Despatch Film Review: Delivering the Dark Reality of Crime Journalism with a Bajpayee Bang!

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Well, butter my parathas and call me Review Rani! I’ve just been through a cinematic saga more twisted than a plate of jalebis. We’re talking about Despatch here, folks, a film that tries to encapsulate the tumultuous world of digital news and crime journalism in the heart of Mumbai, starring Manoj Bajpayee as Joy Bag, the journalist with a name as intriguing as his job description.

Let’s set the scene. Joy, our slightly overwrought protagonist, is chasing stories like a stray dog after a particularly juicy bone. He’s juggling everything from 2G scams to dodgy property builders, all while his personal life hangs in the balance like a trapeze artist with vertigo. You see, he’s contemplating a divorce with his wife, Shweta, while simultaneously trying to upgrade his relationship with co-worker Prerna. Phew! Talk about multi-tasking! 🙄

This film takes us on a wild rickshaw ride through Mumbai’s seedy underbelly, unearthing an ₹8,000 crore scam that’s messier than a spilled chaat on a Mumbai sidewalk. As we delve deeper, we see the transformation of crime, from shady underworld dealings to high-tech billion-dollar scams. Oh, and there’s also a high-stakes murder and stolen papers thrown into the mix because, why not? 🤷‍♀️

The co-writers, Kanu Behl and Ishani Banerjee, have tried their best to weave a complex narrative that attempts to shine a torchlight on the grimy world of crime journalism and the city’s underbelly, using Joy as their hapless guide. All this while trying to highlight the changing dynamics of journalism and crime itself. A commendable attempt, but sometimes it feels like they’re trying to stuff a king-size duvet into a washing machine that’s already on its last legs.

Despite all this, the film does manage to portray some aspects of the journalism world convincingly. It shows the intricacies of relationships between journalists, informers, and sources, where one wrong move can lead to a ‘game over’ situation faster than you can say "cut!" 🎬

I must mention the cinematography by Siddharth Diwan, which does a splendid job of capturing the hustle and bustle of Mumbai’s crime scenes and chaotic newsrooms. The film’s score by Sneha Khanwalker is like the spicy chutney on your samosa, adding a layer of intensity to the mix.

Now, the film’s pace is slower than a Mumbai traffic jam on a rainy day, which can make it feel as exciting as watching paint dry at times. But Manoj Bajpayee as Joy is a saving grace, delivering a performance that’s more layered than my favourite onion paratha. Joy is often miserable, somewhat misogynistic, and determined to prove his worth, despite being as dynamic as a flat chapati. The rest of the cast, including Shahana Goswami, Arrchita Agarwaal, and Rii Sen, also serve up some noteworthy performances.

So, in the end, Despatch manages to give us a somewhat gritty, if not entirely gripping, look into the world of crime journalism. Although it might not keep you on the edge of your seat, it’s worth a watch if you’ve got nothing else to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Rani’s Wrap-Up

To put it in filmy terms, Despatch is like that extra samosa you didn’t really need but ate anyway because, hey, it’s there. It’s a bit of a drag at times, but it’s got its moments, and Manoj Bajpayee is definitely the spicy filling that makes it worth a bite.

And that’s the masala chai from yours truly, Review Rani. Until next time, stay sassy, cinema lovers! 🎬🍿👋