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Story: Govind becomes captivated by Azaad, a stallion owned by the rebel leader Vikram Singh. Following Vikram’s death, Govind's destiny becomes intertwined with Azaad’s, set against the oppressive backdrop of British rule.
Review: ‘Azaad’ is a film mounted on a grand scale that performs well in most departments. The horse, which is central to the story, is certain to win your heart, and the plot keeps you interested. However, the burden of carrying the film by two newcomers becomes a bit much, and this reflects in the execution. Set in British India, the plot revolves around Govind (Aaman Devgan), a stable hand working for Rai Bahadur (Piyush Mishra), a local Zamindar aligned with the British. Govind becomes enchanted by Azaad, a formidable stallion owned by Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn), a rebel opposing British rule. Govind is given the responsibility of taking care of Azaad after Vikram dies. As Govind integrates the stallion into his life, tensions escalate when Rai Bahadur's men demand the horse’s surrender, leading to a climactic horse-riding challenge at the Ardh Kumbh fair.
The movie manages to keep viewers interested despite having a fairly standard and linear plot. The presence of Ajay Devgn and the build-up to the storyline keep you engaged in the first half, but it isn’t until the second half that ‘Azaad’ finds its stride, culminating in a climax reminiscent of ‘Lagaan,’ though in a diluted form. ‘Azaad’ distinguishes itself by placing a stallion at the heart of its narrative—a refreshing choice after a long time. The film features a thrilling horse-riding sequence during its climax, enhanced by excellent cinematography and Amit Trivedi's commendable music. However, the conflict between the protagonist and antagonist is sporadic and lacks significant tension in the script. As Vikram Singh, Ajay Devgn delivers a convincing performance as a rebel leader. Similarly, Mohit Malik’s depiction of Tej Bahadur, the Zamindar's son, impresses with his menacing demeanour. The sincere efforts of Aaman Devgn and Rasha Thadani are evident, but a period film required more from them. There is clear potential for improvement. Diana Penty, as Kesar, delivers a sincere performance, adding depth to the supporting cast. Yet the true standout is Azaad, the stallion, whose presence commands the screen. Amit Trivedi, after a long gap, has delivered some commendable scores.
"Azaad" has moments of excitement, but it has trouble maintaining constant tension. The film underutilizes the potential of depicting the British officers' brutality, which could have heightened audience investment in Govind’s climactic horse-riding challenge. Director Abhishek Kapoor's restrained approach results in a film that feels partially realized, missing its full potential. Although "Azaad" has its moments of grandeur, the film lacks overall emotional and narrative payoff. It is a grand spectacle with noble intentions but leaves a muted impression.
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