Azaad Movie Review : A tale of resistance that falls short of its full potential

Story: Govind becomes captivated by Azaad, a stallion owned by the rebel leader Vikram Singh. Following Vikram’s death, Govind's destiny becomes intertwined with Azaad’s, set against the oppressive backdrop of British rule.

Review: ‘Azaad’ is a film mounted on a grand scale that performs well in most departments. The plot keeps you engaged, with the horse, central to the story, guaranteed to win your heart. However, the burden of carrying the film by two newcomers becomes a bit much, and this reflects in the execution. Set in British India, the plot revolves around Govind (Aaman Devgan), a stable hand working for Rai Bahadur (Piyush Mishra), a local Zamindar aligned with the British. Govind becomes enchanted by Azaad, a formidable stallion owned by Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn), a rebel opposing British rule. After Vikram's death, Govind inherits the responsibility of caring for Azaad. As Govind integrates the stallion into his life, tensions escalate when Rai Bahadur's men demand the horse’s surrender, leading to a climactic horse-riding challenge at the Ardh Kumbh fair.

Despite a fairly linear and average plot, the film manages to hold interest. The presence of Ajay Devgn and the build-up to the storyline keep you engaged in the first half, but it isn’t until the second half that ‘Azaad’ finds its stride, culminating in a climax reminiscent of ‘Lagaan,’ though in a diluted form. ‘Azaad’ distinguishes itself by placing a stallion at the heart of its narrative—a refreshing choice after a long time. The film features a thrilling horse-riding sequence during its climax, enhanced by excellent cinematography and Amit Trivedi's commendable music. However, the script lacks substantial tension between its protagonist and antagonist, with conflict only sporadically interspersed.

Ajay Devgn shines as Vikram Singh, delivering a convincing portrayal of a rebel leader. Similarly, Mohit Malik’s depiction of Tej Bahadur, the Zamindar's son, impresses with his menacing demeanour. Aaman Devgn and Rasha Thadani’s sincere efforts are evident, but a period film required more from them. There is clear potential for improvement. Diana Penty, as Kesar, delivers a sincere performance, adding depth to the supporting cast. Yet the true standout is Azaad, the stallion, whose presence commands the screen. Amit Trivedi, after a long gap, has delivered some commendable scores.

Despite sparks of excitement, ‘Azaad’ struggles to maintain consistent tension. The film underutilizes the potential of depicting the British officers' brutality, which could have heightened audience investment in Govind’s climactic horse-riding challenge. Director Abhishek Kapoor's restrained approach results in a film that feels partially realized, missing its full potential. While ‘Azaad’ has moments of grandeur, it is overshadowed by an overall lack of emotional and narrative payoff. It is a grand spectacle with noble intentions but leaves a muted impression.