Ulajh Movie Review

Director: Sudhanshu Saria
Star Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Adil Hussain, Roshan Mathew, Rushad Rana, Rajesh Tailang
Language: Hindi
Review Rating: ⭐⭐(2/5)

Plot Summary
In Ulajh, Janhvi Kapoor stars as Suhana Bhatia, a diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), whose career takes a dark turn when a one-night stand leads to blackmail by an ISI operative. Set against the backdrop of international intrigue, Suhana faces danger as she struggles to either leak critical defense information or suffer personal ruin. As stakes rise, Suhana uncovers corruption within her own ranks while navigating the tangled web of politics between India and Pakistan.

Her personal life and professional responsibilities collide, especially when her father, a seasoned diplomat, questions her ability to handle such a pivotal role. The film weaves a complex web of political conspiracies, secret investigations, and high-stakes diplomacy as Suhana fights to clear her name and protect India’s interests.

Script Analysis
Parveez Shaikh and Sudhanshu Saria wrote a script that tries to mix high-stakes espionage with family drama. While the concept of a young diplomat caught in international intrigue feels compelling, the execution often complicates the story unnecessarily. The first half introduces many political and intelligence players, including corrupt officials, Pakistani politicians, and shadowy RAW figures, but too many subplots bog down the narrative.

The twist where RAW assigns Suhana to investigate defense leaks that she herself gave under blackmail adds depth to her character. However, the rest of the film struggles to maintain this intrigue. Sequences set in London and Mumbai feel disjointed, and the resolution—where Suhana thwarts an assassination attempt—seems rushed and improbable.

Despite these issues, the movie manages to maintain tension, especially in the second half when stakes peak. The film explores Suhana’s relationship with her father in more emotional depth, but the final twist, hinting at a sequel, feels forced.

Star Performance
Janhvi Kapoor delivers a strong performance as Suhana Bhatia, showing both vulnerability and strength. Like her role in Mili, Kapoor demonstrates that she can handle intense, emotional roles with ease. She conveys much of Suhana’s internal struggle through her expressive eyes and comfortably carries the weight of the film.

Gulshan Devaiah effectively portrays Suhana’s love interest-turned-antagonist, shifting smoothly from charming to threatening. His character’s duplicity adds depth to the plot, although his arc feels somewhat predictable.

Rajesh Tailang shines as Suhana’s cautious chauffeur, delivering one of the film’s best performances. His quiet but impactful presence grounds the story. Roshan Mathew plays Sebin Josephkutty convincingly as Suhana’s ally, although his role as her reluctant helper lacks full development.

Direction and Music
Sudhanshu Saria, known for his internationally acclaimed work, brings a unique style to Ulajh. However, his international sensibilities sometimes clash with the Indian setting, creating moments that feel out of sync with the story’s core themes. While Saria successfully builds tension, especially in the second half, his focus on intricate subplots detracts from the film’s emotional center.

Shashwat Sachdev’s music serves the film but doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The patriotic song “Main Hoon Tera Ae Watan” fits well within the story but fails to elevate key moments. The film could have used a stronger score to heighten the tension during its most critical scenes.

The Last Word
Ulajh delivers a complex, sometimes tangled, espionage thriller that manages to engage viewers despite its flaws. Janhvi Kapoor’s strong performance and the gripping second half make it a solid choice for fans of the genre. Though it may not reach the level of other female-led espionage dramas like Raazi, Ulajh offers an ambitious, if somewhat convoluted, cinematic experience.

Verdict: A decent espionage thriller with standout performances, though hampered by a complex plot. Ideal for viewers who enjoy politically charged dramas with personal stakes.

Must Read: Kalki 2898 AD Movie Review