perform sadness because he's already internalized it. The performances aren't flashy. They're small, observational, the kind of acting that only registers if you're paying attention. What's harder to defend is the uneven execution across the three stories. One segment might land with genuine emotional weight while another feels like it's straining to find its point. The thing nobody mentions is that anthology films live or die by their weakest story—and here, not all three stories have equal power. Still, there are moments that linger. A conversation between two people who almost know each other. A missed connection that feels inevitable rather than tragic. These aren't spectacular moments, but they're human, and that's what the film is reaching for.
Where to Stream Ankahi Kahaniya Online
Ankahi Kahaniya is available on major OTT platforms, with Netflix being the primary home since the film was produced as a Netflix Original. To find the most current list of where this title is streaming right now—whether it's still on Netflix or has migrated to other services—check the "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page. Movie OTT tracks availability across all major streaming services, so you'll know exactly which platform has it in your region and whether it requires a subscription or rental. Streaming rights can shift, so it's worth verifying before you settle in to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who directed Ankahi Kahaniya?
The film was directed by three different filmmakers—Abhishek Chaubey, Saket Chaudhary, and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari—each helming one of the three stories. This multi-director approach is common in anthology films and allows each segment to have its own distinct perspective and style.
Q: Is Ankahi Kahaniya based on a true story?
No, the film isn't based on true events. It's an original anthology written by five credited screenwriters: Piyush Gupta, Hussain Haidry, Shreyas Jain, Zeenat Lakhani, and Nitesh Tiwari. The stories are fictional explorations of urban loneliness and connection.
Q: What's the runtime of Ankahi Kahaniya?
The film runs 110 minutes total, which breaks down to roughly 35-40 minutes per story depending on how the segments are divided. It's a manageable length for an anthology—long enough to develop character and mood without overstaying its welcome.
Q: What rating does Ankahi Kahaniya have?
The film is rated TV-14, meaning it's appropriate for viewers 14 and older. There's no graphic violence or explicit content; the rating reflects mature themes around relationships and emotional situations.
Q: How did critics respond to Ankahi Kahaniya?
Critical reception was mixed. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 55% "Rotten" score, while IMDb users rated it 5.6 out of 10. The film earned one award nomination but didn't break through to widespread acclaim, though some viewers appreciated its quiet approach to storytelling.
Final Thoughts on Ankahi Kahaniya
Ankahi Kahaniya isn't a film that'll change your life, and it doesn't pretend to be. What it does is sit with you for 110 minutes and ask: what does it feel like to be alone in a city full of people? It's a modest question, but an honest one. The film won't satisfy everyone—some viewers will find it too slow, too melancholy, too willing to leave threads dangling. Others will find exactly what they're looking for in its quietness. If you're drawn to character-driven stories over plot momentum, if you appreciate actors who can convey emotion without big gestures, if you don't need everything wrapped up neatly—this might be worth your time. Movie OTT can help you track down where it's currently streaming in your area.
