Azaad Movie Review: Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan’s Debut Wrapped in a Nostalgic but Stale Package
Bollywood has long cherished the trope of star-studded family launches, and Azaad, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, is the latest addition. This ambitious venture marks the cinematic debut of Rasha Thadani (daughter of Raveena Tandon and Anil Thadani) and Aaman Devgan (nephew of Ajay Devgn). Despite being set in the evocative pre-Independence era, complete with dramatic landscapes, familial conflicts, and the titular horse as a symbol of resilience, Azaad struggles to deliver anything groundbreaking.
The film’s nostalgic undertones might resonate with ardent fans of old-school Bollywood melodramas, but its slow pacing, cliched storytelling, and uneven performances make it a rather disappointing watch. While the film has its moments of brilliance, they’re too scattered to salvage the overall experience.
Plot Summary: A Familiar Tale Retold
The story begins with Govind (Aaman Devgan), a young man captivated by the enigmatic black horse, Azaad. The horse belongs to the notorious dacoit Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn), whose bond with the animal underscores loyalty and freedom. Parallelly, Govind’s life takes a turn when he crosses paths with Janaki (Rasha Thadani), the spirited daughter of the affluent landlord Rai Bahadur (Piyush Mishra). Sparks fly, as expected, but the romance is predictable and lacks depth.
The narrative further complicates with the subplot involving Tej Bahadur (Mohit Malik), Janaki’s protective brother, and Kesar (Diana Penty), who struggles with an underdeveloped arc. Their stories intertwine against the backdrop of pre-Independence India, where societal hierarchies and rebellion converge. However, the screenplay fails to rise to the occasion, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of familiarity rather than awe.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan’s First Step
As the central figures, both debutants have undeniable potential but remain a work in progress.
Rasha Thadani shines in certain moments, particularly with her confident screen presence. However, her emotional scenes often come across as flat, hinting at a need for more nuanced training.
Aaman Devgan, on the other hand, exhibits a decent flair for action sequences and dancing but falters when it comes to emoting. His expressions lack the gravitas needed to anchor the character’s emotional journey.
Their chemistry is passable but doesn’t evoke the kind of intensity or charm that’s essential for a love story to resonate.
Mohit Malik and Diana Penty
Television star Mohit Malik makes a commendable transition to the silver screen, bringing earnestness to his character, Tej Bahadur. Unfortunately, Diana Penty’s Kesar is saddled with an underwritten role that reduces her to a mere plot device. Her talent feels wasted in a narrative that doesn’t know what to do with her.
Ajay Devgn as Vikram Singh
Ajay Devgn’s brief but impactful appearance as the dacoit Vikram Singh lends gravitas to the story. However, his performance feels like an extension of his RRR persona, which makes one wonder if he shot for both films back-to-back. While his commanding presence elevates the scenes he’s in, it’s not enough to compensate for the overall sluggish pace of the film.
Direction and Screenplay: Where It Falls Short
Director Abhishek Kapoor, who has delivered impressive films like Rock On! and Kedarnath, seems to lose his grip on the narrative here. The script, penned by Kapoor alongside Ritesh Shah and Suresh Nair, is weighed down by cliched tropes and meandering subplots. Despite the film’s visually appealing production design, the lack of a cohesive and engaging storyline makes it difficult to stay invested.
The film’s pacing is a major drawback. At 2 hours and 40 minutes, the story drags unnecessarily, with multiple scenes that could have been trimmed or entirely omitted. Editor Chandan Arora seems to have missed an opportunity to tighten the narrative and enhance its impact. As a result, the film feels indulgent, testing the audience’s patience rather than keeping them engaged.
The Horse That Saves the Day
Ironically, the film’s most captivating performer is not one of its human characters but the horse, Azaad. The majestic animal’s charisma and emotional connection with Vikram Singh provide some of the film’s most touching moments. Azaad’s journey and symbolism as a representation of freedom resonate more powerfully than many of the human characters’ arcs. Kudos to the team for extracting such a compelling performance from the equine star.
Music and Background Score
The music by Amit Trivedi had the potential to elevate the film but falls short. The much-talked-about track, Uui Amma, has generated mixed reactions, but beyond that, the soundtrack lacks memorability. The songs feel like interruptions rather than enhancements, failing to leave a lasting impression. The background score, while serviceable, doesn’t do enough to heighten the dramatic tension.
What Works
Visual Appeal: The film’s production design and cinematography beautifully capture the essence of pre-Independence India.
Azaad the Horse: The titular character delivers some of the most emotional and engaging moments.
Ajay Devgn’s Presence: His performance, though limited, adds weight to the story.
Debutants’ Potential: While raw, both Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan show promise for future projects.
What Doesn’t Work
Slow Pacing: The film’s leisurely narrative feels tedious and overstretched.
Cliched Storyline: The plot recycles old Bollywood tropes without adding any novelty.
Underdeveloped Characters: Many supporting roles, especially Diana Penty’s, feel half-baked.
Forgettable Music: Despite Amit Trivedi’s involvement, the songs fail to make an impact.
Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
While Azaad boasts the star power of its debutants and Ajay Devgn, it ultimately crumbles under the weight of its unoriginal narrative and lackluster execution. The horse, ironically, emerges as the most compelling aspect of this sprawling saga, overshadowing the human characters with its silent strength.
For audiences looking for a film rich in drama, romance, and nostalgia, Azaad might scratch a nostalgic itch but doesn’t offer anything new or memorable.
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