Despatch

Despatch was a very pretty mixed experience. It draws inspiration from the crime journalism thrillers of Hollywood from the previous millennium and translates it well to an Indian setting and current era but at the same time somewhat alienates itself from Indian movie making stylistically by injecting it with some gratuitous (Almost) nudity that is irrelevant and not pertinent to the progression of the story. Not sure how the multiple shots of Manoj Bajpayee's bare backside adds an additional level of complexity and nuance to his character. Those scenes make the watching of the movie a bit uncomfortable without adding any real value.

Manoj Bajpayee does an overall good job but it feels like he is playing multiple inconsistent characters through the duration of the movie which is a bit on the longer side at 151 minutes. Kanu Behl should have either trimmed the story and focus on his failing relationship and made Despatch into a leaner and meaner 1.5 hr to 2 hr thriller or gone all out and explored the nuances of the various relationships and expanded this into a longer format mini series like Killer Soup earlier this year that would have given the stories more time and air to breath, mature and shape up better.

In my opinion the story and characters needed some more time. Individually the stories, relationships, characters and the acting are all good. Shahana, Arrchita, Rii are all pretty good in their respective roles and all deserved some more time. Overall Despatch is a good attempt at a underexplored genre in Hindi Cinema but it fails to live up to its potential. 6/10.

Anwar Says: The film was marked as thriller but you are hardly thrilled. Tension is found only on the face of Manoj Bajpayee , not in the movie. It took eight years to get released, this Kanu Behl directorial debut, containing all the ingredients for investigating journalism but your wait doesn't end till the film is over. The role, though tailor made for Manoj , but he should reconsider the decision to carry the movie alone.

The supporting cast did well, particularly the females in the life of Manoj. His frustration of a disturbed married life, hardly get solace with a much younger girlfriend and the occasional fling with co-journalist Noorie, ably played by Rii Sen. So many angles were put in like 2G spectrum scam, shell companies , D-Company and hardly finds any breakthrough.

On the whole, I had lot of expectations after watching Behl's TITLI and AGRA , when Manoj is in the lead but was disappointed. 4 out of 10 from me.

#ZEE5 #anwarsays #thriller #manojbajpayee #InvestigativeJournalism #printmedia #kanubehl #outdated #movie2024.

Truth is always stranger than fiction. This much-heard proverb looks fresh till date. But can life, achievement, dignity, impression, and more importantly relevance be perceived from the same parameter? The answer is an emphatic affirmation. The realm of art and creativity is no exception. This goes on and on. But what lesson does it teach? This is far more important for an artist or artiste than those who like to plunge here and get rejoiced. People have neither time nor interest to know about the outcry behind creations. The pathetic reality is: art does not allow the performer to compel one swallowing a bitter pill; a boring narrative. Who cares for those who fail? The world adores the rising sun and the artists or artistes are no exceptions.

This prelude seems somewhat applicable in the context of renowned actor Manoj Bajapayee; one of the brilliant performers of modern Indian cinema. Bajapayee has already become icon as a versatile actor. Importantly, apart from ordinary cine-goers or today's movie-viewers in the OTT platforms, Bajapayee has fans and followers among his contemporary artistes which is really significant achievement. There is no doubt that Bajpayee has redefined Indian Movies to great extent. But problem begins as one takes things for granted.

In fact, cinema has travelled a long way since Gangs of Wasseypur and such others. This generation wants to watch something else. But what is that? This became more predominant in 2024 and in the contemporary race; actor like Manoj Bajapayee status seems staggering. Manoj Bajpayee has not looked in proper rhythm in 2024. In most cases Bajpayee has made wrong choices or performed in stereotypical manner. Although, Bajpayee has performed in many unconventional characters in 2024, but nothing looks impressive.

Naturally, the viewers kept on waiting for the Movie Despatch; perhaps the last Bajpayee starrer Movie in 2024. But unfortunately, Manoj Bajpapyee has failed to impress despite ample opportunities. The storyline of the movie is absolutely good. However, all eyes were on Manoj Bajpayee. The point which seemed the strongest one has proved to be ineffective for the Movie; the role performed by Bajpayee. Really, except some scenes reflecting his class of acting, Bajpayee has failed to perform as per his merit. This particular Movie bears special significance for Bajpayee like acting stalwart. Perhaps the renowned actor has missed to measure the changing discourses and so he has failed to do justice with his potential caliber. The year 2024 has not been productive for him. But much is expected from Manoj Bajpayee in the days ahead. The cine-lovers want more from him.

The movie fails to engage with the storyline, and I don't understand why Manoj Bajpayee was made to deliver his dialogues so slowly as if he had some kind of speech problem. I was very excited about this film, but honestly, I had to look up the scam it was based on to better understand it. In a nutshell, if you're not familiar with this scam, you won't be able to grasp the movie fully.

The movie fails to engage with the storyline, and I don't understand why Manoj Bajpayee was made to deliver his dialogues so slowly as if he had some kind of speech problem. I was very excited about this film, but honestly, I had to look up the scam it was based on to better understand it. In a nutshell, if you're not familiar with this scam, you won't be able to grasp the movie fully.

There was a lot of buzz bout the film due to one of the most fabulous bollywood actor manoj bajpayee. I too was really excited for the movie. Initially when movie started I thought plot is great storyline must be even amazing even in the last 20 minutes of movie I thought maybe something will happen but it never. Absolutely waste of time, for someone like me who watches movie for story it wasn't upto the mark for which people need to see the movie. Effort was put in acting and directing but what can anybody do when the characters are not making any point. I wasn't able to connect with the movie even once.