'AZAAD' Film Review: Rasha Thadani, Aaman Devgn saddled on lambi race ka (kaala) ghoda, manage to gallop above the ‘unstable’ script of ‘Azaad’ ! By Chaitanya Padukone

Much-awaited action-emotional-drama movie Azaad, directed by Abhishek Kapoor and produced by Rohinton Screwala ( RSVP banner) co-producers Pragya - Abhishek Kapoor and Abhishek Nayyar. Starring debutante Rasha Thadani, debut hero Aaman Devgn, Ajay Devgn ( extended cameo) Diana Penty and others, the movie has released today in theatres.

The period movie ‘Azaad directed by Abhishek ( Gattu) Kapoor set in the 1920s in a central province of India, Azaad unfolds against the backdrop of British India, where the local zamindars exercise clut and power. Govind (Aaman Devgn), is a super-cool yet smart horse-stable cleaner whose life gets implicated into conflict, after he mistakenly blames Jaanki Devi (Rasha Thadani), the daughter of a zamindar, for brutal flogging  he receives for riding a horse that is not his

As the slow-paced story 'trots' ahead, it pulls him to join macho Vikram Thakur (Ajay Devgn), a farmer turned rebel dacoit-gang chief who fights valiantly against the injustices done to him and his community by both the British and the local landlords, against the people of that region  Govind's initial vendetta-motive transforms into a mission for justice after realizing the true meaning of a rebel.

Does gritty Govind manage to rescue himself and his villagers from the atrocities they face or will the ruling British and the arrogant zamindars continue with their tyranny-oppression? Will sweethearts  Aaman and Jaanki overcome their rich-poor discrimination caste-differences and will their love triumph despite major setbacks and adverse twists   What is Vikram Thakur's mysterious relationship with charming Kesar (Diana Penty)? Audiences will get answers to these questions after they watch 'Azaad'

Fortunately, Azaad's background score by Hitesh Sonik leaves its impact in heightening the horse-racing and dramatic scenes  The cinematography by Setu is simply spectacular, especially during the horse-chase and horse-racing scenes. It also captures the period countryside locales beautifully. The overall song dull soundtrack by Amit Trivedi leaves a lot to be desired  Foot-tapping sensuous Uyi Amma item-song ( Rasha has danced gracefully) enhances the film's narrative to a certain extent  

The debut performances of Aaman Devgn and Rasha Thadani are praiseworthy  Rugged Aaman brings intensity to his role, especially in his scenes with mentor Ajay Devgn and in his equestrian ( horse-riding) expert skills. While charismatic Rasha oozes oomph and spontaneous acting confidence. Both are welcome promising new talent additions to the ever-growing Bollywood debut talents list. 

The novelty or startling surprise or wow factor element is missing from the conventional 'unstable' tedious story-line, although its partially engrossing.

The film deserved a more slick-tight trimming- editing ideally by around 21 minutes Powerhouse performer Ajay Devgn ( extended cameo) and pretty Diana Penty put up amazing acts,  living up to their characters.  ( Popular TV Star) Mohit Malik in his filmy debut and stalwart Piyush Mishra are remarkable and convincing in their scenes

All said and done, it’s the majestic black stallion ‘Azaad’ which frequently steals the show with its sheer presence and animal sentiments-instincts and of course in the galloping and horse-racing scenes 

Despite its ‘unstable’ script with lapses,  creative maverick Abhishek Kapoor has tried his best to deliver an action-drama-emotional thriller !  ‘Azaad’ is worth a   ‘ dekho’ mainly for animal lovers, horse-lovers and those who relish outdoor country-side chilled-out ‘period’ (1920) romance peppered with tiffs. Minus the high-tech, fast-paced. Google, and digital speed-dating of today’s times. Instead of Insta-gram, maybe one can check out the endearing ‘Horse-Gram’ saga ( ‘Azaad’)  in your nearby movie theatre.

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