Despatch Movie Review

Admin 21
19 Dec, 2024

In a captivating dialogue, actor Manoj Bajpayee and director Kanu Behl delve into their latest film, *Despatch*, a shadowy anti-thriller steeped in the unsettling realities of contemporary crimes, both past and present. This film was inspired by the tragic assassination of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot down outside her home in Bengaluru in 2017. The shocking nature of her murder, alongside the growing trend of silenced voices in modern India, deeply disturbed Behl, prompting a desire to step outside the confines of his previous work. Renowned for his poignant exploration of dark themes and challenging aspects of masculinity in films like *Title* and *Agra*, Behl embarked on a new creative journey. Alongside screenwriter Ishani Banerjee, he dedicated 18 months to extensive research, immersing himself in the grim realities of the journalistic world. In his words “We attended court sessions, engaged in conversations with crime journalists, lawyers, law enforcement officials, and even a couple of individuals from the underworld,”.

Among their resources was Josy Joseph, a respected Delhi-based investigative journalist whose acclaimed book, *A Feast of Vultures*, offered invaluable insights. Throughout their research, a common theme began to emerge from the various voices they encountered: the existence of a pervasive and insidious nexus among criminals, politicians, and corporate interests that clouds justice and stifles truth-seeking endeavours in an increasingly unequal society. As Behl mentioned, “A bigger story started emerging out of our smaller story.” This culmination of their findings gave birth to *Despatch*, a thought-provoking narrative that lays bare the tangled web of media machinations and the inherent dangers journalists face in their pursuit of the truth. The film stands as a crucial viewing experience for audiences eager to grasp the often-overlooked complexities of societal realities.