‘Ulajh’ is finally released, featuring an impressive lineup with Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, and more. Anticipation for Janhvi’s performance has been high, and I must say, she exceeded my expectations. The movie kicks off with a gripping start, showing Janhvi’s character, Suhana, dealing with personal turmoil as she hears the voice of her cheating husband and the pressure to live upto the mark her dad played by Adil Hussain left. He was in the same field as her and is highly respected. She spends each day working hard just to prove to him and show she’s worth more than a ‘nepotism’ tag that people give her. The tension builds up quickly, transitioning to intense scenes in Pakistan, where a terrorist plot is unfolding. This sets the stakes high, with Suhana’s career and personal life intertwining in a complex web. The film’s premise is thrilling, and Janhvi’s portrayal of a determined IFS officer trying to prove herself is truly commendable.
The chemistry between the characters is palpable, especially between Janhvi Kapoor and Gulshan Devaiah. Their on-screen romance in ‘Shukaan’ is captivating, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative. Gulshan’s character, Nakul, initially comes across as a charming Michelin-star chef, but his true colors are revealed as he manipulates Suhana with a video recording of their intimate moments. The shocking twist is when Nakul’s real identity as Mohammed, an ISI agent, comes to light. His constant name changes and deceit, from Nakul to Mohammed to David, add layers of complexity to his character, keeping the audience on edge. This manipulation adds to the suspense and drives the narrative forward, as Suhana’s personal and professional lives become increasingly intertwined.
The second half of the film ramps up the intensity significantly. Suhana is put in charge of finding out who is leaking sensitive information, only to discover that many of the people she trusted, including some of her closest allies, are involved with the ISI. Initially, both Sebin, played by Roshan Mathew, and Jacob, played by Meiyang Chang, doubt Suhana’s capabilities. However, as the plot thickens, Sebin begins to understand Suhana’s predicament and offers his support. His involvement becomes crucial as he helps Suhana navigate the treacherous waters of espionage and betrayal. Together, they uncover deep conspiracies and work tirelessly to protect national security. Their dynamic partnership speeds up the narrative, showing Suhana’s relentless efforts to help her country and exposing the ISI’s intricate plots. The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown, leaving viewers saying, “Wow, what just happened?”
The performances in ‘Ulajh’ are outstanding. Janhvi Kapoor shines as Suhana, portraying her character’s strength and vulnerability with finesse. Gulshan Devaiah as Mohammed is both terrifying and compelling, making his deceitful character deeply impactful. Roshan Mathew, although underutilized initially, becomes a key player in the second half, providing strong support and adding depth to the story. His transformation from a skeptic to a crucial ally is particularly well-portrayed. Meiyang Chang as Jacob brings a critical element of suspicion and intensity. Each actor brings their best to the film, making it a captivating watch. Despite a few pacing issues, especially in the second half, ‘Ulajh’ remains a thrilling and engaging film. The ending is mind-blowing and ties the story together perfectly, leaving a lasting impression. Overall, I highly recommend ‘Ulajh’ for its strong performances and gripping storyline.