In the Indian film industry, every director envisions new stories for a curated audience. Irrespective of genres, films stay in people’s minds because of the star cast, story, music, and locations. And now, it’s the director, actors, and crew members’ responsibility to engage the audience through awe-inspiring stories. Through a seamless blend of performance, visuals, sound, and emotion, each team member plays a crucial part in transforming a script into an unforgettable experience. However, there are many artisans who don the hat of different roles in life, embracing each role with passion and resilience, proving that versatility is the true mark of artistry.
In relevance to this, let us look at the person who changed his career from acting to directing: Abhishek Kapoor. His journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention in the film industry. In the initial days, Abishek acted in a few films during the 1990s and early 2000s, but they failed at the box office. Eventually, his transition from acting to directing paved the way for his breakthrough. His later films—Kai Po Che!, Fitoor, and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui—garnered critical and commercial recognition. And today, let us review another film, Azaad.
Magnificent Horse
Set against the backdrop of the 1920s, this film sheds light on a boy named Govind and his attachment towards the magnificent horse, Azaad. However, serving under the dictatorship of Rai Bhaudur ignites a rebellion in Govind after his punishment for riding an elite-class horse. The plot twist arises when Govind playfully sprinkles colours on Janaki, the daughter of Rai, an act that ultimately forces him to escape the town.
While running for his life, he unexpectedly encounters Vikram, played by Ajay Devgan. This meeting changes Govind’s life when Vikram, severely injured by Rai’s troops, entrusts him with the responsibility of Azaad. And the reason for Vikram being attacked by Rai’s men acts as a shocking element in the film.
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Bonding
Govind and Azaad struggle to bond initially, but later, with the help of Janaki, Govind learns the skill required to nurture Azaad.
Battle
One of the British officials tries to buy Azaad and put forth a condition of winning in the battle. And now, Govind must confront his enemies to win the battle and bring the horse back safe and sound. In the film, all the actors have portrayed their characters well. The story of animal bonding with a human brings a special dimension to the story. The film was released theatrically on 17 January 2025. Upon its release, it drew criticism for its direction, acting, and plotline. Nevertheless, Ajay Devgan’s fans can enjoy this film on Netflix.
Written By: Tejaswini Prasad