Kanu Behl’s Despatch took eight years to make it to the screen, which speaks to the filmmaker’s belief in his story, much like the determined journalists the movie depicts. However, despite its long journey, Despatch struggles to stand out in the crowded world of investigative thrillers. The only thing that keeps it afloat is the stellar performance of Manoj Bajpayee.
What Is Despatch About?
The film centers on Joy, a crime journalist played by Manoj Bajpayee, who works for a newspaper called Despatch. The story opens with a look at how newsrooms are shifting to a ‘digital first, print later’ approach, reflecting the fast-paced world of news consumption. Joy, a man constantly on the hunt for the next big story, is also facing turmoil in his personal life. He’s having an affair with Prerna (played by Arrchita Agarwaal), while trying to get a divorce from his wife, Shweta (Shahana Goswami).
In the middle of his chaotic life, Joy uncovers a major scam that could shake the country. As he dives deeper into the investigation, he finds himself dealing with shady characters from the underworld, corrupt cops, and a tangled web of deceit. The question is: will he be able to expose the truth without losing everything in the process?
What Works in Despatch?
Manoj Bajpayee’s performance is undoubtedly the heart of Despatch. He captures the intense drive and desperation of a journalist chasing a big story. His portrayal of Joy’s frustration with his personal life and obsession with the scam is gripping. Bajpayee brings depth to his character, making you genuinely care about his journey.
Additionally, Arrchita Agarwaal and Shahana Goswami offer solid performances. Agarwaal as Prerna is believable, and Goswami shines as the wife, Shweta, struggling to repair her broken relationship. Their interactions with Bajpayee add layers to the film’s emotional core, showing the personal stakes behind Joy’s professional ambition.
What Doesn’t Work?
While Bajpayee’s performance is strong, Despatch struggles with pacing and plot development. The film starts off with promise, focusing on Joy’s troubled personal life and the promise of a major investigative story. However, as the narrative progresses, it starts to feel like the plot is going in circles. There are too many characters and subplots — from shady business dealings to the underworld and money laundering — making it hard to keep track of what’s happening. Instead of an exciting, edge-of-your-seat thriller, the film becomes a drawn-out drama about a man’s internal struggles and messy life.
The second half of the film does pick up some pace, but it’s still far from a thrilling ride. The tension is mostly carried by Bajpayee’s acting, but the screenplay fails to deliver a strong, gripping narrative. The film feels more like a character study of Joy, highlighting his flaws and frustrations, rather than an exciting thriller about uncovering a huge conspiracy.
Despatch: More Drama Than Thriller
Despatch is marketed as a thriller, and the trailer certainly sets those expectations. However, what the film ends up being is a deeply personal story about a man’s journey through professional and personal turmoil. While Bajpayee’s exceptional performance keeps you invested, the lack of thrills, slow pacing, and confusing plot make it difficult to fully enjoy. If you’re looking for an action-packed investigative thriller, this film might leave you disappointed.
Overall, Despatch is a solid character-driven drama but falls short of being the thrilling experience it promises. It’s currently streaming on ZEE5 for those who enjoy slow-burn stories that focus more on personal struggles than high-stakes action.
