The story of Machine unfolds on the racetrack and beyond
Machine is a 2017 Indian romantic thriller that centers on two racing enthusiasts who meet under circumstances neither could've predicted. Their worlds collide at high speed—literally and figuratively—and what begins as an electric attraction quickly deepens into something more serious. As their bond strengthens, the film shifts gears entirely. New revelations emerge that fundamentally alter the trajectory of their relationship and set both characters on a collision course with consequences neither anticipated. The premise sounds straightforward enough: boy meets girl, they race, they fall in love. But the film's willingness to upend that formula is precisely what makes it worth your attention.
Behind the making of Machine and its cast of rising talent
Directed by the filmmaking duo Abbas–Mustan, Machine marked a significant moment in Indian cinema as a platform for fresh talent. The film stars debutant Mustafa Burmawalla alongside Kiara Advani, who was building momentum in Bollywood at the time. Produced by Jayantilal Gada, Haresh Patel, Pranay Chokshi, and Dhaval Jayantilal Gada under Abbas Mustan Film Productions Pvt Ltd, the project represented a substantial investment in bringing an original romantic thriller to audiences. With a runtime of 148 minutes, the filmmakers clearly intended to give themselves room to develop both the romance and the mystery elements that drive the narrative forward. The film's scale and ambition were evident from its production design, which centered heavily on the racing world and its high-octane aesthetics. While box office performance and major awards recognition remained modest, the film found its audience among those seeking something different from the typical Bollywood romantic formula.
What makes Machine stand out in the crowded romance-thriller space
Honestly, what's striking about Machine is how it refuses to stay in one lane. You're expecting a love story, and you get one—but it's not the kind that ends with a sunset kiss and credits rolling. The chemistry between the leads carries genuine tension; there's real electricity in their early scenes together, the kind that makes you believe they'd risk everything for each other. But that's exactly the problem, isn't it? When you're willing to risk everything, everything becomes fair game. The film's central twist—I won't spoil it, but let's say the reveal recontextualizes everything you've watched—forces viewers to reconsider what they thought they understood about both characters. Abbas–Mustan's direction keeps the pacing brisk throughout, rarely allowing the audience to settle into comfortable assumptions. The romance doesn't feel grafted onto a thriller; instead, the two genres genuinely inform each other. What's less clear is whether the film fully earns its ambitions, but there's no denying it swings for the fences.
Where to stream Machine online across major OTT platforms
Finding where to watch Machine has become easier thanks to its availability across major OTT services. The film streams on several platforms, and Movie OTT maintains a current, comprehensive listing of exactly where it's available in your region—whether that's Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar, or other major streaming services. Rather than hunting across multiple apps wondering if it's still available, you can check the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page for real-time platform information. That widget updates regularly as licensing agreements shift, so you'll always know the most current streaming home for Machine without having to search blindly.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed Machine and what's their background?
Machine was directed by Abbas–Mustan, the acclaimed filmmaking duo known for their work in Indian cinema. The pair brought their sensibility for high-stakes narratives to this romantic thriller, crafting a film that balances character development with genre twists.
Q: Is Machine based on a true story?
No, Machine is an original fictional narrative created specifically for the screen. The story of two racing enthusiasts whose romance takes an unexpected turn was developed as a standalone thriller rather than adapted from existing source material.
Q: How long is Machine?
The film runs 148 minutes, giving the directors substantial time to develop both the romantic and thriller elements of the plot. That length allows for character building and the kind of slow-burn tension that pays off when the film's central revelation arrives.
Q: Who stars in Machine?
The film features debutant Mustafa Burmawalla and Kiara Advani in the lead roles. Advani was already gaining recognition in Bollywood when she took on this project, while Burmawalla's performance marked his entry into feature filmmaking.
Q: What genre is Machine?
Machine blends three genres—action, romance, and comedy—though it leans most heavily into the romantic thriller space. The action sequences center around the racing world, while comedic moments provide relief from the mounting tension.
Final thoughts on Machine
Machine isn't a perfect film, and its IMDb rating of 3.1/10 reflects that some viewers found it didn't quite land. But dismissing it outright misses what makes it interesting: a willingness to subvert genre expectations and a genuine attempt to make you feel something unexpected. It's the kind of film that sticks with you not because it's flawless, but because it dares to go somewhere you weren't quite prepared to follow. If you're in the mood for a romance that isn't what it seems, or a thriller that surprises you, Machine deserves a shot. Stream it and make up your own mind.
