Film: Ulajh
Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang, and Adil Hussain
Director: Sudhanshu Saria
Rating: 2.5 moons

August starts with a political thriller release ‘Ulajh’ headlined by Janhvi Kapoor and directed by Sudhanshu Saria. It is an espionage thriller defining stereotypes and addressing nepotism in politics. Starring a solid ensemble cast the movie suffers from screenplay and low speediness. The much-awaited film has finally made it to theaters and audiences' curiosity about the film has been answered in our review. Read on

Ulajh is centered around Janhvi Kapoor’s character Suhana Bhatia who is appointed as the youngest Deputy High Commissioner. Belonging to a prominent lineage of patriots she continues the family legacy as an IFS officer however, gets embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy at her career-defining post. Despite obtaining the position through nepotism she demonstrates her competence in her job. Ulajh is the journey of a young IFS officer navigating a difficult mission at the London embassy plotted by fellow countrymen being RA&W agents and secretly linked with ISI.  

The movie has the right tone to sit in the political thriller genre maintaining the suited narrative to highlight the insights of IFS professionals. However, the start was a bit fast to learn about the lead character’s background and the work she has so far done to achieve the prominent position. The storyline quickly jumps to Suhana joining the Indian High Commissioner's Office in London and soon hops to romance drama with the protagonist focusing on her love life as a civilian. Initial few minutes would keep the audience disconnected but it takes a swiftness ahead. 

The espionage thriller is quite engaging but also unnecessarily stretched in some scenes. The first half seems to be slow but ends with an intriguing note. The film promises to keep the audience hooked but leaves the thread loose failing to save the story despite twists and turns which were predictable. The second half will keep you intrigued to know how it ends, although it feels a bit prolonged. 

Janhvi Kapoor has showcased her acting prowess with another movie racking up in her career. The actress is proving her metal with every film she does in the industry. She has outshined in the latest political thriller Ulajh delivering another career-defining role. Playing Suhana - IFS officer assigned as the youngest Deputy High Commissioner, Janhvi has given life to the character. She solely shouldered the movie blending herself with situations her character undergoes.

The film also stars a strong cast including Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathews, who nailed their characters. Gulshan plays an ISI undercover spy in London and leaves a remarkable impression while Roshan is a RA&W agent but his acting is highlighted in the second half. It even stars Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang, and Adil Hussain in pivotal roles. Meiyang Chang had less screen time but he made it noticed. Sakshi Tanwar has left a notable impression with her cameo.

Sudhanshu Saria, as a writer and director of the flick has brought a new story to the table. The music is engaging but the background score fluctuates leaving the audience detached from the storyline. The ending hints at a potential sequel, where Janhvi's character Suhana will extend the story with a spin. 

Overall, Ulajh is a tantalizing political thriller with a slow pace and predictable twists and turns. Janhvi Kapoor has once again captivated the audience with her convincing performance. If politics is your interest then the movie could serve as a treat. The film would attract the audience for a one-time watch.