Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, Rajesh Tailang, Adil Hussain, Meiyang Chang

Director: Sudhanshu Saria

Rating: ***

'Ulajh' sets itself apart with an engaging plot and unconventional villains, diving straight into the thrilling elements that define the story. The film's unique choice of antagonist brings a refreshing twist, although the familiar Indo-Pak tension can feel overused, serving as an easy route to stir patriotic feelings. Additionally, the film offers a critical look at the intelligence department, adding further layers of intrigue.

This Bollywood thriller introduces us to Suhana Bhatia, portrayed by Janhvi Kapoor, a prodigious Indian Deputy High Commissioner in the UK. Despite her impressive diplomatic background, she is easily seduced by a charming chef, leading to a series of compromising situations. While the premise may seem implausible for a film centered around intelligence officers, 'Ulajh' still manages to deliver a compelling narrative. Suhana ultimately redeems herself, transforming from a perceived traitor to a national hero, all while tackling themes of nepotism and self-worth.

Engaging Plot with Unlikely Villains

What stands out in 'Ulajh' is its immediate dive into the thrilling elements of the story. The choice of an unconventional villain adds a refreshing twist. However, the recurring Indo-Pak tension feels overused and somewhat lazy, serving as an easy way to evoke patriotic emotions. The film also takes a critical view of the intelligence department, adding another layer of intrigue.

Fast-Paced Drama and Surprising Twists

The nearly two-hour and fifteen-minute film maintains a brisk pace, keeping viewers engaged with its drama. There are several jaw-dropping moments, particularly one before the interval that leave the audience in collective shock. The shifting dynamics between friends and foes add depth to the plot, although some parts are predictable. Attention to small details, such as a criminal's accent revealing his identity, are commendable.

Performances: A Mixed Bag

Janhvi Kapoor deserves praise for her bold choices, shedding her glamorous image for a more authentic portrayal in 'Ulajh'. Despite her earnest efforts, her performance falls short of achieving the desired impact, especially in action scenes that appear more rehearsed than natural. The chemistry between Janhvi and Gulshan Devaiah is noteworthy, with Gulshan's portrayal of Chef Nakul being a highlight, although his transformation into a menacing terrorist lacks conviction. Roshan Mathew brings much-needed humor with his Malayalam dialogues and effortless screen presence.

Supporting Cast and Technical Aspects

Rajesh Tailang, known for his role in 'Mirzapur', plays Salim, a former cop turned consulate driver. His character's arc from being paternal to harboring secrets adds intrigue. Adil Hussain, as Suhana's father, has limited screen time, and their climactic confrontation feels lukewarm. Meiyang Chang stands out in his brief role, showcasing his talent and leaving audiences wanting more.

The film is visually appealing, with well-choreographed action scenes. However, it misses an opportunity to fully utilize the vibrant settings of London and Delhi. The music, while present, fails to leave a significant impact on the narrative.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Sudhanshu Saria, known for his previous work 'Loev', faces challenges in maintaining a cohesive plot in 'Ulajh'. His attempt to incorporate multiple elements results in occasional lapses in the storyline. Despite this, he extracts controlled performances from the cast and delivers a climactic hint at a potential sequel or a new cinematic universe.

Conclusion

'Ulajh' is a well-shot thriller that captivates with its fast-paced drama and unexpected twists. While the plot and performances have their shortcomings, the film still manages to entertain and engage viewers. With a mix of commendable and flawed elements, 'Ulajh' earns a solid 3 out of 5 stars for its effort to deliver a unique take on a diplomatic thriller.