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by Shanti Swaroop Tripathi
- Producer: Ronnie Screwvala and Pragya Kapoor
- Writer: Ritesh Shah, Suresh Nair, Abhishek Kapoor and Chandan Arora
- Director: Abhishek Kapoor
- Cast: Ajay Devgan, Aman Devgan, Rasha Thadani, Diana Penty, Mohit Malik, Piyush Mishra, Natasha Rastogi and others..
- Duration: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Rating: 1.5 Stars
Numerous films have been made in the past about the bond between humans and animals. However, in the film Azaad , starring Ajay Devgn, his nephew Aman Devgn, and Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, we are presented with a poor version of a plot that mixes elements from multiple films like Lagaan. The relationship between the hero and his horse, as well as the story about defeating the British in a competition to save a village, mirrors Lagaan but with horse racing instead of cricket. In fact, the rebellious horse named Azaad is even compared to Maharana Pratap’s legendary horse, Chetak.
Story
Set in the fictional village of Bhasur in 1920, the film revolves around British rulers and their collaboration with a greedy landlord (Piyush Mishra), who oppresses the villagers and sends them to Africa as slaves. The landlord has a son (Mohit Malik) and a daughter, Janaki (Rasha Thadani). The son forces the village rebel, Thakur Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn), to marry his fiancée (Diana Penty), which ultimately leads to Vikram Singh’s rebellion.
The story introduces Azaad, a weak horse born prematurely, who was destined to be killed by a British officer. However, Thakur Vikram Singh buys Azaad for five rupees, and their bond strengthens as Azaad grows into a stunning horse, reminiscent of an Arabian steed in his elegance and agility.
As the plot progresses, Azaad rescues Janaki from her cruel father’s son and takes her to the forest. The villagers participate in a traditional horse race during the annual fair, where young people showcase their love for horses. The film also follows the character of Govind (Aman Devgn), a young villager who dreams of owning his own horse, despite being from a poor background.
After an incident where Govind is punished for riding Janaki’s horse, he flees in fear of the landlord’s wrath. It is then that he encounters Azaad and falls in love with the horse. Gradually, Govind joins Vikram Singh’s rebellious cause, but after a betrayal that leads to Vikram Singh’s death, Azaad refuses to acknowledge Govind as his new master. The bond is only forged later, and together, Govind and Azaad free the villagers from British oppression.
Review
The film is a glaring example of poorly executed historical fiction, where the filmmakers have seemingly no understanding of the 1920s, the rebellion in rural areas, or even the rural landscapes of that time. The film feels disconnected from the period it claims to represent. The dialogues and scenarios are so poorly written that they lack authenticity.
The filmmakers, including writer Ritesh Shah and director Abhishek Kapoor, fail to provide any depth to the characters, particularly the villagers’ connection with Thakur Vikram Singh. The relationship between the villagers and their leader is never developed, making the narrative feel hollow and disconnected.
The film, at times, even seems to suggest that Thakur Vikram Singh's personal fight against the landlord is the crux of the story, which diverts the focus from the larger struggle of the village. The lengthy sequence of bonding between Azaad and Govind unnecessarily inflates the runtime, even though animals generally form bonds with humans much more quickly.
Azaad seems to be a project crafted primarily for Aman Devgn, Ajay Devgn’s nephew. It appears the filmmakers prioritized making Aman a star rather than telling a compelling story. The female characters, including the role of Janaki (played by Rasha Thadani), are underwritten and poorly executed. Rasha's entry into the industry with such a film raises questions about her parents, Raveena Tandon and Anil Thadani, allowing her to make her debut with a project that lacks both substance and quality. The character of Janaki is reduced to a mere decoration, with no significant contributions to the narrative, and Rasha’s performance does little to stand out. The film also features a cringe-worthy "item" song with Rasha that feels out of place in the period drama.
Acting
Ajay Devgn, in the pivotal role of Thakur Vikram Singh, delivers a disappointing performance. With the weight of multiple responsibilities—being a mentor to his nephew, ensuring the film’s success at the box office, and fulfilling promises to his family—it’s clear that his performance lacks the intensity expected from an actor of his caliber. His portrayal feels disjointed, especially since his character exits early in the film, leaving the audience with no emotional investment in the story.
Diana Penty does her best with the role of a captured lover, but her character is relegated to a passive role, contributing little to the plot. Piyush Mishra, a seasoned actor, is wasted in the role of the landlord, failing to bring any depth to the villainous character. Mohit Malik, who makes his film debut as the villainous son of the landlord, does little to impress. His portrayal lacks nuance, making his character forgettable.
Aman Devgn, in his first major role, showcases minimal acting ability. His performance is flat, with little expression or emotional depth. Despite being part of a prominent Bollywood family, he fails to make an impact, and his character never connects with the audience. If Aman wants to succeed in the industry, he will need to put in much more effort to improve his craft.
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