Ulajh review: Janhvi Kapoor's Diplomatic Drama Falters Despite Cast

Ulajh is a film that attempts to blend intense drama with political intrigue, starring Janhvi Kapoor as the lead character, Suhana Bhatia. Directed by Sudhanshu Saria, the film delves into the life of a young, ambitious woman from a prominent diplomatic family, navigating the challenges of nepotism, workplace sexism, and international diplomacy. Despite its ambitious themes and Kapoor's commanding presence, the film struggles with a heavy-handed narrative and rushed storytelling, making it a mixed cinematic experience. The supporting cast, including Gulshan Devaiah and Adil Hussain, provides strong performances, but the film's execution leaves much to be desired.

The Plot

The story centers on Suhana Bhatia (Janhvi Kapoor), a bright, multilingual young woman from a prominent diplomatic family, with a grandfather whose name is etched in school textbooks. Appointed as India’s youngest Deputy High Commissioner, Suhana is constantly overshadowed by accusations of nepotism. This storyline mirrors Kapoor's own experiences in the industry. The film explores Suhana’s journey as she tries to uphold her family’s legacy while dealing with the ridicule that comes with her privileged background.

Suhana, recently out of a relationship, is posted to London, where she meets Nakul (Gulshan Devaiah), a charismatic Michelin-star chef who wins her over quickly. However, Nakul is revealed to be a corporate blackmailer and more, placing Suhana in a difficult position. She must decide whether to protect her father’s promotion and job, her own reputation, or the country’s secrets. The plot twists are predictable, and viewers can anticipate them from afar.

Multiple Issues

Ulajh attempts to tackle several themes, including nepotism, the struggles of women in power, and the importance of diplomacy in resolving international conflicts. However, the film tries too hard to be taken seriously, resulting in a heavy-handed narrative.

The intermission offers a surprising twist, but the second half feels rushed, as if the story would be better suited for a web series where it could explore its various subplots more thoroughly. The film's pacing is erratic, and it expects the audience to keep up with abrupt plot developments. The film's depiction of inter-country conflicts is filled with convenient plot devices, such as characters evading intelligence officials and traveling from London to India without being traced, or breaking through a prime minister’s security convoy with ease.

Janhvi's Performance

Janhvi Kapoor dominates every frame in this Sudhanshu Saria directorial. She starts strong as a young woman unafraid to speak up in front of senior officials, even resorting to blackmail. However, her performance lacks depth when her character faces trouble. Her portrayal of helplessness is reminiscent of her role in Mili, and her desire to prove herself echoes her character in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl. The film's attempt to drill into the audience that "nepotism doesn’t mean lack of talent" feels heavy-handed, with Parvez Shaikh and Sudhanshu Saria's writing making it painfully obvious.

One scene meant to showcase Suhana’s thirst for revenge towards the climax highlights this. Roshan’s character taunts, “ab yeh bakri kya karegi?” The camera zooms in on Janhvi’s face as she dramatically replies, “poora ka poora sher khaa jaayegi.” This moment, intended to flex Janhvi’s acting muscles, feels forced.

Supporting Cast

The film’s saving grace is its supporting cast. Gulshan Devaiah excels as the poetic chef, particularly in the climax. Adil Hussain, though limited in screen time, delivers a powerful performance as Suhana’s concerned father in his final scene. Rajesh Tailang brings a friendly driver with shades of grey to life, while Roshan Mathew is underutilized but effective in his brief moments. Meiyang Chang has a noteworthy but short-lived scene.

Ulajh is a film that tries to balance numerous themes but ultimately falls short due to its heavy-handed narrative and erratic pacing. While Janhvi Kapoor delivers a competent performance, it is the supporting cast that truly shines. The film could have benefited from more nuanced storytelling and character development, making it a better fit for a web series format.

Also read: August 2024 Movie Releases: Ulajh, Stree 2, Khel Khel Mein & More

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