Bollywood has once again dived into the world of human-animal bonds with Azaad, a film exploring a man’s connection with his horse. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the movie had fans buzzing with excitement, especially with debut performances by Rasha Thadani and Amaan Devgan. Despite the hype, Azaad struggles to leave a strong impact. While it has its sweet moments, the story feels flat and predictable.
A Rocky Start for a Promising Genre
India doesn’t make too many films about human-animal relationships. Classics like Haathi Mere Saathi (1975) and Teri Meherbaniyan (1985) set the bar high. With Azaad, there was hope for a fresh take on this emotional genre. The story revolves around rebellion and a man’s deep bond with his horse. But instead of galloping ahead with these themes, the film trots at a slow and uneven pace.
The first half feels scattered, with scenes that don’t connect well. The narrative takes its time to find focus, leaving the audience unsure about where the story is heading. Thankfully, the second half is more structured, but by then, it feels like the damage is already done.
The New Faces Shine, but It’s Not Enough
Rasha Thadani and Amaan Devgan step into the spotlight with their debut performances, and both show promise. Rasha has a natural charm on screen, and Amaan’s intensity adds depth to his role. While their acting is impressive for newcomers, they’re let down by the film’s one-toned storytelling. There’s only so much they can do with a weak script and dialogues that lack punch.
The Horse Steals the Show
The real star of the movie is the horse. The filmmakers rely heavily on anthropomorphism, giving the animal almost human-like emotions. While this has been done before, Azaad tries to make it the heart of the story. The horse’s bond with Amaan’s character is touching, but it’s not enough to carry the entire film.
Visuals and Music
The cinematography is one of the film’s strong points. The wide shots of open fields and galloping horses are breathtaking. It captures the rural landscapes beautifully, giving the audience a sense of freedom that ties in with the movie’s title. The background score, however, feels overdone at times, trying too hard to evoke emotions that the script fails to deliver.
Final Thoughts
Azaad had the potential to be a heartfelt story about love, loyalty, and freedom. Unfortunately, it feels more like a missed opportunity. While the visuals and performances are commendable, the film lacks the depth and excitement needed to leave a lasting impression. It’s too sweet and safe to stand out in Bollywood’s ever-evolving landscape.
Fans of animal-centered stories might still enjoy this one, but for most, it’ll be a forgettable watch. Azaad reminds us of the beauty of human-animal bonds but doesn’t do enough to make us feel it.
