Azaad Review: A Horse-and-Hero Tale for Patient Period-Drama Fans

This Azaad review looks at a Hindi period drama that aims for the big, sweeping feel of a classic rebellion epic. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film pairs a boy and a horse with the struggle against colonial-era tyranny. The heart is in the right place, but critics were split on how well it all comes together.

Azaad Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Azaad plot is set in 1920s India. A young stable boy named Govind, played by Aaman Devgan, forms a close bond with a spirited horse. Around them, rebellion simmers and tyranny tightens its grip.

What starts as one boy's wish to ride the majestic animal slowly grows into something larger. His journey becomes a lesson in courage and an awakening to the wider fight for freedom. Ajay Devgn appears as Vikram Singh, a figure tied to that rebellious world.

The film runs 147 minutes and is rated PG-13. It is a Hindi-language drama with action woven in, and the Azaad page on Wikipedia) lists the full production details. The Azaad release date was 17 January 2025.

What Works in Azaad

The horse is the clear winner. One reviewer called the titular animal the true star of the film, and that matches the general mood of the praise. Whenever the story centres on the bond between boy and horse, it finds its warmest and most believable moments.

The action also earns credit. Reviewers noted that the set pieces were well shot, especially those featuring Ajay Devgn. For fans of period action, these scenes give the film some muscle when the story slows down.

The film also has a clear emotional goal: loyalty, rebellion and courage. That sincerity gives it a certain charm, even when the execution wobbles. If you like the broader drama movie reviews we publish, the intent here will feel familiar.

Azaad Cast and Performances

The Azaad cast mixes a star with newcomers. Ajay Devgn leads as Vikram Singh, while Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani make their debuts as Govind and Janaki. Diana Penty plays Kesar, Mohit Malik plays Tej Bahadur and Piyush Mishra plays Rai Bahadur.

The newcomers

Aaman Devgan drew some of the warmest comments. One review called him a complete show-stealer, and his scenes with the horse carry much of the film's feeling. Rasha Thadani also got good notices for a charming screen presence, and she especially shines in the dance numbers.

The veterans

Ajay Devgn brings authority and a few strong action beats. Diana Penty, Mohit Malik and Piyush Mishra round out a solid supporting line-up, though the script gives the story more weight than it gives them.

Where Azaad Stumbles

The script is the main problem. Critics described the plot as predictable and the tone as inconsistent, and one said a gripping script is the backbone of any engaging film that this one misses. At 147 minutes, the pacing can feel stretched when the story repeats familiar beats.

One harsher review argued the climax leans heavily on Lagaan. Even if you are more forgiving, the comparison shows how familiar some of the ideas feel. The film borrows the shape of a big underdog epic without matching its sharpness.

Critical scores were all over the place. Indian Express gave it 1 out of 5, India Today gave 2.5 out of 5, and Instant Bollywood and Koimoi each gave 3.5 out of 5. The film also underperformed at the box office during its theatrical run.

Is Azaad Worth Watching?

Azaad is worth watching if you are drawn to the horse, the debut performances or a sincere, old-fashioned freedom-struggle story, but it is not a must-see. Expect strong moments of bonding and action alongside a predictable script.

The film earns goodwill from its animal star and its young leads. It loses ground through uneven pacing and a story you will likely see coming. Audience scores on TMDB were modest at 6.2 out of 10, though from only 13 votes.

If you want more of the same energy, our action movie reviews are a good next stop. You can also check the Azaad listing on IMDb for more news around the film.

Who Will Enjoy Azaad

• Viewers who love horse-and-human bonding stories with a period backdrop.

• Fans of Hindi cinema who want to see Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani in their first big roles.

• Audiences who enjoy sincere, melodramatic freedom-struggle tales and can forgive a predictable plot.