Ulajh – A Thrilling but Uneven Diplomatic Conspiracy Drama

Film - Ulajh

Director - Sudhanshu Saria

Writer - Parveez Shaikh, Sudhanshu Saria

Cast- Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, Adil Hussain, Meiyang Chang, Rajesh Tailang, Rajendra Gupta, Jitendra Joshi, Sakshi Tanwar

Rating – 2

Ulajh, directed by Sudhanshu Saria and written by Parveez Sheikh and Saria himself, attempts to blend the intrigue of espionage with the drama of personal ambition, set against the backdrop of high-stakes diplomacy. The film stars Jahnvi Kapoor as Suhana, a young diplomat who finds herself ensnared in a complex conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the peace between India and Pakistan.

The story kicks off with Suhana’s appointment as India’s Deputy High Commissioner in London, a role she acquires amid controversy over her nepotistic connections. Her arrival in London quickly propels her into a tangled web of espionage and political machinations. The narrative follows Suhana’s race against time to untangle the conspiracy, revealing the challenges she faces due to her lack of experience and the dire consequences of her every misstep.

The plot initially promises a compelling mystery, akin to the engaging simplicity found in Apple TV's Presumed Innocent and Defending Jacob. However, while the story sets up a classic thriller premise, it struggles to maintain its momentum, eventually revealing its weaknesses in execution.

Jahnvi Kapoor, who portrays Suhana, does a commendable job with the role. Her performance is earnest, though it is somewhat constrained by the character's lack of depth and the obvious parallels between Suhana and Kapoor’s real-life persona. Suhana’s primary motivation seems to be gaining her father’s approval, and her portrayal lacks a distinctive personal touch that might have set her apart from Kapoor’s previous roles.

Gulshan Devaiah’s entrance as Nakul, a “Michelin-star” chef with a mysterious agenda, injects a much-needed vibrancy into the film. Devaiah’s ability to switch between various personas keeps the audience guessing, although the multiple personalities he embodies throughout the film can be confusing. His chemistry with Kapoor adds an interesting dynamic to the plot.

Roshan Mathew, as RAW agent Sebin Kutty, provides some of the film's lighter moments and adds a layer of complexity to the character, who initially appears to be a typical workplace antagonist. Mathew’s portrayal gradually reveals a more nuanced side to Sebin, hinting at a potential for further development in a sequel.

Plot Execution and Pacing

Ulajh begins with a gripping pace as Suhana delves into the murky world of international intrigue. The film’s initial tension is palpable, and the narrative effectively highlights the gender-specific hurdles faced by Suhana in her new role. However, as the story progresses towards the climax, it struggles with pacing issues. The film's resolution is marred by slow-motion sequences and convoluted exposition, which detract from the earlier suspenseful buildup.

The film also exhibits some frustrating plot contrivances. For instance, the use of basic surveillance technology in blackmail scenes feels outdated and inconsistent, and some plot developments are overly reliant on convenient twists rather than organic storytelling.

Ulajh attempts to navigate complex themes of nationalism and jingoism with a degree of sophistication, presenting a nuanced view of political conflicts and personal ambitions. The film sidesteps overt jingoism, focusing instead on the intricate interplay between different political players.

The production design and cinematography, while serviceable, do not significantly enhance the film’s impact. The visual and technical aspects of Ulajh feel competent but not extraordinary, lacking the flair that might have elevated the overall experience.

Ulajh is a mixed bag of a thriller that succeeds in delivering moments of intrigue and suspense but falters in its overall execution. The film’s engaging start and strong performances, particularly by Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathew, provide some enjoyable moments. However, its eventual descent into melodrama and plot convolutions detracts from its initial promise.

For fans of diplomatic thrillers with a penchant for fast-paced narratives and international conspiracies, Ulajh offers a fun, if imperfect, cinematic experience. It may not redefine the genre, but it provides an entertaining ride through the complexities of espionage and personal ambition.