✅ Azaad (2025) is a Hindi period action-drama that premiered in theaters and is now available on streaming platforms. It intricately weaves a tale of courage, rebellion, and a unique bond between a young man and a spirited horse against the tumultuous backdrop of British colonial India. This film promises an immersive historical experience for audiences across various devices.

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Azaad

Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Writer: Krishnan Hariharan, Abhishek Kapoor, Suresh Nair

Stars: Ajay Devgn, Aman Devgan, Diana Penty

Plot: Azaad is an upcoming movie set in 1920s India, produced by RSVP and Guy In The Sky Pictures. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film stars Ajay Devgn, Aaman Devgan, Rasha Thadani, Diana Penty, Mohit Malik, and Piyush Mishra. A young...

Countries: India

Languages: Hindi

IMDb: View on IMDb

Azaad (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Azaad
• Language: Hindi
• Budget: ₹80 crore
• Revenue: ₹9.17–10 crore (Worldwide Box Office)
• Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes (145 minutes)
• Release Date: January 17, 2025
• Genres: Action, Drama, Period
• Cast: Aaman Devgan (as Govind), Rasha Thadani (as Janaki), Ajay Devgn (as Vikram Singh), Diana Penty (as Kesar), Piyush Mishra (as Rai Bahadur), Mohit Malik (as Tej Bahadur)
• Directors: Abhishek Kapoor
• Screenplay: Abhishek Kapoor, Ritesh Shah, Suresh Nair
• Studios & Producers: RSVP Movies, Guy In The Sky Pictures (Producers: Ronnie Screwvala, Pragya Kapoor)
• Voice Cast: N/A
• Animation & Style: Live-action period drama with extensive horse-riding action sequences and historical recreation.

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

Set in 1920s British India, “Azaad” introduces Govind (Aaman Devgan), a young stable boy whose life changes when he becomes captivated by Azaad, a formidable stallion owned by the rebel leader Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn), who opposes British rule. Following Vikram’s death, Govind inherits the responsibility of caring for the magnificent horse. His destiny becomes intertwined with Azaad’s, as tensions escalate when Rai Bahadur (Piyush Mishra), a local Zamindar allied with the British, demands the horse’s surrender. This leads to a climactic horse-riding challenge at the Ardh Kumbh fair, where Govind must bond with the temperamental stallion to save his village from servitude and injustice. The film explores themes of oppression, rebellion, and the fight for freedom, with Azaad the horse symbolizing the spirit of liberation. Despite a somewhat linear plot, the narrative engages through the presence of established actors, thrilling action sequences, and the unique bond between man and animal, culminating in a dramatic struggle for justice.

Cast & Crew

Critical & Audience Response

“Azaad” received a mixed-to-negative reception from critics upon its release, with some praising its unique premise but many pointing out flaws in execution. Reviewers often highlighted the film’s ambitious scale and the central role of the majestic horse, Azaad, as refreshing elements. Ajay Devgn’s cameo was generally well-received, providing a strong initial hook. However, the film’s reliance on its two debutant leads, Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani, proved to be a challenge for some critics, who noted a lack of compelling chemistry between them and an underdeveloped screen presence in certain scenes. The screenplay was criticized for having too many parallel plot strands that did not fully materialize, leading to a diluted narrative. Audience reactions were varied, with some enjoying the “massy” elements and the unique bond with the horse, while others found the plot predictable and the runtime a bit stretched. The film struggled at the box office, indicating that it did not resonate widely despite its grand intentions.

Direction & Cinematography

Abhishek Kapoor’s direction in “Azaad” is characterized by a grand vision for a period action-drama, attempting to create a visually rich and emotionally resonant narrative. Kapoor successfully sets the atmosphere of 1920s British India, showcasing the period’s oppression and the spirit of rebellion. His direction is particularly effective in staging the action sequences, especially those involving the horses, which are choreographed with dynamism and visual flair. However, some critics observed that his approach felt somewhat restrained, preventing the film from reaching its full emotional and narrative potential. The cinematography by Satyajit Pande (Setu) is a strong asset to the film. Setu’s camera work beautifully captures the expansive landscapes and the intense horse-riding sequences, bringing a visual grandeur to the screen. The framing and lighting effectively convey the period setting and enhance the dramatic moments, making the visuals one of the more commendable aspects of the film despite the overall mixed reception.

Music & Background Score

The music for “Azaad” plays a significant role in enhancing the film’s emotional and dramatic impact. The songs are composed by Amit Trivedi, known for his unique musical style. The soundtrack features a mix of stirring melodies and powerful ballads that aim to complement the film’s themes of rebellion, love, and perseverance. “Birangay,” “Azaad Hai Tu,” and “Uyi Amma” are notable tracks that contribute to the film’s musical identity. The lyrics, penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya and Swanand Kirkire, often carry a patriotic and empowering tone, aligning with the historical backdrop. Hitesh Sonik is credited with the background score, which is designed to build tension during action sequences and underscore the emotional moments between characters, particularly the bond between Govind and Azaad. While the overall film received mixed reviews, the music was often cited as a commendable aspect, providing an engaging auditory experience that supports the narrative.

Visuals & Special Effects

As a period action-drama, “Azaad” places a strong emphasis on recreating the visual authenticity of 1920s India. The film features elaborate production design and meticulous attention to period costumes and sets, aiming to transport the audience into the era of British colonial rule and rural life. The visuals benefit significantly from the extensive use of real horses in the action sequences, which lends a raw and tangible quality to the stunts, often enhancing the thrill. While some special effects are employed, particularly for expansive landscapes or larger-than-life moments, the film largely relies on practical effects to maintain its grounded aesthetic. The visual storytelling focuses on capturing the grandeur of the setting and the intensity of the conflicts, from horse chases to skirmishes. The blend of impressive cinematography and authentic production design ensures that the film’s visual appeal is a notable aspect, even if certain CGI elements were sometimes criticized for not being seamlessly integrated, thereby affecting the overall immersive experience for some viewers.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing of “Azaad,” handled by Chandan Arora, attempts to maintain a dynamic pace suitable for an action-drama. The film’s 2-hour 25-minute runtime, however, led some critics to suggest it felt lengthy, indicating potential pacing issues or the inclusion of extraneous scenes. The editing aims to balance the intricate plot points, including multiple subplots involving romance, family drama, and anti-colonial rebellion. The screenplay, co-written by Abhishek Kapoor, Ritesh Shah, and Suresh Nair, was a point of contention. While it introduces an intriguing premise with the horse Azaad at its center and attempts to weave together various narrative threads, it was often criticized for being “all over the place.” The romance between Govind and Janaki was noted as underdeveloped, and the tension between protagonist and antagonist was sometimes sporadic. The script’s linearity and occasional clichés, along with an “anthropomorphized” portrayal of the horse, were highlighted as elements that hindered the film’s full potential for a compelling narrative.

Positives / What Works

“Azaad” offers several compelling elements that contribute to its appeal. The film’s unique premise, centered around the bond between a young man and a majestic horse as a symbol of freedom, is a refreshing departure for the genre. The action sequences, particularly those involving horse riding and combat, are commendably choreographed and visually impactful, delivering exciting moments. Ajay Devgn’s cameo is a strong opening, setting a dramatic tone. The music, composed by Amit Trivedi, is a significant positive, with stirring songs and an effective background score that enhances the film’s emotional landscape. The production design and cinematography effectively recreate the 1920s period, immersing the audience in the historical setting. Despite being debutants, Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani show sincerity in their performances. The film’s ambition to tackle themes of rebellion and freedom against a colonial backdrop is also a noteworthy aspect.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Despite its positive aspects, “Azaad” received criticism for several shortcomings. A primary concern was the screenplay, which was perceived as weak and suffering from too many underdeveloped subplots, leading to a fragmented narrative. The chemistry between the lead debutant pair, Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani, was often noted as lacking, impacting the romantic angle of the story. The film’s pacing was criticized, with its nearly 2.5-hour runtime feeling prolonged due to a repetitive plot and occasional lapses in tension. Critics also pointed out that the portrayal of the British officers’ brutality was underutilized, missing an opportunity to heighten the stakes and emotional investment. The anthropomorphized portrayal of the horse, Azaad, while central to the plot, sometimes felt unrealistic or detracted from the film’s overall grounded feel. Ultimately, despite grand intentions, the film’s execution often fell short of its potential, resulting in a muted impression and a struggle at the box office.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Azaad” is an ambitious period action-drama that, while attempting to deliver a grand spectacle of rebellion and the fight for freedom, ultimately falls short of its full potential. The film’s unique central idea of a bond between a man and a horse, coupled with strong action sequences and commendable music, provides moments of genuine engagement. However, weaknesses in its screenplay, particularly the underdeveloped subplots and inconsistent pacing, along with a perceived lack of strong chemistry between the debutant leads, dilute its overall impact. Despite the directorial vision and visual grandeur, the narrative often feels partially realized, leaving a muted impression rather than a lasting one. While it may appeal to a specific audience interested in its unique concept and historical setting, “Azaad” struggles to fully captivate, marking it as a film with noble intentions but a flawed execution that resulted in it being a box office bomb.

Movie Rating

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