Jalsa REVIEW: Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah deliver as promised, a nuanced performance

Director: Suresh Triveni

Cast: Vidya Balan, Shefali Shah, Rohini Hattangadi, Manav Kaul, Mohammed Iqbal Khan, Surya Kasibhatla, and Shafeen Patel.

Bollywood Bubble rating: 3 stars

There are not many films in India that can pull off a crime drama sincerely. We have had a Talash, or a Sacred Games, or Delhi Crime, in past, but the ratio is far less than one would expect. Jalsa, starring Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah, makes an honest attempt to bridge that gap with two powerful actresses at the helm of it. Set in Mumbai, in the midst of high-rise buildings and chauls, conflicting emotions take over. With one’s morality put to test, Jalsa, as someone I know quoted, is “a celebration of multiple ironies.”

Maya Menon (Vidya Balan) is a well-known journalist, known to be the face of truth. She is someone who isn’t deterred to question, even the highest rank officials. As she sits opposite a popular justice during a live broadcast, she makes sure to ask uncomfortable questions without flinching even a bit. That is Maya Menon. Until the pressure of the day takes over and a moment of weakness leaves her questioning her morals, everything she stands for. Rukhsana (Shefali Shah) is a house help at Maya’s house who supports her two kids and a husband who works as a spot boy. On a mundane Friday night, things turn drastically for Rukhsana as her daughter Aaliyah ends up critically injured after being hit by a car.

As a trainee reporter approaches Maya to investigate the case, Maya is left puzzled. She blasts at the trainee claiming that her sources are all bogus, only to realise the ship she has been trying to help afloat is already sinking. Rukhsana and Maya, two different women belonging to two different Mumbai, take us through this nerve-wracking and emotional journey in Jalsa.

 

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This is no crime mystery, we exactly know what happened and how, however, what keeps you guessing is how the story unfolds here on. With the crime, the criminals, and the victims living interconnected, it is interesting to see each character from the prism of empathy yet accountability. Director Suresh Triveni, of Tumhari Sulu fame, has used his ability to intertwine human connections and bonds to unfold an otherwise crime drama. We see various facades of human emotions, from fear, empathy, love, resentment, remorse, and more.

What I loved about the film is the performances. Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah are undoubtedly the best of the actresses we have today. Their nuanced performances and the ability to move you with their eyes alone is irreplaceable. There is a freshness to the way they approach Maya and Rukhsana. Scenes where the two have to share the screen space, it is a visual treat for cinema lovers. Their performances elevate an otherwise average script.

Suresh Triveni’s attempt to write a gripping crime drama is honest but it lacks the thrill one would expect. With everything laid down in front of you, you have to depend heavily on the character arch and performances to stay hooked to the film.

The background score definitely is a big thumbs up. The supporting cast too does full justice to their roles. Manav Kaul’s cameo adds a certain charm to the film, although his character isn’t someone you remember by the end of it.

I felt a volcano of emotions hit me by the time the end credit rolled, and it is all thanks to the trio Vidya, Shefali, and Suresh that put together a decent watch. Watch it for the performances.

Jalsa is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

ALSO READ: Jalsa Trailer Twitter Reactions: Shefali Shah & Vidya Balan’s crime drama wins hearts, fans express excitement

Bhavna Agarwal

Assistant Editor at Bollywood Bubble. An ambivert who is currently high on K-dramas and K-Pop. A forever Bollywood fan, who continues to gush over solid stories and characters. Hit me up for a fine conversation over chai.

You can also reach me on – https://twitter.com/filmybugB