Jalsa

RATED 8/10 Language: Hindi Source: Amazon prime RECOMMENDED

Family oriented thriller without any lag in the flow. I liked both lead actors face expressions and their acting delivery, that adds more value for this movie. It is very simple but darker at the same time. The climax is bit dragged one otherwise it is perfect watch.

Jalsa is the story of a hit & run accident which throws a lot of people's lives haywire. It forces and tests their belief systems, morality while being a character study of sorts. What happens when people are pushed to their brink, when it's about their survival? Is morality thrown out of the window or do you fight it? The film is a nuanced portrayal of all the above.

It stars arguably the two biggest powerhouses of acting in Indian cinema, Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah. Vidya plays the role of a tough, ethical journalist while Shefali plays the role of her maid. The juxtaposition the films portrays through it's two female leads is laudable. Both are at polar ends of the societal class system, have their own set of problems and are bound by maternal roles & instincts. An unfortunate incident takes place which turns their world upside down and both are left to ride through the chaos that ensues their life. What follows is a taut thriller and a game of human emotions, psyche and morality.

The writing cleverly avoids any sort of melodrama to get its point across. While Vidya's character is more vocal and dialogue heavy (being a journalist), Shefali's gut wrenching silent portrayal of her sufferings is on another level. Suresh Triveni helms the director's hat along with Prajwal Chandrashekhar's taut writing. It translates to a slow burn screenplay giving ample time for the story to brew. The film does test your patience in some places but all the pieces and conflicts have been carefully orchestrated by the director and writers which pays off as the story gradually progresses. The support cast is also terrific especially child actor Surya who plays Vidya's disabled son. One of the biggest highlights of the show apart from the acting is the how to plot progresses and ends. Time and again and even through the trailer one might expect the film to turn into a regular run of the film cop crime thriller. But the film turns drastically away from this and there in lies it's monopoly.

With just a shade over 2 hours, Jalsa is a fascinating watch of complex human emotions, their inner conflicts and the instinctive fight for survival.

Anwar Says: The inner conflict of a successful woman set up a narrative and represents the true colours of social composition of Mumbai. Inspired by Malyali movie Kannekkane , the movie Jalsa is a perfect blending of existence and possibility of people in society who are only few degrees apart .

Two intense actors Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah are portraying the emotions and fighting against themselves. Title doesn't support the theme. Cast to watch is the son of Mrs. Balan , Surya Kashibathla , a patient of cerebral palsy , and his incomplete dialogues are so relevant . Rohini Hattangadi was perfect for her role as Mrs. Balan's mother . Casting others around the two leads are up to the mark .

The other distinguishing feature is the background score , sometimes it's total silence and sometimes extra noises . The rapid pace of intricate circumstances by Suresh Trivedi is completely opposite to his last release Tumhari Sulu . You may get confused at some places, some are answered and some couldn't find its way. Overall director has been able to create palpable tension in a sombre mood. 3.5/5 from my side .

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In case you were waiting for hard hitting movie acted by Female actors than Jalsa is answer to all your queries. I would strongly suggest this movie. You will become part of the conflict once you start watching it. Vidya Balan & Shefali Shah are at their best.

Jalsa is a highly engaging and unsettling moral drama as it is a captivating a gripping thriller. The film is in many ways an effective commentary on the easy way out for those in power, against the helplessness of the common man if front of the gigantic system. It also shows the hypocrisy of the so-called responsible sectors of society, whose ideology cannot stand when put to the test of a contradicting reality or circumstance.

Technically, the film is a delight. It is excellently shot, with slick cinematography, sound and camera work. The dialogue is very good but what's great, is the actual minimal use of it when the visuals offer greater insight into the development of the story and the characters' state of mind. The film is carried by two central female characters who are on opposite sides of the barricades.

Vidya Balan is in top form in a very difficult role which demands exactly what actresses of her calibre can give. Conflicted, confused, ridden with fury, worry and guilt, and constantly at the height of emotional pressure, Balan captures with sheer realism the multi-layered complexity of this grayish character, which most people would find highly unlikable while perhaps at the same time feel for her condition.

But it is Shefali Shah who gives the film its dramatic poignancy and makes what could have been just a thriller into a touching, involving human story. A fascinating actress with tremendous range, measure and the most resonant of facial expressions, her use of her eyes and sometimes just her presence alone achieves so much more than many other actresses ever could with tons of dialogue.

Both Balan and Shah are so immersed in their parts it would be surprising if they weren't emotionally drained after playing their respective parts. They are supported by a host of fantastic character actors, all of whom perform brilliantly. The legendary Rohini Hattangadi is also here and she shines in the little she's given. Jalsa is an entertaining and effective story well depicted on screen.