Rating: 2.0/5

Star Cast: Ajay Devgn, Aaman Devgan, Rasha Thadani, Diana Penty
Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Synopsis:
Set in 1920, Azaad follows the journey of Govind (Aaman Devgan), a simple village boy, and a majestic horse named Azaad. The film attempts to weave a story of rebellion, loyalty, and relationships amidst a backdrop of dacoits, royal stables, and oppressive landlords. While the premise promises a throwback to vintage cinematic themes, the execution falters, leaving the audience yearning for more.

The Good:

Director Abhishek Kapoor captures the essence of classic 70s and 80s Bollywood with elements like dacoits, loyal animals, and larger-than-life villains. Scenes like Govind’s first encounter with Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn) and Azaad’s playful quirks provide some engaging moments. The finale offers an adrenaline-pumping horse race that almost salvages the narrative.

Aaman Devgan’s debut is commendable. His earnest portrayal of Govind shows promise, especially in the action and dance sequences. Ajay Devgn, in a supporting role, brings gravitas to the screen, though his presence feels underutilized. Rasha Thadani’s striking screen presence hints at untapped potential, though her character’s development is disappointingly shallow.

The production design effectively transports viewers to the 1920s, and the VFX, despite occasional inconsistencies, adds flair to key sequences.

The Bad:

The Achilles’ heel of Azaad is its screenplay. Despite a promising setup, the first half meanders with sluggish pacing and predictable tropes. The absence of a compelling romantic subplot between the lead pair, a staple of Bollywood mass entertainers, leaves a gaping hole in the emotional core of the film.

The supporting characters, including Rasha Thadani’s Janaki and Diana Penty’s Kesar, are poorly fleshed out, reducing their impact on the narrative. Even the villains, portrayed by Mohit Malik and Piyush Mishra, come across as caricatures rather than formidable antagonists.

The music by Amit Trivedi is another letdown, with only the Holi song, Uyi Amma, leaving a lasting impression. The background score struggles to heighten the film’s emotional beats.

Performances:

• Aaman Devgan: A solid debut, though hindered by a weak script.
• Rasha Thadani: A promising presence overshadowed by limited screen time.
• Ajay Devgn: Reliable as ever, but the role feels like an extended cameo.
• Diana Penty: Sincere but sidelined by a lackluster character arc.
• Mohit Malik: A fair attempt in his debut but needs stronger roles to shine.

Technical Aspects:

• Cinematography: Satisfactory, with the climax’s race sequence standing out.
• Costumes & Production Design: Authentic and era-appropriate.
• Editing: Functional but fails to mask the pacing issues.
• VFX: Decent overall but falters during the hyena scene.

Final Verdict:

Azaad attempts to revive the magic of vintage Bollywood but struggles due to a lackluster first half, underdeveloped characters, and the glaring absence of a romantic angle. While the film has a few redeeming moments, it ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive and engaging cinematic experience.

At the box office, Azaad faces an uphill battle, with limited buzz and competition from stronger releases. The Cinema Lovers Day discount might give it a marginal boost, but sustaining audience interest will be a challenge.

Recommendation: Strictly for die-hard Ajay Devgn fans and those nostalgic for old-school dacoit dramas. For everyone else, this one’s a pass.