Ulajh Movie Review: A Thrilling Spy Drama with Stellar Performances by Janhvi Kapoor and Gulshan Devaiah

Ulajh Movie Review: Ulajh avoids taking the easy route and doesn’t strive to elevate the genre beyond its bounds. Instead, it focuses on delivering straightforward entertainment to its audience.

Film Details

Director: Sudhanshu Saria
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Roshan Mathew, Gulshan Devaiah, Adil Hussain, Rajesh Tailang, Jitendra Joshi, Meiyang Chang, Rajendra Gupta
Genre: Spy Thriller
Running Time: 134 minutes

Ulajh Movie Review : Plot and Script

Written by Parveez Shaikh and Sudhanshu Saria, Ulajh explores the intricate realm of international diplomacy through its central figure, Suhana Bhatia, who hails from a family of diplomats. The film critiques the dominance of not just elite individuals but also influential families in India’s power structures, a reality mirrored by the profiles of many Supreme Court lawyers and judges.

Suhana is born into significant privilege, yet she faces the challenges of a father who is both highly conscious of this privilege and imposes his issues onto her. Despite these obstacles, Suhana secures a prestigious promotion early in her career. The narrative also briefly addresses workplace sexism, although this theme may not resonate strongly due to its overuse in similar stories.

It often seems like the same messages are repeatedly aimed at the same audience, who should ideally be well-informed by now. For example, Laapataa Ladies tackled patriarchy and misogyny but succeeded because it presented these issues to a fresh audience and set the story in a unique, rustic context.

In contrast, Ulajh quickly shifts the setting to London, where much of the film unfolds. A chance meeting with an appealing chef leads to a one-night stand, which propels the plot forward. The film delves into themes of deception, shifting identities, and shifting loyalties. Everyone appears to be both a potential perpetrator and a victim. With Pakistan now intricately woven into the storyline, Ulajh maintains a nuanced portrayal of the country, avoiding simplistic stereotypes despite needing a mix of good and bad Pakistani characters.

The screenplay truly engages when it focuses on Suhana against the world. Initially, she must win over her colleagues who have objectified and mistrusted her. Simultaneously, she faces an ISI agent who blackmails her into betraying her country’s secrets. For Suhana, the potential disgrace to her family name is as significant as preserving her honor. The David vs. Goliath dynamic is compelling as the challenges pile up against the underdog. Even if the writing seems formulaic, the execution remains effective, with the tension and stakes rising in a credible manner.

With Sebin Josephkutty (Roshan Mathew) by her side, Suhana must eventually return to India to rectify the mess she has created and confront her adversary. The screenplay maintains its momentum with unexpected twists and subplots, revealing the true motives of all involved. Although a well-structured screenplay typically leads to a dramatic climax, it is the skillful performances and direction that keep you deeply engaged, allowing the film to develop its narrative naturally.

Performances

Each supporting actor brings unique depth to their roles. Adil Hussain is spot-on as Suhana’s father, Dhanraj Bhatia, portraying a stern parent who struggles with expressing affection. Rajesh Tailang, now well-known from Mirzapur, and Meiyang Chang, who proves his talent extends beyond Detective Byomkesh Bakshi, both deliver strong performances. However, my personal standout was Jitendra Joshi. The seasoned Marathi actor, renowned for his role as Inspector Katekar in Sacred Games, truly belongs on the big screen and captivates with every appearance.

It’s no longer surprising to see Janhvi Kapoor excel in a role like this, bringing depth and vitality to her character. Similarly, Gulshan Devaiah’s established talent for being both charming and devilish on screen continues to impress. Roshan Mathew delivers a standout performance as Sebin Josephkutty, a Malayali RAW agent. But the impressive acting doesn’t end there. For instance, the names Sahil Baber Khan, Jogi Mallang, and Naila Mughal might not be familiar to even the most knowledgeable Bollywood fans. Despite this, these actors bring significant experience, with nearly 150 casting credits among them, contributing to the exceptional supporting cast in Ulajh.

Direction
In his second feature following last year’s Sanaa, director Sudhanshu Saria demonstrates a high level of skill. He adeptly addresses nuanced topics such as linguistic identity, exemplified by casting a Kerala-based actor for a Malayali role. This choice highlights the significance of authentic casting in context. Saria’s direction ensures that Ulajh is both ambitious and focused on providing entertainment.

Along with co-writer Parveez Shaikh, Saria explores innovative visual techniques to convey their message. While not all attempts are successful, their creativity is commendable. For example, in one scene, Suhana, feeling frustrated with her father, speeds recklessly and questions whether her privilege entitles her to drive faster than others. Although this moment doesn’t fully land, many other inventive approaches are effectively executed.

Songs

The film begins with the evocative track ‘Main Hoon Tera Ae Watan‘ by Shashwat Sachdev, whose raw, emotional vocals and compelling melody set a strong tone from the outset. As the end credits roll following a charming sequel teaser, the powerful ‘Aaja Oye’ performed by the renowned Jasmine Sandlas takes over, leaving a lasting impression.

While the opening and closing tracks frame the film, it’s the exceptional background score that often goes unnoticed. Sachdev embraces a bold approach with the score, avoiding mere incidental music. He employs a range of creative techniques to heighten tension, with the use of tabla and other percussion instruments adding a distinctive touch that is hard to ignore.

The track ‘Shaukan’ didn’t quite resonate with me, not due to its musical quality but because of its placement in the film. In a story like this, it feels out of place, interrupting the narrative with its song and dance sequence. Given Sudhanshu Saria’s otherwise impressive direction, one might speculate that a studio executive insisted on including this track, disrupting the film’s flow.

Regardless of the circumstances, it’s clear that an executive was behind the noticeable product placement in the film. In a scene where a RAW agent and a disgraced officer are monitoring a target, the camera zooms in on a candy, followed by a cringe-worthy brand mention. This moment felt particularly awkward to me. However, if I could trade one awkward product placement per film for an otherwise entertaining experience, I’d gladly make that trade.

Verdict

Rating:

Ulajh – A Gripping Spy Thriller with Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, and an Outstanding Cast

50-Word Review: Ulajh is a masterfully crafted genre film that follows a young IFS officer who becomes entangled in a complex world of international espionage. Janhvi Kapoor excels alongside a superb ensemble cast, with each actor complementing the others. The film excels in many areas and remains consistently engaging.

Vibe: Ulajh – An enthralling spy thriller featuring impressive performances from Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, and a stellar ensemble cast.