Azaad Movie Review: A Star is Born or Just Another Debut?

Bollywood’s latest release, Azaad, premiered on January 17, 2025, marking the much-anticipated debut of Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film promised an epic historical drama with a deep emotional core. But did it deliver on expectations? Let’s break it down.

Plot Overview of Azaad!

Set in British-ruled India, Azaad follows the journey of Govind (Aaman Devgan), a young stable boy who shares an unbreakable bond with a majestic black stallion named Azaad. As India’s struggle for independence unfolds, their relationship becomes symbolic of the nation’s fight for freedom.

Performances: Did Aman Devgan Shine?

-Aaman Devgan as Govind

 

Aaman Devgan

Being the nephew of Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn, Aaman had immense pressure to impress. While his performance showcased sincerity and raw emotion, some critics felt his debut lacked the intensity needed for a film of this scale. However, his screen presence hints at potential for future projects.

Who is Aaman Devgan?

-Rasha Thadani as Radha

Daughter of Raveena Tandon, Rasha brings charm to her role, but her character feels underdeveloped. She had moments of brilliance, but the screenplay didn’t give her enough space to shine.

-Ajay Devgn and Diana Penty in Supporting Roles

Azaad Cast

Ajay Devgn’s presence lent weight to the film, while Diana Penty delivered a composed performance. Their seasoned acting added depth to the narrative.

Direction and Screenplay: A Mixed Bag

Abhishek Kapoor’s direction attempted to craft an epic story, but pacing issues and a somewhat predictable narrative held the film back. While the emotional moments between Govind and Azaad were touching, the film struggled with consistency.

Cinematography and Visuals

Visually, Azaad is stunning. The period setting, elaborate costumes, and breathtaking landscapes transport the audience back in time. The cinematography, particularly the scenes featuring Azaad the stallion, is a visual treat.

Critical Reception: Mixed Reactions

  • The Times of India: “While Azaad has moments of grandeur, it is overshadowed by a weak narrative and pacing issues.”
  • NDTV: “The film’s disjointed screenplay hampers the performances of the debutants.”
  • Hindustan Times: “Despite its strong visual appeal, Azaad is slow and predictable, failing to leave a lasting impact.”

Audience Response: Divided Opinions

Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit saw a mixed response. While some viewers appreciated the emotional depth and visuals, others felt the story was clichéd and lacked novelty.

Box Office Performance of Azaad

Despite the hype, Azaad opened to a moderate ₹1.4 crore on its first day and grossed around ₹9.09-10 crore worldwide, falling short of industry expectations.

Is Azaad Worth Watching?

Azaad is a film with noble intentions, aiming to intertwine personal bonds with the broader theme of freedom. While it introduces promising talents like Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani, the execution leaves much to be desired. Whether Aaman Devgan emerges as Bollywood’s next big star remains to be seen, but his journey has certainly begun.

Azaad FAQs

The film has received mixed reviews and has had a moderate box office performance, making its commercial success debatable.
Yes, Azaad is available on Netflix. It was released on the OTT platform on 14th March.
The film stars Aaman Devgan as Govind, Rasha Thadani as Radha, Ajay Devgn in a special role, and Diana Penty in a supporting role.
The estimated budget of Azaad is around ₹50-60 crore, covering production, marketing, and promotions.

For a visual glimpse into Azaad watch the official trailer here: Azaad Official Trailer

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