Azaad Movie Review: The Theatrical Flop That Became a Netflix Hit!!

Everyone is shouting, “When will Bollywood do something new? Remake, remake, remake!” Wherever you look, it’s all remakes. They don’t even want to try something original. Well, brother, your complaint has finally been heard. After ages, a fresh original film has arrived in our film industry. But, maybe it’s a bit too experimental. I mean, it’s fine when it’s about humans, but this time the lead hero is a horse. I’m talking about “Azaad,” a film whose name very few have heard of. But if people knew who made this film, they would be on the edge of their seats waiting for it. You must have heard of Abhishek Kapoor. His films like “Kedarnath” and “Rock On” always bring a different kind of story. Trust me, “Azaad” is far beyond what we’re casually taking it to be. A film’s worth isn’t just about box office numbers; content matters. And when Ajay Devgn’s name is attached to a film, you can be sure that there will be something unique to watch , good or bad, we’ll see.

Azaad begins with a question: What is the difference between a dacoit and a rebel? You’ve heard both words, right? Want the answer? One loots others himself, while the other rebels against those who loot. Both have guns, but who they aim at is what sets a rebel apart from a dacoit. Ajay Devgn presents a rebel who has taken up arms against the British, swearing to drive them out of the country. The amazing part is, not everyone supports him. The most powerful man in the village is actually the British’s best friend, deceiving the villagers and keeping them enslaved. If you want to escape this slavery, there’s a very simple way, a horse race where everyone from the British to Indians can participate. But here’s a little twist: if the British and their friends lose, they’ll be preparing to win the next race; but if the rebels lose, their next chance may come only after 30-40 years because losing the race means death, they’ll have to be reborn. The true essence of the film lies in the relationship between Ajay Devgn and the horse, a secret I’m keeping tight-lipped about.

You must have heard of Maharana Pratap’s horse, Chetak, who crossed expansive rivers on just three legs to save his master’s life. These are stories recorded in history and passed down by word of mouth. But the story of Azaad is a hidden treasure that the British could never plunder. So, boss, the film is completely fresh, with a fantastic concept and a new way of portraying rebellion against the British. Bollywood has finally done something different. Now, you might be wondering, if everything is so good, then why hasn’t the film created much hype? Why isn’t anyone talking about it more? The answer is simple, but a bit bitter: nepotism. This film is being used as an excuse to launch two new actors. It’s an Ajay Devgn film, and the other lead is junior to Raveena Tandon. It’s Abhishek Kapoor’s film where the hero is a horse and the soundtrack is filled with Arijit Singh’s songs. The only thing missing is some outstanding actors who could have made the film truly special. 

Ajay Devgn’s small cameo could have been replaced by him leading the story, and I’m sure Azaad would have become the first superhit of 2025. The two new actors will take time to establish themselves. How can you expect them to make a film famous overnight with their acting? And the funniest part is, the biggest loss is not for these actors but for the audience, who will miss out on a great story and an amazing theatre experience. Believe it or not, the way the character of the horse in Azaad is presented is so real and genuine that anyone who watches the film will never forget it. You will connect with that horse better than with 99% of Bollywood celebrities. The reason is a strong story that makes Azaad the real hero of the film. There’s no shortage of creativity in Azaad. Anyone who watches it will get their money’s worth. But yes, both the main actors do have some flaws in their expressions, which means the film never feels too serious.

However, the dignity of the film is saved by the horse and Ajay Devgn’s powerful cameo. Their relationship will definitely touch your heart emotionally. Azaad deserves 2.5 stars out of five. First, it turned out to be much better than expected, with a unique story and a fresh way of showing rebellion against the British. Second, the personal connection with the character of Azaad is very well felt, thanks to Abhishek Kapoor’s creative direction. The remaining half star goes to Ajay Devgn’s cameo. His character deserves a separate three-hour film, like the impact seen in Gangubai. On the downside, the film feels a bit short; the story is limited and very safe, with no controversial scenes. The performances of the debut actors are average, neither something to troll nor to applaud. Also, the serious scenes should have felt more intense because people are dying, but the emotional connect is mostly for the horse, not the people.