Azaad Movie Review

Star Cast: Ajay Devgn, Aaman Devgan, Rasha Thadani, Mohit Malik, Piyush Mishra, Diana Penty
Director: Abhishek Kapoor
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Script Analysis

On the surface, Azaad follows the familiar arc of a misfit hero rising against oppression, but Abhishek Kapoor weaves deeper themes of loyalty, rebellion, and resilience into the narrative. The story revolves around Govind (Aaman Devgan), a stable boy who forms an unbreakable bond with his horse, Azaad, and eventually finds himself leading a rebellion against tyrannical British forces and cruel Zamindars.

The screenplay balances multiple subplots—political resistance, caste divide, and an emotional human-animal bond—without overwhelming the main storyline. The camaraderie between Govind and Azaad adds a heartwarming touch, with several standout moments, especially Govind’s attempts to control the spirited horse.

However, the film slightly falters with underdeveloped antagonists. The tyranny of Rai Bahadur (Piyush Mishra) and Tej Bahadur (Mohit Malik) lacks emotional depth, making their villainy less impactful. Similarly, Ajay Devgn’s character, Vikram Singh, had the potential for a more compelling backstory, especially regarding his transformation into a feared rebel. The film’s second half also drags in places, but it makes up for it with an intense and gripping climax.

Star Performance

Aaman Devgan makes an impressive debut, displaying confidence and a strong screen presence. His emotionally charged scenes, particularly those involving his connection with Azaad, are some of the film’s best moments.

Rasha Thadani looks charming and delivers well in lighter moments and dance sequences, though her dialogue delivery in emotional scenes leaves room for improvement.

Ajay Devgn, despite limited screen time, delivers his usual intensity, leaving a strong impact. Mohit Malik effectively embodies the antagonist’s rage, though his character deserved better writing. Piyush Mishra does justice to his role but is held back by an underwritten character arc.

Diana Penty is underutilized in a cameo role, and her character could have had more significance. A special mention to the magnificent black beauty, Azaad, whose presence adds emotional depth to the story.

Direction & Music

Abhishek Kapoor crafts an engaging historical drama that blends action, emotions, and visual spectacle. The horseriding sequences and action set pieces are particularly well-executed, and the film succeeds in evoking the right emotions.

Cinematography and background music elevate the film’s intensity, while the songs—“Uyi Amma,” “Birangey,” and “Ajeeb-O-Gareeb”—stand out as memorable highlights.

The Last Word

Azaad is an engaging historical drama that delivers a compelling mix of action, emotions, and rebellion. While it has some flaws, including underdeveloped villains and occasional pacing issues, Aaman Devgan’s confident debut and the emotional bond between man and horse make it worth watching.

Verdict: A must-watch for historical action lovers and animal enthusiasts alike! 🚀