What an absolutely riveting film from Sudhanshu Saria, Jahnvi Kapoor, and the entire team! This is how you craft a compelling espionage thriller.
The screenplay is tight and engaging, with twists and turns expertly planted from the start. The story grabs you from the opening scene and maintains its momentum throughout. Unlike most Bollywood thrillers, the plot twists here feel genuine and earned, avoiding the trap of contrived surprises. The dialogues seamlessly complement the narrative.
The cinematography is crisp, and the production design is equally impressive. Nitin Baid's editing is masterful, keeping the film tightly paced. The music, background score, and sound design all enhance the viewing experience. However, it is the acting and direction that truly stand out as the film's strongest elements.
Jahnvi Kapoor delivers a sincere and fitting performance, perfectly cast in a role that resonates both narratively and meta-textually, especially given the film's themes of nepotism. Like her character Suhana, Jahnvi rises to the challenge and brings a compelling presence to her role.
Having previously enjoyed Sudhanshu Saria's films like Loev and Knock Knock Knock, I was eager to see his next project. Ulajh not only meets but perhaps surpasses expectations, standing out as one of his strongest works to date.
The supporting cast also delivers solid performances. My expectations from Gulshan Devaiah were not fully met. Something was amiss there.
Special mention should be made of the film's midpoint and the clever ending, which introduces a new character in an intriguing way. I'm already looking forward to the second part!
Overall, this film is a must-watch on the big screen.