Table of Contents
This gripping espionage drama delves into the life of Suhana Bhatia, the youngest female Indian Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, who finds herself in a perilous situation following a seemingly minor mistake. The film beautifully merges political intrigue with a personal story of resilience.
Star Cast
Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Adil Hussain, Roshan Mathew, Rushad Rana, Rajesh Tailang
Director
Sudhanshu Saria
What’s Good
The film takes a refreshing approach to the spy thriller genre by focusing on diplomats rather than traditional agents. It’s a fresh perspective, injecting new life into the usual tropes of espionage cinema.
What’s Bad
The first half feels a bit too complex, making it harder to follow. The multiple plot threads leave you feeling a bit lost at times, but everything ties together eventually.
Watch or Skip?
If you enjoy slick, Hollywood-style thrillers with an Indian twist, this movie is worth your time. It’s suspenseful, stylish, and keeps you guessing.
Language
Hindi
Available On
Theaters
Runtime
134 Minutes
Plot Overview
Suhana Bhatia (played by Janhvi Kapoor) is a shining star in her family, working with the Indian Foreign Service in Kathmandu. Her life takes a sharp turn when she’s summoned to Delhi and appointed as the Deputy High Commissioner in London. Despite her father’s pride in her achievements, he remains wary of how well she’ll cope with the new responsibilities. This tension adds to the story, as Suhana soon finds herself in over her head.
Once in London, Suhana strikes up a friendship with a fellow newcomer (Gulshan Devaiah), but her personal life takes a dangerous turn after one night of carelessness. It turns out that her new friend is working for the ISI, and he blackmails her with an incriminating video. Forced into an impossible situation, Suhana must choose between her duty and protecting her reputation.
As the tension escalates, Suhana finds herself at the center of a political conspiracy, involving both Indian and Pakistani officials. The movie expertly navigates her internal struggle and determination to fight back against the forces pulling her down.
Script Analysis
Writers Parveez Shaikh and Sudhanshu Saria weave a tangled web of political intrigue and personal crisis in Ulajh. While the story kicks off with numerous, often convoluted plot lines, it eventually settles into a sharp, intense narrative. The twists and turns keep viewers engaged as Suhana finds herself in an increasingly desperate position, tasked with investigating the very defense leaks she was blackmailed into.
The narrative brings a fresh twist to the genre by focusing on diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, rather than traditional espionage action scenes. However, some of the political subplots could have been simplified for clarity. At times, it feels like the film tries too hard to be clever, but its central premise remains strong.
The movie builds tension effectively, particularly in the final acts, where everything comes to a head with the assassination attempt on the Pakistani Prime Minister. The film’s high stakes make it a compelling watch, even if some moments feel far-fetched.
Star Performances:
Janhvi Kapoor delivers a powerful performance as Suhana, carrying the film with her emotional depth and screen presence. Her portrayal of a young woman caught in a web of deception and political manoeuvring is both believable and captivating. Her eyes convey much of the turmoil she faces, and she once again proves that she can lead a film on her own.
Gulshan Devaiah, playing both a love interest and an antagonist, switches between charm and menace effortlessly. He adds layers to his character, making him both dangerous and compelling. Rajesh Tailang stands out as Suhana’s protective chauffeur, giving a strong performance with his subtle yet powerful presence.
Direction & Music
Director Sudhanshu Saria manages to create an atmospheric thriller with international appeal, though the film occasionally stumbles in balancing its Indian sensibilities with its global aspirations. His direction shines when the movie focuses on character dynamics and the tension between Suhana and her environment.
The music by Shashwat Sachdev complements the film, though it’s not particularly memorable. His rendition of “Main Hoon Tera Ae Watan” adds a nice touch within the film, but none of the tracks leave a lasting impression.
Final Verdict
Ulajh is a unique take on the espionage genre, blending diplomatic intrigue with personal stakes. While the first half can feel overly complex, the film redeems itself with a gripping second half that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With strong performances and a fresh perspective, Ulajh proves to be a solid entry in the genre, though not without its flaws.
Rating
3 Stars!
If you’re in the mood for a tense political thriller with a dash of emotion and national pride, Ulajh is a good pick for your watchlist.
