Azaad movie review: Ajay Devgn, Aaman Devgan, Rasha Thadani starrer historical drama is adventurous, emotional & epic

Star cast: Ajay Devgn, Diana Penty, Aaman Devgan, Rasha Thadani, Mohit Malik, Piyush Mishra

Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor known for movies like Rock On!!, Kai Po Che!, Kedarnath, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui & others, is set to take us on an adventurous ride with Azaad, which has set the screens today. Marking the debuts of Aaman Devgan (Ajay Devgn’s nephew) and Rasha Thadani (Raveena Tandon’s daughter), the trailer of Azaad garnered a positive response from fans but is it a worth-watch entertainer? Let’s find out…

Set in 1920 in the central province of India, Govind (Aaman Devgan) a young boy belongs to a poor family from Bhosar. From childhood, he is fond of horses. The village is ruled by the British and Zamindars (landholders), who torture the locals with their cruelty and injustice nature. Zamindar (Piyush Mishra) has a big stable comprised of beautiful horses.

Govind accompanies his father in looking after the horses at the stable of the zamindar. Zamindar forcefully sends the villagers to foreign lands for slavery to please the Britishers. While sending one of the groups of villagers, rebel Vikram Singh ( Ajay Devgn ) and his people attack British officers and their men and save villagers.

During the Holi festival, Govind rubs colour on Janki (Rasha Thadani) Zamindar’s daughter and is now scared that he will be beaten up by Zamindar and his people. He runs from the village to the exterior. While taking a rest he hears the voice and footsteps of a horse. It’s Azaad, a free-spirited, beautiful and magnificent horse, who is loyal to Vikram Singh. Govind gets in awe of Azaad and follows him and Vikram only to get caught by the latter’s people.

After revealing the truth and expressing admiration towards Azaad, Govind becomes a part of the rebellious group. One day, Vikram gets informed that a large group of villagers are getting exported to South Africa for slavery. He along with his troop goes to save them only to realize that it is a trap from the Britishers and some people from his troop have betrayed him.

In this battle, Vikram dies and takes a promise from Govind to look after Azaad and be his sardar. Azaad is shattered by the death of his sardar. Now, the story unfolds of how Govind and Azaad form a beautiful bond and bring a revolutionary change in Bhosar.

Abhishek Kapoor holds the narrative with its compelling storytelling and creates several emotional moments, which make you teary-eyed. The editing is sharp enough to keep the movie flowing at a good pace.

Talking about the performances, Aaman Devgan makes an impressive debut on the big screen as he plays the role of Govind with innocence and finesse. Rasha Thadani is equally good and shines with her innate charm and charismatic presence. Ajay Devgn is as usual superb and intense in his extended cameo with Diana Penty, Piyush Mishra and Mohit Malik playing their roles to the T.

The main protagonist, Azaad (the beautiful horse) wins your heart with his expressive eyes, playful gestures and mind-blowing speed.

On the whole, Azaad is a cinematic experience, which will make you emotional, smile and cheer as an audience.

Rating: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)

Azaad is playing in cinemas