In “Ulajh,” Janhvi Kapoor steps into the role of a powerful woman grappling with workplace challenges, alongside Gulshan Devaiah. This film aims to tackle themes of nepotism and gender dynamics but ends up feeling a bit too convoluted.
Ulajh Plot Overview
“Ulajh” follows Suhana Bhatia, played by Janhvi Kapoor, a young and talented diplomat from a prestigious family. Suhana is India’s youngest Deputy High Commissioner, a role that brings the shadow of nepotism into the spotlight. This storyline seems to mirror Kapoor’s real-life struggles with privilege and expectations.
Freshly out of a relationship, Suhana is stationed in London, where she meets Nakul (Gulshan Devaiah), a charming Michelin-star chef. However, Nakul turns out to be a corporate blackmailer, throwing Suhana into a moral dilemma. She must decide whether to protect her father’s job, her reputation, or national secrets. While the twists are somewhat predictable, they drive the plot forward.
The Film’s Approach
“Ulajh” tries to cover a lot of ground: commenting on nepotism, addressing challenges faced by women in power, and exploring diplomatic solutions to international conflicts. Unfortunately, the film becomes bogged down by these multiple themes, making it feel overly serious.
The film’s pacing also suffers. The first half keeps viewers engaged, but the second half feels rushed. It seems like “Ulajh” would have benefited from being a web series, allowing for more in-depth exploration of its various plotlines. The film often relies on convenient plot devices, such as characters slipping past security or traveling undetected.
Janhvi Kapoor’s Performance
Janhvi Kapoor, as expected, is a major presence in the film. She starts off strong as a determined and outspoken diplomat, but her performance starts to feel repetitive. Her portrayal of Suhana’s struggles echoes her previous roles, lacking the emotional depth needed to truly connect with the audience. The film’s attempt to showcase Kapoor’s acting chops sometimes feels forced.
One notable scene involves Suhana’s thirst for revenge, where the camera focuses intensely on Kapoor’s face as she delivers a dramatic line. This moment, while intended to highlight Kapoor’s talent, comes off as overdone.
The supporting cast brings some much-needed depth to “Ulajh.” Gulshan Devaiah shines as Nakul, the charismatic yet devious chef. Adil Hussain delivers a memorable performance in his brief role as Suhana’s concerned father. Rajesh Tailang offers a friendly, multifaceted character, and Roshan Mathew’s brief role leaves a lasting impression. Meiyang Chang also delivers a strong performance in a short-lived role.
“Ulajh” is a mixed bag. While Janhvi Kapoor delivers a competent performance, the film’s attempt to juggle multiple themes and a fast-paced plot may leave viewers feeling unsatisfied. The strong supporting cast helps elevate the film, but “Ulajh” ultimately struggles to balance its ambitious goals.
