Review: 'Ulajh' is an underwhelming nation-conflict story with a strong-headed & earnest Janhvi Kapoor

Amongst the new-age actors, Janhvi Kapoor is a standout, consistently showing range in her work and choosing scripts and roles that shape her as a performer. Following her role in 'Mr & Mrs Mahi,' she now takes the lead in 'Ulajh,' a film that is a unique offering from director Sudhanshu Saria. This film provides a fresh perspective on the life of an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, a theme rarely explored in Indian cinema. While it's too early to gauge audience response, here's my take on it.

While 'Ulajh' stands out for its focus on the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), a relatively unique angle, it also delves into familiar tropes of the patriotic thriller genre. The plot revolves around classic themes of protecting the nation and unwavering national pride, as well as the recurring motif of 'daddy issues' seen in recent films. This includes Janhvi's earlier 'Mr & Mrs Mahi' and now 'Ulajh ', with Suhana's struggle to prove herself to her father and seeking validation, living up to familial expectations, and continuing a legacy.

As there's a dialogue in the film- "Sutro ko maane to wo keh rahe hai suhana ko ye post nepotism ke wajah se mili hai", but fortunately, Janhvi Kapoor has played her cards well, and her compelling performance dispels this notion in real life for sure, showcasing her talent and dedication. 

Sudhanshu, on his part, shines a light on the Indian Foreign Service, delving into its internal politics and the misogynistic remarks Suhana faces, such as insinuations about her physical relationship with Rawa to get the post, only beauty and no brains and others. While leading her team from London, Suhana finds herself falling for Nikhil Bhatia, portrayed by Gulshan Devaiah, who ultimately becomes her greatest adversary. The narrative centres on Suhana's struggle between right and wrong as she navigates a path fraught with ethical dilemmas, trying to protect her and her father's honour. Her journey is observed by various characters like her driver, Salim (Rajesh Tailang), Sebin Joseph Kutty (Roshan Mathew), and Jacob (Meiyang Chang), all adding layers to the unfolding drama. 

The first half of the film feels rather uninspired, as it merely sets up the story with scattered events, offering little that feels fresh or engaging. Suhana is portrayed as vulnerable, anxious, and trying to find her footing. The second half, however, brings some excitement with new revelations and a revitalized Suhana, who decides to abandon the ambiguous paths she's been treading. She embraces a righteous mission to rectify the wrongs around her, showcasing her patriotism and personal growth. Yet, the film falls short of being truly groundbreaking. A more intriguing narrative might have emerged if the writers had resisted the urge to completely redeem Suhana, instead portraying the murky realities of diplomatic life, where heroes are rare, and moral ambiguity reigns. The plot straddles a line between being overly simplistic and unnecessarily convoluted, leaving viewers feeling somewhat lost in its execution.

Without a doubt, it's clear that Janhvi Kapoor is carving a lasting place for herself in the industry. As Suhana, she expertly balances vulnerability with confidence, delivering a performance that captures a wide range of emotions. Her portrayal includes a few action scenes, showcasing her versatility and ability to convincingly handle different facets of her role.

Gulshan Devaiah shines as Nakul Bhatia, delivering a compelling performance that layers intrigue and complexity into his character, leaving audiences wanting to learn more about him. His portrayal builds a sense of mystery and leaves a lasting impression. Roshan Mathew, as Kutty, adds an interesting dynamic in the second half. Though his character's outbursts in his native South Indian language might seem provocative, they add depth and authenticity to the story. He supports the narrative with sincerity and skill. Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang, Adil Hussain, and the rest of the cast contribute solid performances, enriching the film's narrative.

The Verdict

Overall, "Ulajh" revisits the familiar 'India-Pakistan' conflict, a storyline seen countless times, but with a fresh perspective by focusing on the IFS department and the lives of diplomats. While the plot doesn't break new ground, it is elevated by strong performances from the cast.

Rating

***(3/5) stars