The Freelancer Review: With the assurance of a seasoned director, Neeraj Pandey teases his most recent espionage adventure in the thrilling opening scene of "The Freelancer." However, despite the excitement, a persistent feeling of deja vu looms, suggesting that Pandey's repertoire could use some innovation. "The Freelancer," a digital series masterminded by Pandey and skillfully directed by Bhav Dhulia, is a noteworthy addition to the world of spy thrillers and covert escapades. As Pandey delves deeper into the realm of secret agents, mercenaries, and global intrigue within the realm of OTT, the timing of this venture feels intriguingly opportune.
The cast boasts stellar talent, including Mohit Raina, Sushant Singh, Anupam Kher, Kashmira Pardeshi, Ayesha Raza Mishra, Navneet Malik, and a talented ensemble. Leading the charge as creator is the visionary Neeraj Pandey, with Bhav Dhulia skillfully wielding the directorial reins. Catch "The Freelancer" exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar in Hindi, accompanied by subtitles. Each episode is an immersive 60-minute journey, with a total of four episodes to binge-watch.
"The Freelancer" unravels the gripping tale of Avinash, a former cop turned mercenary, who finds himself back in India after 13 years, compelled by the mysterious suicide of his closest friend. As Avinash embarks on a relentless investigation, he uncovers a shocking truth: his friend's daughter has been coerced into a perilous marriage and is now trapped in Syria, forcibly conscripted into ISIS. Thus, Avinash embarks on a high-stakes mission to rescue her, unearthing a world of intrigue and danger.
Neeraj Pandey's storytelling prowess shines as he navigates through a web of secret agents, mercenaries, and high-stakes adventures in "The Freelancer." However, this tightly-packed series feels like it was released in haste, potentially capitalizing on the success of "The Kerala Story." Each episode feels like a tantalizing setup rather than a fully-fleshed narrative, leaving viewers yearning for more.
Pandey introduces his characters with an assumption of audience familiarity, which, at times, detracts from the story's impact. The narrative steers clear of controversy, opting for a more sanitized approach, although it occasionally lacks depth, especially concerning the family's radicalization.
For those well-acquainted with Hollywood's fixation on extraction-themed content, "The Freelancer" may appear somewhat derivative. In a saturated genre, Pandey's latest creation doesn't quite break new ground, raising questions about the need for fresh creative exploration.
Mohit Raina commands the screen as Avinash, delivering a performance that embodies the character's enigmatic nature, albeit with occasional incongruities in the flashback scenes. Anupam Kher, a stalwart in Pandey's projects, effortlessly assumes his role as the narrative's guiding presence. Ayesha Raza Mishra and Sushant Singh contribute solid performances that bolster the series' appeal. Kashmira Pardeshi's portrayal of Aaliya suggests a promising future in her acting career, while Navneet Malik leaves a lasting impression with his performance.
Director Bhav Dhulia favors drama over subtlety, resulting in a fusion of Pandey's signature style with Dhulia's dramatic vision. While this approach shines in certain instances, it occasionally falters, diminishing the impact of some sequences and muddling the narrative's perspective. The musical score, initially subdued, may reveal its full potential in subsequent episodes.
