The film Azaad, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, is an unfortunate misstep that undermines the careers of two star-relatives — Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani and Ajay Devgn’s nephew Aaman Devgan. The movie, which aims to combine elements of classic films like Romeo & Juliet and Lagaan, fails to deliver on almost every front, from its weak and erratic screenplay to the lack of proper character development.
Plot and Performance:
Set in the 1920s Central Provinces, Azaad follows Govind (played by Aaman Devgan), a stable boy who becomes entangled in a power struggle with a tyrannical zamindar. When things take a turn for the worse, Govind joins a band of rebels led by Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn). While the narrative’s focus seems to be on the young man’s battle for freedom, the film instead gallops through disjointed sequences that fail to build any emotional depth.
Azaad, the horse, is the only saving grace, commanding attention in every scene it appears in. It’s an impressive creature with a strong presence that outshines the human characters, who seem out of place in this mishmash of themes.
Character Development and Acting:
The debut performances by Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan have potential, but they are severely handicapped by the lackluster script. Thadani, who plays Janki, the zamindar’s daughter, has little screen time to make a lasting impression. Similarly, Aaman Devgan’s role as Govind could have been compelling, but the film’s pacing and structure rob him of the opportunity to showcase his skills. Despite their enthusiasm, they are left with little to work with in this film.
Direction and Screenplay:
Abhishek Kapoor, known for making better films in the past, fails to rein in the chaos that Azaad becomes. The screenplay is overly long and laden with unnecessary subplots, including a predictable love story between Govind and Janki, as well as an unconvincing backstory involving Vikram Singh’s troubled past. The film’s attempt to tackle class and gender oppression, poverty, and rebellion is lost amidst the melodrama, forced songs, and predictable plot points.
A horse race in the climax attempts to redeem the film, but instead, it feels more like a desperate attempt to inject some excitement into an otherwise sluggish narrative. Even this moment fails to make a lasting impact due to the film’s haphazard pacing.
Conclusion:
In Azaad, the only thing galloping forward is the horse, and unfortunately, the film itself is left trailing behind. Despite the potential for meaningful storytelling and two fresh faces in the industry, the film’s overreliance on clichéd tropes, weak writing, and disjointed structure ensure that it’s a missed opportunity. While the horse may symbolize freedom and strength in the film, it’s clear that Azaad is a runaway disaster in the world of Bollywood cinema.
Sources By Agencies
