Kanu Behl’s Despatch, starring Manoj Bajpayee, enters the OTT space as a gritty crime drama with a focus on investigative journalism. While its premise holds promise, the execution falters, leaving much of its thrill potential untapped.

Plot Overview

The story follows Joy (Manoj Bajpayee), a crime journalist working for a newspaper adapting to a “digital-first, print-later” approach. Juggling a failing marriage and a complicated love affair with Prerna (Arrchita Agarwal), Joy’s life is in disarray when he uncovers a potential national scandal involving the underworld, police corruption, and corporate fraud. What begins as an exciting pursuit of truth descends into a labyrinth of convoluted relationships, shell companies, and a lackluster chase for the next big scoop.

Character Development

Manoj Bajpayee delivers a standout performance as Joy, skillfully portraying the anguish of a man torn between personal failures and professional zeal. His ability to embody the desperation and determination of a journalist is unparalleled, elevating the film beyond its limitations.

Arrchita Agarwaal’s Prerna feels authentic as the supportive yet conflicted girlfriend, while Shahana Goswami impresses as Joy’s estranged wife, adding emotional weight to an otherwise scattered narrative. However, the secondary characters are underdeveloped, making it difficult to connect with the larger web of corruption and intrigue.

Direction and Screenplay

Kanu Behl’s meticulous direction aims for realism, depicting the chaos of modern journalism and the moral dilemmas faced by reporters. However, the screenplay lacks the tension required for a compelling thriller. What should have been a fast-paced, edge-of-the-seat experience becomes bogged down by excessive exposition and a meandering plot.

While the story attempts to capture the relentless pursuit of truth, it often gets lost in overly dramatic subplots and forgets to deliver the thrills promised in its trailer.

Pacing and Narrative

The film struggles with pacing, especially in the first half, which drags under the weight of Joy’s personal struggles. The second half picks up slightly as the stakes rise, but even then, the narrative feels chaotic and lacks clarity. The labyrinthine plot involving cricket tournaments, money laundering, and shell companies becomes more exhausting than engaging.

Themes and Realism

Despatch delves into themes of journalistic integrity, the impact of digital transformation on newsrooms, and the toll investigative reporting takes on personal lives. While these themes resonate, their execution is inconsistent. The portrayal of a journalist’s life feels authentic, but the chaotic storytelling dilutes the emotional and intellectual depth.

What Worked

Manoj Bajpayee’s stellar performance.
Authentic depiction of newsroom politics and journalistic struggles.
Strong supporting performances, especially from Shahana Goswami.

What Didn’t Work

Convoluted and slow-moving plot.
Lack of palpable tension or memorable twists.
Underdeveloped secondary characters and subplots.
Weak screenplay undermining the film’s thriller potential.

Final Verdict: 3/5 Stars

Despatch is held together by Manoj Bajpayee’s remarkable performance but ultimately falls short of being a gripping thriller. The film’s realistic approach to investigative journalism is admirable but not enough to compensate for its lack of narrative coherence and suspense.

Should You Watch It?

If you are a fan of Manoj Bajpayee or enjoy realistic portrayals of journalism, Despatch is worth a watch. However, those expecting a high-octane thriller may find themselves disappointed.

Despatch Movie Review: A Gripping Investigation Undermined by a Weak Narrative