Azaad Review

A Zamindar's daughter, a lower-class boy, and a horse named Azaad gallop into the pre-independence landscape of India, creating a plotline that feels both familiar and fatigued. If you're thinking Lagaan with horses instead of cricket or Dhadak in period costume, you're not far off.

At its core, Azaad attempts to intertwine a tale of rebellion with the deep, almost mystical bond between a human and an animal - a concept explored beautifully in films like Lean on Pete and The Rider. But instead of galloping into the sunset of cinematic triumph, Azaad stumbles. While the titular horse wins the race that promises to save a village, the movie itself trips over its clichés and sluggish storytelling, leaving little to celebrate.

Set against the backdrop of British-ruled India, Azaad introduces us to Govind (Aaman Devgan), whose fascination with the black stallion Azaad is as intense as his budding feelings for Janki (Rasha Thadani), the Zamindar's daughter. During a chaotic Holi celebration, Govind's innocent yet reckless closeness to Janki forces him to flee and seek refuge with dacoit Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn).

Tragedy strikes when Vikram Singh is betrayed by his own gang and mortally wounded. In his final moments, he entrusts Azaad to Govind, cementing a bond between man and horse. Returning to his village, Govind confronts the harsh realities of colonial exploitation and the Zamindar's greed, which have plunged the villagers into despair. Their only hope lies in a daring wager: Govind must win a high-stakes horse race to clear the villagers' debts and prevent them from being sent to South Africa as bonded labourers.

The plot spirals into incredulity with Azaad's anthropomorphized journey. The horse, a self-proclaimed connoisseur of alcohol, reforms itself to impress a disdainful mare named Bijli. The absurdity peaks when the Zamindar's son, Ajaatsatru (Mohit Malik), slashes Azaad's tendon before the climactic race - yet the stallion, defying logic and biology, gallops to victory.

At its heart, Azaad wants to be a tale of triumph, but its execution falters. A story centred on a horse should be brimming with energy and momentum, yet the film meanders at a glacial pace. Half of its runtime is consumed by Govind's laborious attempts to tame Azaad, while the other half indulges in anthropomorphism that feels more cartoonish than compelling.

The film's inability to balance its serious themes with its quirky detours undermines its impact. Moments meant to inspire awe or pathos are diluted by implausible plot twists and overly whimsical characterization of the horse. Instead of a gripping underdog story, Azaad offers a bizarre cocktail of drama, comedy and fantasy that leaves you perplexed to the core.

In a film where the titular horse commands more emotional range than its human counterparts, the debut performances of star kids Aaman Devgan (the nephew of Ajay Devgn) and Rasha Thadani (the daughter of Raveena Tandon) are relegated to the background. While their potential is evident, the script offers little room for them to shine, reducing their roles to mere supporting acts.

Ajay Devgn delivers a familiar yet effective act, reminiscent of his rugged portrayal in RRR. Among the human cast, Mohit Malik stands out, bringing depth and menace to his role as the Zamindar's son. His Ajaatsatru, though exaggerated at times, is one of the few well-developed characters in the film.

Visually, Azaad (the movie) impresses. The sweeping vistas of Chambal's wastelands and the detailed period setting transport you to another era. The cinematography and art direction deserve commendation for their immersive quality.

However, the technical brilliance stops there. The film's editing is its Achilles' heel, with poorly paced transitions that sap the story of its rhythm and energy. Amit Trivedi's music, typically a highlight in any film, falls surprisingly flat, failing to evoke the grandeur or emotion the narrative demands.

If you're considering watching Azaad, be prepared for a long, uneven ride. The breathtaking visuals might momentarily captivate you, but the sluggish pacing and implausible plot twists will likely lull you into a deep sleep. If you don't sleep, you'll get to know that the movie is much anthropomorphism about nothing. Unless you're a fan of documentaries or an ardent admirer of cinematography, this might be one cinematic journey you'll want to skip.