Azaad is a period drama set in pre-independent India. The film introduces debutants Aaman Devgan as Govind, a “stable” boy with dreams of riding the majestic horse Azaad, and Rasha Thadani as Janaki, the daughter of a tyrannical landlord. Ajay Devgn plays Vikram Singh, a dacoit whose bond with Azaad becomes central to the narrative.
Writers, Suresh Nair, Ritesh Shah, and Abhishek Kapoor (who also serves as the director), attempt to weave a tapestry of themes that includes love, loyalty, friendship, and the struggle against colonial oppression.
The narrative is set against the backdrop of rebellion and tyranny. The film explores the dynamics between the oppressed villagers and the authoritarian British officers and landlords.
However, the narrative struggles with coherence and depth. The film often feels like a mismatched blend of anti-colonial patriotic drama, youthful romance, and human-animal interaction.
An overabundance of plot-lines dilutes the central themes, and the storytelling frequently leans on tired tropes. As a result, the film struggles to maintain emotional resonance and narrative focus.
Aaman Devgan brings sincerity to the role of Govind, a young man captivated by the horse Azaad. Govind’s aspiration to ride Azaad symbolizes a quest for freedom and self-determination, mirroring the larger fight for independence. His performance effectively conveys the character’s innocence and determination, though there are moments where a more nuanced delivery could have enhanced his emotional range.
Ajay Devgn as Vikram Singh delivers a solid performance, but his portrayal feels reminiscent of roles he has undertaken in similar settings, which lessens the impact of his character’s arc. Meanwhile, Rasha Thadani, as Janaki, makes a striking debut. Her expressive presence and charm shine through, despite her relatively limited screen time.
The film’s pacing and narrative execution leave much to be desired. Slow and indulgent at times, the story struggles to build momentum or sustain audience engagement. The blend of themes, while ambitious, lacks cohesion, leading to an uneven viewing experience. The characters’ motivations and arcs often feel secondary to the grandeur of the setting and the symbolic bond between Govind and Azaad.
Azaad presents a heartfelt narrative against a significant historical backdrop, aiming to explore themes of freedom and self-discovery through the bond between a young man and a horse. While it offers glimpses of promise and features commendable performances, especially from its debut actors, the film falters under the weight of its ambitions.
With a more focused narrative and deeper exploration of its central themes, Azaad could have been a compelling addition to Bollywood’s period dramas. As it stands, the film leaves audiences with moments of brilliance but falls short of delivering a truly memorable experience.
You can watch Azaad at the theatres near you.
