Review: Azaad - Dull and Disconnected

 

Movie: Azaad
Rating:2.25/5

Cast: Ajay Devgan, Diana Penty, Mohit Malik, Aaman Devgn, Rasha Thadani, Piyush Mishra, and Others

Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Produced By: RSVP and Guy In The Sky Pictures

Release Date: January 17, 2025

Story:

The story takes place in British India and centers on Govind (Aaman Devgan), a stable worker employed by Rai Bahadur (Piyush Mishra), a local landowner who supports the British. Govind finds himself captivated by Azaad, a powerful stallion belonging to Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn), a rebel fighting against British rule. Following an unforeseen connection with Vikram, Govind takes on the duty of looking after Azaad. While Govind weaves the stallion into his life, conflicts intensify as Rai Bahadur's men demand the return of the horse, resulting in a dramatic riding contest at the Ardh Kumbh fair that influences Govind and Janki's love story.

Performances:

Ajay Devgn excelled in the role of Vikram Singh, convincingly portraying a rebel leader. Nevertheless, he was not used to his fullest. Diana Penty, portraying Kesar, gives a heartfelt performance. Mohit Malik portrays Tej Bahadur, the son of the Zamindar, with a strikingly menacing presence. Aaman Devgn and Rasha Thadani clearly show their dedication, making a strong debut. Piyush Mishra performed well. Azaad, the stallion, truly stands out with a commanding presence on screen. 

What worked for the film:

Despite their short duration, the emotional exchanges between Azaad and Vikram held significant weight. A handful of scenes between Govind and Janki bring about a delightful mood in the latter half. The movie includes an exciting horse-riding scene at the climax, complemented by outstanding cinematography and Amit Trivedi's impressive score. 

What did not work for the film:

The film captures attention only for a few moments. While the story lacks novelty, it could have made a significant impact with improved handling. The screenplay unfolds dully, making it hard for anyone to engage with the events. Kesar's pain of losing her love, Vikram's patriotism, and the life journey of Govind involving his love for Azaad and his adorable love for Janki, none make any impact. There is a noticeable absence of strong tension between the protagonist and antagonist in the script, as conflict arises only at irregular intervals.

Azaad Review and Verdict:

Azaad could have been a unique experience, but it struggles to translate that into an entertaining film. Other than a couple of interesting moments and an effective climax, it doesn't captivate the audience.