Jalsa

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Hemant S "Jalsa" is a moody and grim story. Perhaps a reason why it stays under-rated and unmentioned, generally. But from a storytelling, direction and acting perspective, it is one of the better Hindi films of 2022. Directed by Suresh Triveni of "Tumhari Sulu" fame, there are a few things to love about this film. The story orbits around Maya (Vidya Balan), an online reporter of piercing repute and her cook, Ruksana (Shefali Shah), a mother and wife who strives to keep her family floating and her children educated. A real dark turn of events on one night ties them together as they stay mutually oblivious, while the close elements in their life feel the ripples emanating from the two women as they grapple with their inner and external tremors. Triveni's direction is worth lauding, as it draws an interesting shape to the narrative and showcases human flaws and virtues through sincere cast performances. All of the backing cast, including Rohini Hattangadi (the veteran makes a meal out of her supporting role), Vidhatri Bandhi and Iqbal Khan pitch in well. Surya Kasibhatla as Maya's challenged son Ayush brings in authenticity to a performance that roots from his real-life existence. The cops embroiled in the plot, played by Shrikant Yadav and Ghanshyam Lalsa give their characters the rawness it called for, and I must call out Yadav for his performance that packs in shades quite effortlessly. Almost all of characters do at different scales. Even the youngsters right at the middle of it all, Kashish Rizwan (one might remember her for a blink-and-miss bit in RARKPK as a younger version of Jaya Bachchan) and Junaid Khan exude talent for being first timers. Not to miss out on Manav Kaul's cameo, as he rejoins his "Tumhari Sulu" co-star briefly. The two central leads give in show-stealing acts unsurprisingly. Both from different walks of life and unique psyches, their characters have a few core instincts that in their commonality, form the essence of "Jalsa". Both of them act even in silence, with mere but loaded expressions. Surprisingly, they share the screen together in only a couple of scenes. The title in itself holds a few significances; crowd, celebration, procession, chaos, a perpetual bottle-neck – however one chooses to interpret the context as. I love the timing that Triveni gives it to flash on the screen. The aspects of morality, conscience, survival, corruption, classism are explored quite well – it's not preachy but not something that can be shoved aside either. The conclusion is of a kind that may or may not go down well with everyone; but I personally thought there was a sense of poignancy in it. A broad stroke but the meaning lies as to how one sees it up and close. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/01/23 Full Review mirza m 'Jalsa' is a riveting human drama which despite some failings manages to keep one enthralled. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Movie doesn't go well as it picks up post accident. Screenplay and the score were too poor, it couldn't able to retain audience attention for much longer. It didn't felt mystery thriller as the plot's already being revealed in the first ten minutes. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Jalsa

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