Despatch Story:

Filmmaker Kanu Behl's investigative thriller, Despatch, centers on the life of crime journalist Joy Bag, portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee. Employed at a publication named Despatch, Joy is determined to uncover the truth and report significant stories, often at great personal risk. His pursuit of a murder case involving a drug lord leads him into the depths of a much larger conspiracy.

Despatch Review:

The concept of crime journalists reporting and uncovering stories for their publications is certainly captivating. However, translating this idea into a film and effectively presenting it on screen poses a significant challenge. Filmmaker Kanu Behl ventures into this territory with his upcoming film Despatch, set to premiere on ZEE5. The director aims to create a compelling and suspenseful investigative thriller, centering on a crime journalist who seeks to expose those involved in a substantial scam and deliver a sensational 'breaking news' story for his newspaper. Nevertheless, the film, much like its protagonist Joy Bag, becomes ensnared in its own complexities.

Despatch opens with Joy Bag (Manoj Bajpayee) pursuing the narrative surrounding the murder of a drug lord. He uncovers a significant lead and, with police assistance, attempts to expose a smuggling operation at the docks that is linked to the drug lord's death. While preparing his next major article for the newspaper Despatch, Joy finds himself in a precarious situation upon discovering that the murder is not merely a result of gang conflict, but part of a far-reaching scam. Despite numerous warnings to distance himself from the investigation, Bag remains resolute in his quest to reveal the truth behind the Rs 8,000 crore scandal. The film ultimately reveals the consequences of Joy's entanglement in this dangerous scenario.

On one side, Despatch explores Joy's professional challenges as he navigates his role in an increasingly digital media landscape. Conversely, he grapples with a strained marriage to his wife Shweta (Shahana Goswami) and is embroiled in an extramarital relationship with his colleague Prerna (Arrchita Agarwaal).

In attempting to balance these two facets, the core of this investigative thriller becomes diluted. Kanu Behl, as the director, struggles to adequately address both storylines. Consequently, certain scenes appear repetitive and underdeveloped. The inclusion of excessive explicit content feels contrived, detracting from the narrative primarily focused on a crime journalist's career. The film could have benefitted from a more concise approach, avoiding an overemphasis on the complexities of the protagonist's personal life.

As far as the performances are concerned, Manoj Bajpayee is just as fine. The actor tries to hold the movie well but his efforts go in vain. If it weren't for Manoj's performance, Despatch would've been a complete snooze-fest. The supporting star cast including Shahana Goswami and Arrchita Agarwaal put in hard work but that doesn't add much to level up the film. 

Despatch Final Verdict:

Manoj Bajpayee's investigative thriller Despatch doesn't offer much thrill as it gets trapped in its own web. You can rather chill and watch other shows that will stream this week.

Read Also: Streaming Alert: "Kharka Darka" Set to Release on Chaupal December 16

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!