Despatch Review: Manoj Bajpayee’s crime-thriller-drama is aspirational but dull treatment, incoherent story and unnecessary scenes bog it down

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Plot

As a seasoned viewer with decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that Despatch is a movie that had potential but fell short of expectations. The narrative tackles an intriguing subject – the 2G scam and the relentless pursuit of truth by a fearless journalist. This theme resonates deeply with me, as I too have spent years in the trenches, uncovering the hidden truths that lurk beneath the surface of society.

In simpler terms, the story follows Joy Bag, a crime journalist working for a news outlet named Despatch. Joy is currently looking into a murder case linked to a drug gang, hoping to expose their activities. However, as he delves deeper, he uncovers a much bigger and riskier tale – the notorious 2G scam worth around Rs 8000 crore. Despite receiving multiple cautions, Joy continues his investigation. At the same time, Joy deals with complexities in his personal life, balancing his marriage with Shweta and an affair with his fellow journalist, Prerna.

Is it possible for Joy to uncover the truth about the 2G Scam, or is the complexity of the scandal sufficient to eliminate him entirely? Tune in to Despatch to discover more.

What works for Despatch

The movie “Despatch” is remarkable for its inspiring and goal-oriented storyline. It excels in depicting an everyday character, such as Joy, battling a formidable system. This film embodies the essence of fearless journalism and emphasizes that ordinary citizens can confront significant corruption. Its purpose is to demonstrate that truth can endure even the most perilous challenges. For budding journalists, it serves as a powerful inspiration to remain dedicated to their values, come what may.

What doesn’t work for Despatch

Although Despatch aims to captivate with its storyline, it encounters challenges with rhythm and continuity. The narrative tends to feel disjointed and irregular, making it hard for viewers to remain invested from the start. The excitement anticipated from a high-stakes investigation seems lacking. Furthermore, the graphic scenes, while intended to flesh out Joy’s character, frequently disrupt the flow. They appear excessive and don’t significantly contribute to the primary plotline. With a running time of 150 minutes, the film is overly lengthy. A more concise runtime of approximately 120 minutes would have made it more compelling. Had these problems been addressed, Despatch could have offered a much more enjoyable viewing experience.

Watch the Despatch Trailer

Performances in Despatch

In this rephrased version: Manoj Bajpayee delivers an impressive portrayal of Joy Bag, a resilient and fearless journalist who stands firm against all odds. His performance is powerful, although the narrative occasionally falls short compared to his acting prowess. Shahana Goswami convincingly plays Joy’s wife, Shweta, in a strong role. Archita Agarwal portrays Prerna with confidence. The supporting cast offers satisfactory performances, but they may not leave a lasting impression.

Final Verdict of Despatch

The movie “Despatch” aims high but falls short, not fully realizing its potential. It delves into an intriguing topic, the 2G scam, and follows a journalist’s relentless quest for truth. Yet, the movie is marred by inconsistent storytelling and a lethargic pace, diminishing its impact. Graphic content inserted seems incongruous, disrupting the narrative flow instead of enhancing it. Ultimately, the uneven execution and failure to generate tension make “Despatch” an ordinary viewing experience.

Despatch will be available for streaming on ZEE5 starting December 13, 2024.

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2024-12-11 02:52