Cast: Ajay Devgn, Aaman Devgan, Rasha Thadani, Mohit Malik, Diana Penty & Piyush Mishra

Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Rating: **½

Govind finds himself drawn to Azaad, a majestic stallion owned by rebel leader Vikram Singh. After Vikram’s tragic demise, Govind’s fate becomes entwined with Azaad’s, all set against the oppressive backdrop of British rule in India.

A Grand Period Drama with a Unique Central Element

‘Azaad’ is an ambitious period drama that delivers well in multiple aspects. The narrative keeps viewers engaged, with Azaad, the stallion, serving as the story’s emotional anchor. However, the responsibility of leading the film largely falls on two newcomers, which affects the execution at times.

Set in British-ruled India, the plot follows Govind (Aaman Devgan), a stable hand employed by Rai Bahadur (Piyush Mishra), a Zamindar aligned with the British. Govind becomes enamored with Azaad, a powerful stallion belonging to rebel leader Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn). Following Vikram’s death, Govind assumes the responsibility of caring for Azaad, drawing the ire of Rai Bahadur’s men, who seek to claim the horse. The story escalates to a dramatic horse-riding showdown at the Ardh Kumbh fair.

Engaging Yet Uneven Execution

Despite a straightforward and predictable plot, ‘Azaad’ manages to sustain interest. Ajay Devgn’s presence and the gradual build-up in the first half keep audiences invested, though it isn’t until the latter half that the film gains momentum. The climactic sequence, which draws parallels to Lagaan, adds excitement, though in a somewhat diluted form. A standout feature of ‘Azaad’ is its decision to place a horse at the center of the narrative - a refreshing creative choice. The climactic horse-riding scene is masterfully shot, enhanced by stunning cinematography and Amit Trivedi’s commendable musical score. However, the script falls short in creating sustained tension between its protagonist and antagonist, making the conflict feel sporadic rather than consistently compelling.

Performances: Strengths and Shortcomings

Ajay Devgn delivers a commanding performance as Vikram Singh, embodying the spirit of a rebel leader with conviction. Mohit Malik impresses as Tej Bahadur, the Zamindar’s son, with his menacing portrayal. Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani give earnest performances, yet their inexperience is evident, especially in a demanding period film. Diana Penty, in the role of Kesar, adds depth to the supporting cast with a sincere performance. However, the true star remains Azaad, the stallion, whose presence dominates the screen and serves as the emotional core of the film. Amit Trivedi, after a hiatus, delivers a strong soundtrack that complements the narrative.

A Visual Spectacle Lacking Emotional Weight

While ‘Azaad’ offers thrilling moments, it struggles to maintain consistent dramatic tension. The film misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the brutality of British officers, which could have heightened audience investment in Govind’s climactic challenge. Director Abhishek Kapoor’s restrained approach results in a film that feels visually grand yet emotionally underwhelming.

Final Verdict: A Noble Attempt with Mixed Results

‘Azaad’ has its share of grandeur and ambition, yet it falls short of its full potential. While it boasts striking visuals, a compelling central figure in Azaad, and some strong performances, the overall impact is muted by a lack of emotional depth and high-stakes conflict. It is a film with noble intentions, offering moments of brilliance but ultimately leaving a subdued impression.