Plot
Joy Bag (Manoj Bajpayee), a crime reporter at a news organisation called Despatch, finds himself at a crossroads as print media struggles to stay relevant in the age of digital news. His work is perilous, his ethics questionable, and his personal life in disarray. Joy’s interactions with sources, colleagues, and adversaries reveal a man driven by the adrenaline of uncovering scandals, often at the cost of moral boundaries.
Facing pressure to deliver sensational stories, Joy takes matters into his own hands when a tip from a trusted source leads him to a high-stakes murder investigation. However, what initially seems like gang-related violence quickly spirals into a complex web of conspiracies, forcing Joy to confront challenges far beyond his expectations.
Highlights
In a time when media—particularly print—is a hotbed for OTT and cinematic exploration, Despatch offers a unique perspective on the world of crime reporting. Unlike typical hero-driven narratives, Joy Bag is deeply flawed and that’s what sets the show apart. He isn’t the ideal journalist we root for—in fact, we know he’s far from it. This audacity in its portrayal of an imperfect protagonist is where Despatch shines, offering a refreshing departure from conventional storytelling.
Drawbacks
The movie’s attempts to explore the grittier side of investigative journalism are undermined by an overreliance on familiar crime-thriller clichés. Scenes meant to be tense or revelatory often fall flat, relying on shock value rather than a deep, introspective look at the consequences of the profession. Joy’s moral dilemmas—how he navigates the murky waters of truth, power, and personal ambition—are glossed over, leaving little room for the audience to connect with his internal struggles. This lack of emotional resonance is a major flaw, as the film’s surface-level approach never allows us to fully understand the weight of Joy’s decisions.
As the plot unravels, the character begins to feel increasingly one-dimensional. While Bajpayee’s performance is compelling, Despatch fails to provide the emotional depth or psychological complexity that would allow Joy Bag to evolve beyond a mere figure of bravado. The film’s narrative moves in fits and starts, with several subplots—ranging from corporate conspiracies to government corruption—feeling underdeveloped. Instead of building a tense, immersive experience, Despatch becomes bogged down in its own convoluted web of half-baked ideas and predictable tropes.
Technical Aspects
Visually, Despatch succeeds in capturing the bustling, chaotic environments of India’s major cities, thanks to cinematographer Siddharth Diwan’s energetic shots. The dynamic camera work keeps the pace brisk, but it isn’t enough to salvage the broader narrative’s lack of focus. Sneha Khanwalkar’s score, meant to evoke the tension of the story, falls flat at times, lacking the punch necessary to elevate the stakes.
Performances
Manoj Bajpayee is, as always, a magnetic presence, bringing gravitas to his role even as the script falters. His portrayal of Joy Bag is compelling, but the film’s inability to provide sufficient psychological depth limits the impact of his performance. Bajpayee’s extensive filmography raises high expectations and while he does his best to salvage the material, one can’t help but feel this project was a misstep.
Archita Agarwal and Shahana Goswami lend some energy and nuance to their roles, but their characters remain peripheral to the larger narrative. Agarwal, in particular, shines in a few moments, yet her efforts are undermined by the film’s disjointed storytelling.
Verdict
Despite its intriguing premise, Despatch fails to live up to its potential. The disjointed storytelling and reliance on familiar tropes render it a lackluster experience. With stronger alternatives available, this one is an easy pass.
Written by: Kanu Behl & Ishani Banerjee
Produced by: Ronnie Screwvala
Starring: Manoj Bajpayee, Arrchita Agarwal, Shahana Goswami
Directed by: Kanu Behl
Cinematography: Siddharth Diwan
Streaming on: ZEE5
Rating: 2/5
