Despatch

Review of DESPATCH: A Gripping Tale of Crime Journalism

DESPATCH is a captivating thriller that delves into the gritty world of crime journalism, inspired by the life of renowned crime beat journalist J. Dey (Jyotirmoy Dey), who was associated with the Mumbai tabloid Mid-Day. This fictionalized account offers a unique perspective on the challenges and dangers faced by investigative journalists.

The film stands out largely due to the stellar performance of Manoj Bajpayee, whose portrayal of the lead character is both compelling and layered. Supporting actors like Arrchita Aggarwal and Rituparna Sen deliver commendable performances, while character actors such as Haanssa Singh (as Nisha Lodha) and Kabir Sadanand bring depth to the narrative. However, the underutilization of a talented actor like Shahana Goswami in a relatively insignificant role is a missed opportunity.

The screenplay does an excellent job of exploring the struggles of traditional print media in the digital age, highlighting the pressures journalists face to produce authentic yet sensational stories that can dominate front pages for weeks. It also sheds light on the intricate network of informers and the personal risks these journalists take to uncover prime news.

While the film occasionally falters in its execution, its engaging storyline and standout performances make DESPATCH a worthwhile watch, particularly for those interested in the intersection of media, crime, and the human cost of bringing stories to light.

There's no doubt that Manoj Bajpaee is an absolutely brilliant actor. However apparently when he acts in C grade movies like DESPATCH (and other films from Zee 5) he reduces his quality of acting to match the overall quality of the film. Everything about this movie at best was average with nothing at all including the overall acting direction screenplay editing being praiseworthy in the slightest. Films like these don't stand a chance in the cinemas and are ideal only for OTT. Very difficult to enjoy these type of movies where everything is of such a very poor quality. These are forgettable movies.

5/10.

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.

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.

The film suffers from unnecessary adult scenes and a lack of connection between the stories. Manoj's dialogues are often hard to understand, not due to volume but poor voice clarity, making key moments frustrating. While natural delivery is appreciated, essential lines must remain audible. Additionally, the attempt to highlight the 2G Scam feels underwhelming; the narrative deserved a stronger, more coherent approach. Overall, the execution fails to engage effectively, leaving a lot to be desired in both storytelling and technical aspects. I dont know about other reviews who are saying it is great movie and all.