Plot

Aazam revolves around the power struggle in the Mumbai underworld after Nawab Khan, the mafia don, succumbs to cancer. Kadar Pathan, Nawab Khan's son, and Javed, his loyal confidant, plan to eliminate each participant of a crucial gathering that decided Anya Shetty's ascension to the mafia throne. This treacherous journey is filled with deception, betrayal, and treachery.

Acting

The movie has a formidable cast, and several actors deliver earnest performances. Jimmy Sheirgill's portrayal of Javed stands out with his icy demeanour and calculated approach. Abhimanyu Singh leaves an impression despite his limited screen time. Indraneil Sen Gupta brings a raw and gritty essence to the role of an IPS officer. Raza Murad as Nawab Khan gives a convincing performance as the ailing mafia don.

Cinematography

The film yearns for a stronger art direction, with some scenes shot with chroma effects feeling jarring and detracting from the overall experience. The filmmakers also have a penchant for deafening soundscapes that diminish the intended impact. The movie could have learned a lesson from Satya, where just the resonating sound of gunshots without a background score dominated most sequences.

Direction

Aazam presents a fresh narrative, venturing into unexplored territories within the underworld narrative. However, the same level of excellence cannot be attributed to the direction. At times it appears feeble and lacks the finesse expected, preventing it from providing an entirely joyous ride. If only the camera had lingered a little longer after pivotal moments, it would have left a more profound impact. The direction would have benefitted from some tightening, given the tension present in most sequences.

Final Verdict

Aazam is a film where Shravan Tiwari, the writer, overshadows Shravan Tiwari, the director. The writer deserves credit for presenting a story that diverges from typical mafia narratives, providing a refreshing and engaging experience. The film contains a few well-crafted sequences that maintain a steady momentum, but it fails to resonate with the audience in entirety owing to its inconsistent direction. Aazam brims with guns, goons, and audacious exploits, and it's definitely worth a watch if you're seeking a fresh narrative within the Mumbai underworld.