Despatch Review: Manoj Bajpayee's Stellar Performance Outshines A Weak Script
Despatch Review: Manoj Bajpayee continues to prove why he is one of the most versatile actors of our time. With his unmatched ability to lose himself in a character, Bajpayee’s portrayal of Joy Bag, a crime reporter, is the highlight of ‘Despatch’. Supported by remarkable performances from Shahana Goswami and Archita Agarwal, this Zee5 film is a showcase of brilliant acting, though it falters in other key areas. Despatch plot The story revolves around Joy Bag (Manoj Bajpayee), a crime reporter at Despatch, a newspaper mired in underworld dealings and corruption. His personal life is in turmoil, with his marriage to Shweta Bag (Shahana Goswami) on the brink of collapse. At the same time, he’s embroiled in an affair with Prerna Prakash (Archita Agarwal), a colleague at the office. As Joy investigates an underworld story, he stumbles upon a massive scam linked to the 2G spectrum scandal. What follows is a chaotic unraveling of his life as one story intertwines with another, leading to a storm of revelations and dangers. What works: Performances Once again, Manoj Bajpayee delivers a masterclass in acting. His depiction of Joy’s fears, frustrations, and bold moves keeps the audience hooked. One particular scene, where Joy is being chased on his bike, captures his vulnerability and grit in equal measure. Bajpayee even takes on bold scenes that showcase his commitment to authenticity. As Shweta, Joy’s estranged wife, Shahana Goswami brings depth to the narrative. Her portrayal of a woman yearning for love, only to be met with rejection, is heart-wrenching. In one intimate yet painful scene, her expressions convey more than words ever could. Archita Agarwal holds her own amidst veterans. In a standout moment, her fiery retort to a housing officer’s condescending behavior portrays her as the face of a modern, fearless woman. Agarwal shows great promise for future roles. What doesn’t work: A faltering script While the actors shine, the screenplay doesn’t do them justice. The narrative often feels disjointed, with events happening abruptly and without much coherence. The attempt to depict the gritty world of journalism falls short, as Joy occasionally comes across more as a detective than a crime reporter. Pacing is another issue—several parts of the film drag unnecessarily, leaving the audience disengaged. The ending lacks impact, leaving viewers dissatisfied with the culmination of what could have been a gripping story. Direction Director Kanu Behl, who co-wrote the film with Ishani Banerjee, misses the mark in crafting a compelling story. The lack of sharp writing and commercial appeal limits the film’s potential. While the intent to explore the darker side of journalism is clear, the execution falters, making the film feel incomplete and unpolished. Verdict 'Despatch' is a mixed bag. While it fails to deliver a tightly-knit story, the stellar performances by Manoj Bajpayee, Shahana Goswami, and Archita Agarwal make it worth a watch. If you’re a fan of Bajpayee’s craft, this film offers yet another testament to his talent. However, temper your expectations regarding the overall experience. Rating: 2.5
Despatch Review: Manoj Bajpayee continues to prove why he is one of the most versatile actors of our time. With his unmatched ability to lose himself in a character, Bajpayee’s portrayal of Joy Bag, a crime reporter, is the highlight of ‘Despatch’. Supported by remarkable performances from Shahana Goswami and Archita Agarwal, this Zee5 film is a showcase of brilliant acting, though it falters in other key areas.
Despatch plot
The story revolves around Joy Bag (Manoj Bajpayee), a crime reporter at Despatch, a newspaper mired in underworld dealings and corruption. His personal life is in turmoil, with his marriage to Shweta Bag (Shahana Goswami) on the brink of collapse. At the same time, he’s embroiled in an affair with Prerna Prakash (Archita Agarwal), a colleague at the office.
As Joy investigates an underworld story, he stumbles upon a massive scam linked to the 2G spectrum scandal. What follows is a chaotic unraveling of his life as one story intertwines with another, leading to a storm of revelations and dangers.
What works: Performances
Once again, Manoj Bajpayee delivers a masterclass in acting. His depiction of Joy’s fears, frustrations, and bold moves keeps the audience hooked. One particular scene, where Joy is being chased on his bike, captures his vulnerability and grit in equal measure. Bajpayee even takes on bold scenes that showcase his commitment to authenticity.
As Shweta, Joy’s estranged wife, Shahana Goswami brings depth to the narrative. Her portrayal of a woman yearning for love, only to be met with rejection, is heart-wrenching. In one intimate yet painful scene, her expressions convey more than words ever could.
Archita Agarwal holds her own amidst veterans. In a standout moment, her fiery retort to a housing officer’s condescending behavior portrays her as the face of a modern, fearless woman. Agarwal shows great promise for future roles.
What doesn’t work: A faltering script
While the actors shine, the screenplay doesn’t do them justice. The narrative often feels disjointed, with events happening abruptly and without much coherence. The attempt to depict the gritty world of journalism falls short, as Joy occasionally comes across more as a detective than a crime reporter. Pacing is another issue—several parts of the film drag unnecessarily, leaving the audience disengaged. The ending lacks impact, leaving viewers dissatisfied with the culmination of what could have been a gripping story.
Direction
Director Kanu Behl, who co-wrote the film with Ishani Banerjee, misses the mark in crafting a compelling story. The lack of sharp writing and commercial appeal limits the film’s potential. While the intent to explore the darker side of journalism is clear, the execution falters, making the film feel incomplete and unpolished.
Verdict
'Despatch' is a mixed bag. While it fails to deliver a tightly-knit story, the stellar performances by Manoj Bajpayee, Shahana Goswami, and Archita Agarwal make it worth a watch. If you’re a fan of Bajpayee’s craft, this film offers yet another testament to his talent. However, temper your expectations regarding the overall experience.
Rating: 2.5
What's Your Reaction?
