Yet, with a relevant theme and a standout lead performance, the film is worth watching—especially for Gen Z and millennials constantly glued to their screens.
Movie Overview
Movie Name: Logout
Language: Hindi
Genre: Cyber Thriller/Drama
Director: Amit Golani
Writer: Biswapati Sarkar
Main Cast: Babil Khan, Rasika Dugal, Gandharv Dewan, Nimisha Nair, Medha Rana
Cameo Appearance: Bhuvan Bam
Release Date: April 18, 2025
Platform: ZEE5 (Direct-to-OTT Release)
Production Companies: Viacom18 Studios, Posham Pa Pictures
Runtime: 108 minutes
Plot Summary: Fame, Fear, and Digital Fracture
Logout follows the life of Pratyush Dua (played by Babil Khan), a rising social media influencer known by the alias “Pratman,” who is on the brink of hitting 10 million followers. His online popularity has won him brand deals and a massive fan base—but at the cost of real-world relationships, especially with his sister Ananya (Rasika Dugal).
Things spiral out of control when Pratyush’s phone is stolen by a mysterious fan, SK (Nimisha Nair), during a public event. This isn't a typical theft—it marks the beginning of a terrifying cyberstalking ordeal. The obsessed fan gains control of Pratyush’s accounts begins posting on his behalf and slowly dismantles his online persona. With every post, Pratyush's digital life crumbles, and so does his mental health.
With the help of his estranged sister Ananya, friend and manager Vikram (Gandharv Dewan), and a skeptical Inspector Rhea (Medha Rana), Pratyush must regain control of his life and identity. The film unfolds almost entirely through screens—chats, video calls, live streams—emphasizing our dependence on the virtual world.
Themes: A Deep Dive into Social Media Culture
Logout resonates strongly with today’s generation. Its central theme—digital identity vs. real identity—is deeply relevant in a world dominated by likes, shares, and reels. The film critiques the toxic side of influencer culture, exposing the mental strain of constant online validation.
The narrative explores:
Digital dependency:
Pratyush is paralyzed without his phone.
Fragile online personas:
The illusion of perfection quickly breaks.
Cyberstalking and privacy:
SK’s intrusion feels disturbingly real.
Family alienation:
Fame distances Pratyush from real emotional connections.
Performative activism and fake endorsements:
A scene where Pratyush promotes vegetarianism while eating chicken is a sharp jab at influencer hypocrisy.
Though the storytelling occasionally leans into melodrama, the message is on point. The film successfully holds up a mirror to our screen-obsessed lifestyles.
Performances: Babil Khan Steals the Spotlight
Babil Khan proves once again that he’s one to watch. Carrying the film almost single-handedly, his portrayal of Pratyush is raw and believable. From a confident influencer to a man on the edge, Babil transitions seamlessly. His breakdown scenes are especially poignant, making viewers feel his isolation and vulnerability.
Nimisha Nair as SK offers a chilling contrast. Her performance adds menace to the film, even though the character's motivations remain partially underexplored. Rasika Dugal plays the emotional anchor, offering quiet strength as the supportive but frustrated sister. Gandharv Dewan and Medha Rana also deliver solid performances in their respective roles.
Bhuvan Bam’s cameo is short but adds a fun moment of meta-humor, especially for digital content fans.
Direction and Technical Strengths
Director Amit Golani skillfully handles the screenlife format, immersing viewers in the digital experience without making it feel like a gimmick. The tension builds through phone calls, hacked live streams, and emails, making viewers feel trapped with the protagonist.
Cinematographer Pooja S. Gupte uses tight frames and digital interfaces creatively, while editor Atanu Mukherjee keeps the pacing brisk. At 108 minutes, the film never drags. Haroon-Gavin’s background score is subtle and haunting, accentuating the psychological descent without overwhelming the story.
Criticism and Flaws
While Logout excels in performance and theme, it stumbles in its final act. The climax, though tense, feels rushed and slightly predictable. The resolution lacks the emotional payoff expected from the buildup. Some plot points—especially the ease with which SK manipulates everything—stretch believability, and the film occasionally dips into over-explaining its message.
Critics have echoed this sentiment:
The Indian Express gave it 2.5/5, praising Khan’s effort but calling out plot improbability.
123telugu offered 3/5, highlighting the film’s relevance but noting its unsatisfying climax.
Audience Reaction and Ratings
The response from general audiences has been more favorable. On IMDb, Logout scores a solid 7.2/10, indicating above-average viewer satisfaction. Social media comments show appreciation for the film’s intent and performances, with some calling it “eerily accurate” and others wishing for a tighter storyline.
Platforms like YouTube also feature discussions praising the realism of the online world portrayal, although several viewers agree that SK’s motivations needed more depth.
Cultural Relevance and Comparisons
Logout joins a growing list of films exploring digital paranoia—similar in tone to Searching and The Social Dilemma. However, its Indian context and focus on influencer culture set it apart.
It effectively comments on:
The dangers of social media obsession
The illusion of control in the digital world
The blurred line between fan and stalker
Its selection at international festivals like Stuttgart and Melbourne reflects its global relevance and appeal.
Final Verdict: Watch or Skip?
Watch it—especially if you’re curious about the darker side of online fame.
Despite its imperfections, Logout is a compelling and culturally important film that holds your attention and sparks conversation. Babil Khan shines, and the story taps into fears many can relate to but rarely talk about.
Rating: 3/5 stars.
Not flawless, but important.
