Critic’s Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Director: Kanu Behl
Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Shahana Goswami, Arrchita Agarwaal, Rii Sen
Runtime: Approx. 2 Hours
Platform: Theater Release
Plot
Despatch Review dives into the turbulent world of crime journalism as veteran reporter Joy Bag (Manoj Bajpayee) struggles to stay relevant in an era of digital news. Tasked with chasing breaking stories, Joy stumbles onto a ₹8,000 crore scam that plunges him into Mumbai’s dark and dangerous underbelly. With his personal life unraveling and his professional reputation on the line, Joy must navigate a treacherous path filled with corruption, betrayal, and deadly secrets.
What Works
Manoj Bajpayee’s captivating portrayal of Joy is the film’s undeniable highlight. He masterfully embodies the grizzled, desperate journalist, bringing depth to a character who is flawed yet determined. His nuanced performance carries the narrative through its slower moments, making Joy a relatable and compelling figure.
The film excels in its portrayal of the gritty realities of crime journalism. The murky relationships between journalists, informers, and powerful figures are depicted with authenticity, offering a window into the dangers of chasing exclusives. The layered screenplay captures the evolving nature of crime, shifting from contract killings to billion-dollar scams, while seamlessly weaving in the complexities of Joy’s personal life.
Cinematographer Siddharth Diwan’s lens vividly captures Mumbai’s bustling streets and shadowy corners, immersing viewers in the city’s chaotic yet vibrant environment. Sneha Khanwalkar’s haunting score amplifies the tension, perfectly complementing the film’s somber tone.
What Doesn’t Work
The film’s deliberate pacing often dampens its impact, with moments of plodding narrative that hinder engagement. While the screenplay is intricate, the lack of dynamism in certain plot points and Joy’s character arc might leave viewers yearning for more energy and intrigue.
The supporting cast, while effective, is underutilized. Shahana Goswami and Arrchita Agarwaal deliver solid performances, but their characters feel secondary to Joy’s journey, missing opportunities for richer emotional depth.
Fashion and Style in Despatch
The film’s wardrobe choices reflect the gritty realism of its setting. Manoj Bajpayee’s Joy is dressed in practical, understated attire—simple shirts and trousers—emphasizing his everyman persona. Shahana Goswami’s corporate styling reflects her character’s grounded and independent nature, while Arrchita Agarwaal and Rii Sen’s sleek, professional wardrobes add a modern edge to their portrayals of career-driven women in journalism.
The overall styling complements the film’s dark, somber tone, reinforcing the authenticity of the newsroom and the shadowy world Joy navigates.
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Final Verdict
Despatch is a slow-burning thriller that offers a gritty, realistic look at crime journalism through the lens of a flawed yet determined protagonist. While its pacing and lack of dynamic moments hold it back, Manoj Bajpayee’s stellar performance and the film’s atmospheric storytelling make it a worthwhile watch for fans of investigative dramas.
