No Smoking

In a world where the glow of a cigarette has become as ordinary as the sunrise, K—a self‑assured, affluent businessman in his thirties— finds his life spiraling under the weight of an unrelenting habit. His days are punctuated by ash and smoke, and the habit has begun to erode the intimacy and trust he once shared with his wife, Anjali. As their relationship strains under the haze, friends and acquaintances gently press him toward a radical solution: a hidden rehabilitation centre that promises a definitive break from nicotine.

The centre, known only as Prayogshaala and tucked behind the unassuming façade of a carpet shop, operates on an unsettling blend of mysticism and discipline. Its enigmatic leader, Baba Bangali, presides over a regime that treats each lapse as an opportunity for stark correction, suggesting that true freedom may be forged through confrontation rather than comfort. The atmosphere inside the facility is thick with an almost ritualistic intensity, where the line between therapy and coercion blurs, creating a claustrophobic arena that tests the resolve of its participants.

Surrounding K are a cast of familiar faces who echo his own doubts. Abbas Tyrewala, a longtime friend, grapples with the same cravings, while Kiku Sharda, a doctor linked to K’s family, navigates the delicate balance between medical care and the centre’s more severe methods. Their interactions hint at deeper questions about loyalty, control, and the cost of breaking free from a vice that has become part of their identity.

Against this backdrop of smoky indulgence and austere rehabilitation, the film drifts between darkly comic moments and a tense, almost surreal mood. It invites viewers to wonder whether the path to liberation lies in surrendering to an external authority, confronting one’s inner demons, or perhaps a more ambiguous combination of both. The tone remains unnervingly intimate, promising a psychological journey that explores addiction, power, and the fragile hope of change.

Last Updated: October 11, 2025 at 19:44