Azaad Movie Review: Govind finds himself captivated by Azaad, a magnificent stallion owned by the rebel leader Vikram Singh. Set against the harsh backdrop of British colonial rule, the story takes a dramatic turn after Vikram’s death, as Govind’s fate becomes intertwined with Azaad’s.
Azaad Movie Review: ‘Azaad’ is an ambitious film that succeeds in several areas, though it falls short in others. The story grips you with its heartfelt narrative, and Azaad, the stallion at its core, is sure to steal your heart. However, the film’s reliance on two newcomers to drive its emotional weight proves to be a challenge, and this is reflected in the execution.
Set in British-occupied India, the plot follows Govind (played by Aaman Devgan), a humble stable hand working for Rai Bahadur (Piyush Mishra), a local landlord aligned with the British. Govind becomes enamored with Azaad, a powerful stallion belonging to Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn), a fierce rebel leader. When Vikram is killed, Govind takes on the responsibility of caring for Azaad. The bond between Govind and the stallion grows, but tensions rise when Rai Bahadur’s men demand the horse’s surrender, culminating in a thrilling horse-riding showdown at the Ardh Kumbh fair.
While the plot is straightforward and sometimes predictable, it manages to keep you engaged. Ajay Devgn’s commanding presence and the unfolding narrative in the first half captivate the audience. The film truly picks up pace in the second half, leading to a climax that echoes the spirit of ‘Lagaan’, albeit on a smaller scale. What sets ‘Azaad’ apart is its focus on the horse, bringing a refreshing element to the story.
The climactic horse-riding sequence is a highlight, with breathtaking cinematography and a stirring score by Amit Trivedi. However, the script misses opportunities to deepen the tension between the protagonist and the antagonist, resulting in sporadic conflicts that lack consistent intensity.
Ajay Devgn delivers a powerful performance as Vikram Singh, embodying the spirit of a rebel leader with ease. Mohit Malik impresses as Tej Bahadur, the Zamindar’s menacing son. While Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani put in earnest efforts, their performances fall short of what a period drama demands. There’s potential, but room for growth. Diana Penty, portraying Kesar, adds emotional depth to the supporting cast with her sincere performance. Yet, the real star is Azaad, the stallion, whose presence dominates every scene.
Amit Trivedi’s music marks a triumphant return, enhancing the film’s emotional beats. Despite its grand moments, ‘Azaad’ struggles to sustain a consistent tension, particularly in depicting the cruelty of British officers, which could have heightened the stakes of Govind’s final challenge. Director Abhishek Kapoor’s reserved approach leaves the film feeling somewhat incomplete, missing the emotional and narrative impact it aims for.
In the end, ‘Azaad’ is a visually impressive film with commendable intentions, but it ultimately leaves a muted impression, overshadowed by its unrealized potential.