In a cinematic landscape where espionage thrillers are often fraught with clichés, “Ulajh,” produced by Vinit Jain, steers into a narrative that’s as convoluted as its title suggests. Set against the backdrop of international diplomacy, this film attempts to weave a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and patriotism. Still, it ends up entangling itself in a web of poor execution and questionable portrayals.
The Plot’s Pretzel:
“Ulajh” throws its protagonist, Suhana Bhatia (played by Janhvi Kapoor), into a career-threatening quagmire. What starts as a straightforward espionage thriller quickly devolves into a labyrinth of plot twists that serve more to confuse than to thrill. The movie’s heart seems to be in the right place, tackling themes like nepotism and sexism within diplomatic circles other than praising Pakistan and helping the ISI escape with all the reds on its shirt (as Bollywood often does). Still, it loses its way in a maze of subplots and underdeveloped character arcs. The intrigue promised by the trailer turns into a labyrinth where the audience is left guessing not the ‘who’ but rather the ‘why’ of the plot’s complexity.
Portrayal of Pakistan: A Beacon of Peace or Narrative Convenience?
Here’s where “Ulajh” treads on controversial ground. In an industry often criticised for its portrayal of Pakistan, for the love that the movie mafia in India shares as standard for the enemy state, “Ulajh” decides to paint Pakistan as a peacemaker, offering to extradite terrorists as an olive branch. While this could be seen as a standard take, aiming for reconciliation over conflict, Vineet Jain’s movie walks a few more steps. RAW is painted as an agency that should be taking Manohar Pothi lessons in espionage! ISI, at the same time, along with Pakistan, is shown as mature, ready to sacrifice and always one hundred steps ahead of us. Really, Vineet Jain? Is this what you approved? It’s such a shame!
This portrayal raises eyebrows, especially considering Vinit Jain’s influential background in media, questioning whether this is an artistic choice or a skewed representation influenced by explicitly implicit narratives.
RAW and the IFS: A Misguided Depiction?
The movie’s depiction of RAW officers and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) personnel borders on caricature. Traditionally portrayed as astute and cunning, RAW agents are shown here as either inept or deeply flawed, which undermines the intelligence community’s portrayal and feels like a disservice to such roles’ actual complexity and professionalism. Similarly, IFS officers are depicted with a naivety that borders on the absurd, reducing complex diplomatic roles to mere background props in Suhana’s personal drama. This portrayal might aim to show these professionals’ human side but trivialise their significance.
What’s the Movie Trying to Do?
“Ulajh” seems caught between wanting to be a spy thriller, a family drama, and a political statement. Still, it doesn’t fully commit to any. The movie’s attempt to delve into the psyche of its characters, especially Suhana’s struggle with her legacy and competence, is lost in the noise of its own plot machinations. The film’s heart, where it genuinely tries to explore personal ideals against national duty, is overshadowed by its convoluted storytelling and questionable character choices.
Let’s call it! A Missed Opportunity
“Ulajh” could have been a bold statement on the realities of espionage and diplomacy, blending personal with political in a nuanced way. Instead, it becomes a missed opportunity, tangled in its ambition without the narrative finesse to back it up. For viewers seeking depth in their cinema, “Ulajh” might just leave them untangling their thoughts on what could have been a compelling narrative rather than what was presented.
PS: Accidently, if you care to see it that way, the movie might have shown why naive and reckless people shouldn’t be picked for important national duties! As incompetent as the nepo kids in Bollywood are, countersigned by the acting of Kapoor in Ulajh, the same stands true in any other profession, especially national duty!
Last Point: Admired the character played by Jacob. He was fabulous!
Adarsh for India Latest News
