Janhvi Kapoor's Career-Best Performance Elevates Ulajh, Despite Predictable Plot

Ulajh Review: The trailer of Janhvi Kapoor and Gulshan Devaiah's Ulajh, released a few weeks ago, captured our attention with its gripping visuals. It raised hopes for a compelling political thriller from Bollywood. But does the film meet the expectations set by its trailer? Let's delve into our review to find out...

The story centres on Suhana (Janhvi Kapoor), who hails from a family of diplomats. Her grandfather's name even appears in Civics textbooks. Suhana secures a job as an IFS officer in London, but many attribute her success to nepotism. As she strives to prove herself, she becomes entangled with ISI, leading to a series of events that challenge her loyalty and skills.

The film starts with an intriguing premise and holds promise initially. However, the slow pace and lacklustre screenplay soon make the first half tedious. Just when it seems like nothing will happen, the interval brings a twist that rekindles hope for an engaging second half.

Janhvi Kapoor shines in Ulajh, delivering what is arguably her best performance to date. She embodies her character convincingly, occasionally evoking memories of Sridevi. Gulshan Devaiah also impresses with his multifaceted role, portraying his character's darker shades so effectively that viewers may find themselves disliking him.

Roshan Mathew has limited screen time in the first half but makes a significant impact in the second half. Unfortunately, talented actors like Rajesh Tailang and Meiyang Chang are underutilised in this film. Adil Hussain performs well in his role, while Sakshi Tanwar leaves a lasting impression despite having just one scene.

The music in Ulajh complements the narrative well. The songs are enjoyable, and the background score enhances the overall atmosphere. The track "Ilahi Mere" notably elevates the climax.

The second half of Ulajh is more engaging than the first but suffers from predictable twists and turns. In thrillers, unexpected plot developments are crucial to keep audiences on edge. Unfortunately, many viewers might guess upcoming events accurately. While some scenes manage to captivate, others fall flat due to uninspired direction.

Ulajh Review Final Verdict

Ulajh had the potential to be an outstanding political thriller given its intriguing concept. However, it falls short due to its execution. Fans of Janhvi Kapoor might find it worth watching for her stellar performance; others may not find it as compelling.

P.S.: We would have rated the film 2 stars but added an extra half star solely for Janhvi's exceptional acting.