This weekend, there are plenty of releases. One of the most awaited is Manoj Bajpayee’s Despatch. It is directed by Kanu Behl. Despatch stars Manoj Bajpayee, Shahana Goswami, Rii Sen, and Arrchita Agarwal in pivotal roles. Produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies. Despatch is streaming on OTT platform ZEE5. If you are planning to watch the film, here is our review of the film.
Despatch Movie Story
Joy Bag portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee is an experienced crime journalist who cannot accept the new trends in his line of work as his newspaper adopts digital media. He insists on pursuing two dangerous subjects: the murder of a currency smuggler and shell companies’ scam with a corrupt corporation.
At the same time, Joy’s personal life is falling apart. His marriage to Shweta (Shahana Goswami) is on the brink of collapse. He plans to move in with Prerna (Arrchita Agarwal), his girlfriend and colleague. His quest for the truth pulls him deeper into a dangerous world, leaving him torn between his responsibilities and safety.
Despatch Movie Review
Kanu Behl directs Despatch with a sharp focus on realism. The film offers an honest view of the darker side of journalism, where personal and professional ethics are constantly tested. Siddharth Diwan’s cinematography enhances the film’s mood by capturing Joy’s world in grit and chaos. Additionally, the writing could be crisper, with a story that falls short, leaving minor loopholes equally hampered by underdeveloped characters. The movie takes time to build, but the second half keeps the momentum alive.
The Performances
Again, Manoj Bajpayee re-establishes why he is believed to be one of the most proficient actors in Indian cinema. He brings out a series of deep and interesting performances through the character Joy Bag. He moves between being vulnerable and becoming so quiet, determined that these moments help anchor the film. His investigation sequences have a sense of urgency and determination. He gives a powerful, authentic performance as Joy Bag, an imperfect journalist fighting personal and professional turmoil.
Shahana Goswami is radiant as Shweta, Joy’s estranged wife. She combines strength with vulnerability, so a mix of frustration and lingering hope for reconciliation over a failing marriage feels genuine. Her chemistry with Bajpayee provides sparks, and their exchanges highlight the emotional weight of a failing marriage.
Arrchita Agarwal delivers the perfect subdued yet impactful performance as Prerna, Joy’s girlfriend. She is a torn complex representing her ambitions and attachment to Joy, which is another particular reason for conflict within the story.
Rii Sen, who plays Noori Rai and is the supporting investigator journalist, is brilliant. With utmost confidence and charisma, this girl brings to Joy desperately needed help while standing her ground with journalism as a vocation so strongly held on. This is what freshness would seem to be in this plot line.
Final Verdict
Despatch is not a typical thriller. It’s a slow-burn drama that demands patience but rewards viewers with a deeply engaging story. Manoj Bajpayee’s powerhouse performance is reason enough to watch this film, and the supporting cast adds further depth to the narrative. Despatch deserves your attention if you’re looking for a thought-provoking drama instead of flashy blockbusters as it explores journalism, personal struggles, and ethical dilemmas with honesty and grit.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | X |
Youtube | Pinterest | Google News |
Cinetales is on YouTube; click here to subscribe for the latest videos and updates.
