‘Despatch’ is a Hindi movie directed by Kanu Behl which focuses on a mature crime journalist, namely Joy Bag, who has difficulties coping with changes the internet has brought to news reporting. The movie is set in Mumbai, portraying a vivid picture of the city’s dark side while examining the struggle of conventional reporters.
Critical Reception:
The film has elicited a range of responses from critics:
- NDTV: Saibal Chatterjee describes “Despatch” as “a solid and pointed probe into a profession in crisis and a life in the doldrums,” awarding it 3.5 out of 5 stars. NDTV
- The Times of India: Dhaval Roy commends the film’s depiction of crime journalism and the value of information, rating it 3 out of 5 stars. Times of India
- The Indian Express: Shubhra Gupta notes that while the film has potential, it “never cements its pieces together enough to create a coherent picture,” resulting in a disjointed narrative. Indian Express
- Hindustan Times: Monika Rawal Kukreja observes that the film “exists minus the thrills” and relies heavily on Manoj Bajpayee’s performance. Hindustan Times
Cultural and Social Significance:
“Despatch” engages with questions of crime in journalism and the sacrifices that come hand in hand with it; in doing so, it offers some insight into the subtle intricacies of the profession. It brings to bear a picture of the life of reporters in the contemporary world and the issues that arise out of the collision between the printing world and the media world.
Aesthetic Style and Production Insights:
Kanu Behl’s direction is characterized by a retelling of a part of Mumbai’s crime backdrops that becomes more character oriented plot wise. The shooting style is able to enhance the harsh tone of the story. Bajpayee’s layered performance also fleshes out the lead character of the film, making the audience understand his conflict better.
Where to Watch:
Despatch is available for streaming on ZEE5, but only with a subscription. “Despatch” was first shown on ZEE5 on December 13, 2024 .
