Kanu Behl’s Despatch, now streaming on ZEE5 Global, is an intricate dive into the murky waters of investigative journalism, anchored by Manoj Bajpayee’s tour-de-force performance. The film explores the perilous intersection of media ethics, political corruption, and personal ambition through the story of Joy Bag, a crime reporter determined to unearth a national scam.
Set in 2012, Despatch mirrors a pivotal era when print media faced existential challenges from the rising digital wave. Joy, played with impeccable depth by Bajpayee, represents an industry veteran grappling with his profession’s fading relevance. His marriage to Shweta (Shahana Goswami) is in shambles, his affair with colleague Prerna (Arrchita Agarwaal) is precarious, and his pursuit of a breakthrough story is both a professional and personal battle. The film steadily evolves from a journalist’s tale to a commentary on journalism itself, drawing parallels to the real-life tragedy of J. Dey, a Mid-Day journalist murdered in 2011.
A Flawed Protagonist
One of Despatch’s greatest strengths is its refusal to glorify its protagonist. Joy Bag is no conventional hero; he’s messy, morally ambiguous, and often unlikable. His arrogance in personal relationships—exploiting protégés and belittling his wife—reflects his complicated psyche. Yet, Bajpayee imbues the character with a raw vulnerability, allowing the audience to empathise with his human frailty.
Joy’s masculinity is explored with nuance. He is meek in public but assertive in private, channeling his frustrations into reckless decisions. Behl masterfully subverts typical “heroic journalist” tropes, offering instead a painfully ordinary man who stumbles through high-stakes scenarios, from undercover missions to violent shootouts.
Complex Themes, Uneven Execution
Despatch delves deep into the ethical and emotional conflicts of journalism. It critiques the romanticisation of truth-telling while acknowledging the personal toll of the profession. Joy’s relentless chase for a scoop is less about journalistic integrity and more about salvaging his bruised ego. His actions stem from a need for validation rather than a noble pursuit of justice.
However, the film falters in its narrative clarity. The scam Joy investigates—spanning real estate fraud, shell companies, and underworld connections—is deliberately vague, possibly to emphasise his isolation. While this choice aligns with the film’s thematic intent, it risks disengaging viewers who crave more narrative precision.
Moreover, Despatch occasionally suffers from a male gaze. Joy’s predatory tendencies are mirrored in how the camera frames intimate moments, sometimes leaning too heavily into crudeness. While these choices align with the protagonist’s flawed character, they may feel excessive to some viewers.
Manoj Bajpayee: The Soul of the Film
Manoj Bajpayee’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary. He captures Joy’s contradictions with finesse, from his awkwardness during personal confrontations to his desperation during investigative breakthroughs. Bajpayee’s physicality adds layers to the character, whether he’s sprinting with a camera, panicking over a phone call, or breaking down under pressure. His ability to evoke empathy for a deeply flawed character is a testament to his craft.
Supporting performances by Shahana Goswami and Arrchita Agarwaal enhance the narrative. Goswami, in particular, shines as Shweta, bringing depth to a character caught between resilience and disillusionment.
Final Verdict
Despatch is not an easy watch, nor is it meant to be. Kanu Behl crafts a dense, thought-provoking film that interrogates the fine line between morality and heroism. While its narrative choices may polarise viewers, the film’s thematic ambition and Bajpayee’s powerhouse performance make it a compelling exploration of journalism’s grey zones.
For fans of serious cinema, Despatch is a gripping ride that lingers long after the credits roll. It challenges conventional notions of heroism, offering instead a deeply human story of ambition, failure, and redemption.
