The latest Bollywood film Azaad, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, has generated diverse reactions from netizens, particularly focusing on the performances of debutants Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani. The movie promises an emotional tale of human-animal bonding, love, and loyalty, but the execution has left the audience divided.
Praise for Debutants
A major highlight of Azaad is the stellar debut performances by Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani. Many Twitter users, under hashtags like #AzaadReview, have lauded their presence on-screen. Aaman Devgan, playing a central role, has been commended for his emotional depth, especially in his interactions with the titular horse, Azaad. Tweets mention that Aaman effectively captures the nuances of his character, presenting a promising start to his career.
Movie: AzaadRating: Review: RIVETINGAjay Devgn, Aaman Devgan, & Rasha Thadani shine in a tale of friendship & loyalty #Azaad #AzaadReview #RashaThadani #AjayDevgn@RSVPMovies @ajaydevgn @AbhishekapoorDirector #AbhishekKapoor made a heartwarming film with simple pic.twitter.com/SNfL0lDSR2
Praneet Samaiya (@praneetsamaiya) January 17, 2025
Similarly, Rasha Thadani has been described as “ravishing,” especially in her dance numbers, which added vibrancy to the film. Her innocence and chemistry with Aaman Devgan have been highlighted as a refreshing addition, bringing youthful energy to the narrative. Netizens agree that the fresh dynamic between the two debutants elevates the storytelling.
Ajay Devgn’s Special Appearance
Veteran actor Ajay Devgn’s brief role has been another point of praise. Many fans were thrilled to see him as a guiding figure in the movie. Tweets describe him as the “soul” of the film, with his presence giving weight to pivotal moments. Ajay’s cameo, though limited, is considered impactful, adding emotional depth and attracting his loyal fanbase.
#AzaadReview ~ HeartWarmingRating: (3.5 stars) #Azaad is a HEARTWARMING film with that classic Bollywood vibeThe 1st half is decent as the story unfolds, but the 2nd half, especially the last 20 mins, hits hard! #AamanDevgan shines with a solid debut, pic.twitter.com/0THIIcAjIi CineHub (@Its_CineHub) January 17, 2025
Technical Brilliance
The cinematography by Anay Goswamy has been singled out as a standout element. The picturesque visuals, particularly the horse-riding sequences, have been widely appreciated. The climax, involving an intense horse-riding scene, has been described as one of the most engaging parts of the movie. Moreover, the soundtracks have added to the film’s emotional appeal, blending seamlessly with the narrative.
Forget about the so called loud & biggies ...go for small but beautiful film #Azaad ...i bet u will be go back home with happiness ....lovly @ajaydevgn
Sharda Pandey (@ShardaPand82016) January 17, 2025
What Didn’t Work
Despite the strengths, Azaad struggles with pacing and underutilized supporting characters. Many netizens felt that the first half of the film was slow, taking too long to establish the narrative. While the second half picks up momentum, particularly with the emotional climax, it isn’t enough to compensate for the sluggish start.
The writing for supporting characters has been criticized for lacking depth. Viewers expressed disappointment over missed opportunities to explore their backstories. Some action sequences were also deemed illogical, reducing their impact. The uneven pacing and occasional lack of clarity in direction are recurring critiques across social media.
Audience Sentiments
Review: Abhishek Kapoor's #AZAAD falls short of expectations! Poor pacing, unclear direction & wasted talent. Only Ajay Devgan's cameo & Rasha Thadani's spark shine. Rating: /5 #AZAADMovie #MovieReview @ajaydevgn #azaad pic.twitter.com/otyoCjbFhd Rajeev Chaudhari (@rajeevcreations) January 17, 2025
The emotional bond between the protagonist and the horse Azaad has resonated with many viewers, with some calling it the heart of the movie. The film has been described as a “classic Bollywood vibe” with themes of love, loyalty, and courage. However, others feel that the movie falls short of its potential, with one reviewer labeling it a “wasted opportunity” due to its uneven storytelling.
#Azaadreview part-2 :Whats Bad:1.- Some of the scenes in the latter half add to the pace of the film.2.- some supporting characters are underutilized when it comes to the writing.3.- some action sequences look slightly illogical.Rating- 1/2..... pic.twitter.com/oHmQ13pmbS
MOHIT_RC (@Mohit_RC_91) January 17, 2025
Fans of Abhishek Kapoor had high expectations from the director, given his previous successes, but some reviews point out that Azaad doesn’t quite match up. Netizens have varied ratings for the film, ranging from 3.5/5 for its emotional highs to as low as 2/5 for its lack of cohesion.
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