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Despatch Review: Manoj Bajpayee's Stellar Performance Overshadows a Weak Script
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Despatch movie review: It is reported that Kanu Behl’s directorial venture, Despatch, has taken eight years to reach audiences. This duration reflects the strong belief the director had in his creation, reminiscent of the journalists depicted in the film—undaunted, tenacious, and deeply committed to their craft.
However, if this film mirrors the narratives pursued by our profession, what distinguishes it from others? What makes Despatch unique among the plethora of investigative dramas? The answer lies primarily in its lead actor.
What's Despatch about?
The narrative centres on a crime journalist named Joy, portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee, who is employed at a newspaper titled Despatch. The film opens by highlighting the emerging trend of prioritizing digital news over print, reflecting the shift in how audiences consume information on the go. Joy is on the hunt for his next significant exclusive. Concurrently, we glimpse into his troubled personal life; he is romantically involved with Prerna, played by Arrchita Agarwaal, while preparing to separate from his wife, Shweta, portrayed by Shahana Goswami. Amidst these personal challenges, Joy uncovers a lead on a major scam that has the potential to create a national uproar, involving elements of the underworld and law enforcement. The question remains: what will be his next move?
What works, what doesn't
One issue with Despatch is that the tension is primarily conveyed through Bajpayee’s performance rather than the narrative itself. The film begins with a strong premise, showcasing Joy’s evident frustration with his deteriorating marriage and a girlfriend eager to build a future with him. However, the drama tends to drag on excessively. The numerous characters Joy encounters create a sense of confusion, making it difficult for the audience to keep track of who is who. With elements such as JRD, a cricket tournament, shell companies, and money laundering, viewers may anticipate a gripping thriller, yet the film ultimately focuses more on the intricacies of personal drama than on action sequences or climactic confrontations.
Given that this is an OTT release, it may not be entirely fair to categorize the film into pre- and post-interval segments. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the second half does gain some momentum. Manoj, with his exceptional talent, effectively embodies the media's insatiable desire for a sensational story. However, it is unreasonable to expect him to bear the entire burden of the film's success single-handedly. As previously mentioned, while he does evoke concern for his character at certain moments, the screenplay does not provide sufficient support.
It is my belief that the depiction of events in 'Despatch' closely aligns with real-life occurrences, particularly given Kanu's extensive experience in its production. However, for viewers seeking entertainment, the narrative can become somewhat disordered.
Arrchita Agarwaal delivers a convincing performance as Prerna. Shahana Goswami effectively portrays a distressed wife striving to reconnect with her husband, and she is afforded ample screen time.
In summary, Despatch has been promoted as a thriller, as suggested by the trailer. However, it ultimately serves as a memoir of Joy, exploring his imperfections, career, and frustrations. While it succeeds in this regard, it falls short of delivering the anticipated thrills.
Despatch is currently available for streaming on ZEE5.
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