Streamer ZEE5 Global has released the first trailer for “Despatch,” featuring Manoj Bajpayee as a crime journalist whose investigation into a Mumbai scam spirals into a life-threatening ordeal.
The footage reveals mounting threats against Bajpayee’s character Joy Bag as he pursues a breaking story that entangles him in a web of media corruption and underworld power plays.
The thriller, which has screened at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India, Goa, will premiere on ZEE5 Global Dec. 13.
Director Kanu Behl, who developed the project since 2016, says they “uncovered a treasure trove of untold, jaw-dropping stories about the world of journalism, particularly those navigating the dangerous Mumbai underworld. Our goal was not to create just a thriller, but to dive into the flawed, human side of investigative journalism – showing the raw, gritty truth behind the headlines.”
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The film continues Bajpayee’s successful run with ZEE5 Global, following his starring turns in “Dial 100,” “Silence” and “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai.”
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“I have undergone intense prep work for this role,” says Bajpayee. “Kanu is a tough taskmaster who has pushed us beyond our comfort to deliver our absolute best, so we hope that this movie strikes a chord with the viewers and pushes us to do better.”
Producer Ronnie Screwvala of RSVP Movies notes, “Manoj Bajpayee’s stellar performance accompanied by Shahana Goswami and Arrchita Agarwal’s ace acting presented together by Kanu Behl’s unique vision have brought an edge to this exciting tale.”
ZEE5 Global’s chief business officer Manish Kalra positions the film within the platform’s strategic vision: “Cinema’s power to connect through compelling storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and our latest release, ‘Despatch’ is a perfect example. Manoj Bajpayee’s outstanding performance, combined with Kanu Behl’s direction, has made this project one we’re incredibly proud of.”
Watch the trailer here:
