Review : Ulajh : Not a sleek spy thriller!
Patriotism has long been a cornerstone of #Bollywood’s narrative appeal, often serving as the beating heart of numerous films that champion the “#NationFirst” sentiment. In this tradition, the recently released “Ulajh” follows suit, weaving a tale imbued with a spirit of national pride. However, it also indulges in the familiar trope of neighboring-country antagonism, a staple ingredient in such cinematic offerings. Set against the backdrop of London, United Kingdom, this spy drama pivots around a bureaucratic intrigue but falters under the weight of its own ambition.
At the center of “Ulajh” is Suhana Bhatia (Janhvi Kapoor), a fledgling IFS officer whose bureaucratic acumen earns her a prestigious posting at the Indian Embassy in London. It is here that she encounters the enigmatic and charismatic chef Nakul Sharma (Gulshan Devaiah). Succumbing to his allure, Suhana is swept into a whirlwind romance, punctuated by a melodious serenade that culminates in an intimate night. However, the morning light reveals a stark betrayal—Nakul is, in fact, a Pakistani ISI agent who leverages their intimate encounter to blackmail her into divulging sensitive government documents. With the RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) casting a shadow of suspicion over the embassy staff, Suhana finds herself ensnared in a high-stakes game of espionage. Her reluctant cooperation with the RAW agents who arrive in London forms the crux of the unfolding drama.
Despite the premise brimming with potential, the narrative flounders, lacking the novelty and coherence necessary to sustain a gripping spy thriller. The screenplay meanders, delivering sporadic moments of compelling dialogue amidst an otherwise scattered narrative. Director Sudhanshu Saria’s vision, unfortunately, fails to manifest the requisite tension and suspense that the genre demands. “Ulajh” is conspicuously devoid of the nail-biting scenes that are the hallmark of an effective spy drama. While the music merely passes muster, the technical aspects of the film are commendably executed. Janhvi Kapoor, exuding style and grace, delivers a commendable performance, though she is ultimately let down by a lackluster script. Gulshan Devaiah, stepping into familiar territory, offers a powerful portrayal, supported ably by Rajesh Tailang, Adil Hussein, Maiyang Chang, Roshan Mathew, and Jitendra Joshi.
In sum, “Ulajh” aspires to be a sleek spy thriller but sadly emerges as a damp squib, failing to ignite the spark necessary to captivate its audience.