Movie Review - “Jalsa” by Suresh Triveni

 

Source: IMDb

Movie Name: Jalsa

Directed by: Suresh Triveni 

Running time: 126 minutes 

Language: Hindi 

The story is about two women, a journalist Maya Mennon and her son's caretaker and cook Ruksana. The economic and social worlds of both women are different. The movie is a complex human drama with lots of emotional and social compulsions. 

About the Director 

His Hindi film debut with Vidya Balan's "Tumhari Sulu" in 2017. This is his second film with Vidya. His "Mauka" ads ( during cricket world cup matches between India-Pakistan) were popular. He has also directed ads for Mcdonald, Tide, and other brands. 

Two Women Characters 

Suresh Triveni's "Jalsa" is a film with two dynamic and strong female characters. It's obvious to expect a lot of dramatic twists, strong dialogues, and emotional scenes in abundance. There is one high-profile working woman who is also a single mother. While the other Shefali Shah wants to punish the one who hurt her daughter. 

Jalsa is not trying to make a social commentary or talk to the audience about differences between classes. The story has shown these in many subtle contexts. But never so much that it bothers you.

Synopsis ( Spoiler ALert! )

It is a story about Mayan Mennon ( Vidya Balan), a successful, wealthy, influential, and truth-telling TV journalist. A successful TV show has earned her a celebrity status that sets her apart from their rivals, peers, and juniors. In her personal life, she is a single mother. She lives with her son Ayush ( Surya Kashibhatla) who suffers from cerebral palsy and her mother ( Rohini Hattangadi). 

One fateful night Mayan was returning home, driving her car. Out of nowhere, a young girl bumps into her car. She panics and runs away from the scene of the accident. But everything is caught on a CCTV camera. 

The next morning it is revealed that the girl is Ruksana's ( Shefali Shah) daughter. Ruksan is the caretaker of Maya's son Ayush. Ruksana is ashamed and saddened to find her 18-year-old daughter out so late at night.

As the movie progresses, we find the truth of this accident. Maya hides the accident due to internal conflict and fear of the police. She tells her boss about the incident who asks her to keep quiet for the reputation of his channel.

Rohini ( Vidriti Bandi ) is a young journalist who wants to do her big story. She investigates the case and then finds some footage. The flaws found within the media, police corruption, politics, and rich people make the story fascinating. 

Short Analysis 

On the one hand, Vidya is natural. She doesn't feel like she is acting. The pain and anger of a mother are seen by Shefali Shah, who gives her performance with eyes and expressions most of the time in the film. In the end, her facial expressions are worth watching without any dialogue. 

Surya Kashibhatla, who grabbed our attention as a disabled Ayush, is battling cerebral palsy in real life as well. Vidyarthi Bandi, as Rohini George has an unforgettable performance, a journalist who cracks a big case. Iqbal Khan as a boss and experienced actor Rohini Hattangadi has made impressive contributions in the home. 

Public Verdict

“ A gut-wrenching tale of internal conflicts ”

“ Family thriller with little bit darker theme ”

“ A complex medley of emotions ”

Bottom line 

The film might leave people thinking about whether Hindi cinema would like such experimental movies where the climax is left to the audience to perceive it. Jalsa has tried to break traditional cinema.  

At some point, the director was in a hurry to wrap up the film without clarifying the story. We feel something remains unclear in the story. Nothing is said about the health condition of Maya's son ( Surya Kashibhatla).

Why is Maya and her husband's ( Manav Kaul) relationship like that? Maya's relationship with her boss was not clear. Something more could be written about the young trainee journalist Rohini George. 

These bits and pieces would have given more depth to the film. The movie captivates you into the complex moral center filled with drama. It's a must watch for those who love terrific climaxes.

I rate the movie 4.5 on 5.

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Written By Jyoti Malik