The film Azaad released in 2025 marks the debut of Rasha Thadani, daughter of actress Raveena Tandon, and Aaman Devgan, nephew of actor Ajay Devgn. While the movie had a lot of potential, especially with a horse as its central character, it failed to capture the audience’s attention as expected. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, known for Kedarnath, this movie is a mix of slow storytelling, a predictable plot, and characters that don’t fully connect.
Azaad Movie Story: A Familiar Tale
Azaad follows the story of Govind (played by Aaman Devgan), who is fascinated by a black horse named Azaad, owned by the dacoit Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn). Govind soon crosses paths with Janaki (Rasha Thadani), the daughter of a wealthy landlord. The plot takes us through their relationship, which is filled with challenges, including an unexpected situation where Govind is called to prove his worth. Parallel to this, there is another track involving Janaki’s brother, Tej Bahadur (Mohit Malik), and his love interest, Kesar (Diana Penty). Set in pre-independence India, the lives of these characters intertwine as the story moves forward.
The movie starts off with an engaging premise but soon gets bogged down by slow pacing and unnecessary indulgence in song sequences and lengthy dialogues. The film feels as though director Abhishek Kapoor, who previously gave Sara Ali Khan a stellar debut with Kedarnath, forgot to move the story along. At times, it feels like the film is taking too long to get anywhere, and by the time it ends, you may feel like you’ve been waiting forever for something to happen.
The Horse Steals the Show
While the human characters in Azaad are a bit flat, the horse, Azaad, is undoubtedly the standout. In a movie about a horse, it’s no surprise that the animal manages to steal the limelight. The sequences involving Azaad are some of the most emotional and engaging parts of the film. Despite not speaking a word, the horse’s presence on screen conveys more than some of the actors. The film could have benefitted from more focus on this beautiful animal and its bond with the characters, but unfortunately, these moments are few and far between.
Debutants Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani
When it comes to the debut performances of Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani, they show promise but have a lot of room to grow. Rasha, just 19 years old, has a good screen presence but struggles with emotional scenes. Her performance is a little stiff, and it’s clear she needs more practice. Aaman Devgan, too, seems more comfortable with action and dance than with the emotional depth his character requires. Though they both make an impression, it’s evident that they are still learning the ropes of acting.
Supporting Cast: Mohit Malik and Diana Penty
Mohit Malik, already known for his work on television, makes his debut in films with Azaad and does a decent job. He fits his role well and adds a touch of seriousness to the movie. However, Diana Penty’s character feels underdeveloped, and her track seems like it was tacked on without much thought. Ajay Devgn, who plays the role of Vikram Singh, seems to have filmed his portions in a rush, and his performance lacks the depth that we’ve come to expect from him.
The Music: Disappointing for an Amit Trivedi Score
Amit Trivedi, a well-known name in the music industry, was expected to deliver a strong soundtrack for Azaad. While the song Uui Amma gained attention and went viral, the rest of the music fails to make a lasting impact. The songs fall flat and do little to enhance the film’s overall appeal. It’s disappointing because the music could have been a key element to elevate the film, but instead, it becomes another missed opportunity.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
In the end, Azaad doesn’t offer anything new. The story feels familiar and full of clichés, and the slow pace makes it hard to stay engaged. While the horse Azaad is the highlight of the film, the rest of the characters, performances, and music fail to impress. Although the debutants show some promise, it’s clear they have a long way to go. If you’re looking for a film with emotional depth, fast pacing, and an engaging story, Azaad may not be the right pick. It’s a slow ride that doesn’t quite reach the finish line with the impact it should have had.
