Ulajh Review: Janhvi Kapoor Shines and Steers the Film to Success

In “Ulajh,” an espionage thriller directed and co-written by Sudarshan Saria, the fate of the female protagonist mirrors the film’s complex plot. As the story unfolds, it becomes a tangled mess, difficult to follow, as the protagonist’s situation deteriorates. The narrative often leaves the audience in confusion, struggling to understand the events surrounding the lead character until the murky waters of intrigue nearly overwhelm the story.

While a certain level of confusion can be expected in a film reliant on mystery, intrigue, and red herrings, “Ulajh” consistently battles to maintain clarity and pace. The diplomat-heroine, ensnared in a career-threatening situation in London, faces corporate blackmail and an assassination conspiracy. Despite numerous plot twists and attempts to build tension, the film struggles to rise above its clichés and fails to fully engage the audience with the protagonist’s dire circumstances, as she is cornered by a cunning adversary.

Produced by Junglee Pictures and featuring Janhvi Kapoor in a physically demanding role, “Ulajh” does have some noteworthy aspects. The most significant is what the young woman at the heart of the film brings to the story. Despite the limitations in emotional depth, Kapoor’s performance stands out as a central element worth noting.

Ulajh: A Complex Tale of Espionage and Intrigue

Suhana Bhatia, the daughter and granddaughter of esteemed diplomats, finds herself with a lot to live up to. Unlike the quick-action secret agents of films like Baby, Naam Shabana, and Raazi, Suhana is a rule-abiding government official. As the sole woman and second in command at the Indian High Commission in London, Suhana faces skepticism and envy from her male colleagues.

Struggles and Conspiracies

Suhana must navigate a web of corporate blackmail, assassination plots, and dubious allies. Her appointment as India’s deputy high commissioner is met with doubt, prompting her to prove herself capable of upholding her family’s legacy. However, one misstep at a high-profile event initiates a series of troubling events, putting her career and her father’s reputation at risk.

Despite her resilience, Suhana’s challenges deepen when a conspiracy unfolds, involving a man she befriends (Gulshan Devaiah), two RAW agents (Roshan Mathew and Meiyang Chang), and her chauffeur (Rajesh Tailang). A moment of despair sees her almost giving up, but a phone call from her father rescues her from the brink.

A Departure from the Norm

While “Ulajh” avoids typical Bollywood jingoism, it still touches on nationalistic themes. The film features a climactic qawwali but omits traditional song sequences. It portrays both Indian and Pakistani characters with depth, including a subplot where Pakistan offers to extradite a bomb blast accused to India.

Janhvi Kapoor anchors the film with a demanding role that highlights her central importance. Supported by strong performances from co-actors like Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, Adil Hussain, and Rajesh Tailang, Kapoor manages to navigate the film’s complexities.

“Ulajh” is not without its clichés and could have benefited from more dynamism and authenticity. Nonetheless, it remains a noteworthy attempt at delivering a different kind of spy drama.

• Cast

  Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, Adil Hussain, Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang
• Director

  Sudhanshu Saria

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