2022 . 2h 9 mins . Drama, Thriller
Critic's Rating: 4.0/5
Cast- Vidya Balan, Shefali Shah, Manav Kaul
Director- Suresh Triveni
Jalsa - An Emotional Representation of inner conflict.
An terrible tragedy upends the life of acclaimed journalist-single mom Maya Menon (Vidya Balan) and her chef Ruksana (Shefali Shah). Jalsa's plight encourages one to look within and questions our ideals of truth, morality, and survival.
Jalsa is a slow-burning, emotional drama that unfolds in the manner of a psychological thriller. When pushed to the limit, it calmly watches the complexities of human behaviour. Can humanity brave the storm of survival? Can circumstances triumph over truth and conscience?
Suresh Triveni's (director) powerful portrayal of guilt and self-reflection places inner tension at the heart of his story. He cleverly avoids allowing his two main characters to verbally confront each other, and this is where the film's brilliance lies. One who is overwhelmed with guilt, shame, and remorse. The other, suffocated by sorrow and rage. We are pushed to find ourselves and their tale in the midst of these two women's loud silences and suppressed chaos.
Jalsa does not rely on drama to make its point. However, you do become a little uncomfortable at one point, wondering if this is going to develop into a crime drama-police narrative. Despite some loose ends on that front, Triveni remains committed to studying the inner lives of his female leads, as well as the everyday realities of working women. They may be members of the privileged working class who live in high-rise buildings, single mothers, or those from lower economic strata; everyone survives in their own manner.
The story has two fragile lead characters in their 40's. They come from varied social origins, but they are united by strength and motherhood. Their inner anguish and situational moral compass make you think. Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah are terrific in a picture that revolves around the evident tension between the two. It's emotionally satisfying to see these strong women reveal what they're made of. Their eyes speak the words that their voices do not. Despite their differences, they are comparable somewhere. Two scenes in particular stand out. Shefali bursting in rage, and Vidya watching the world go by as she struggles with reality.
The film is technically and visually strong, which helps to elicit strong emotions. Triveni deftly transforms an opulent Mumbai flat with a view of the sea into a terrifying confined realm. Blue hues, noises, and silences have their own language, and are most successfully utilised here.
Jalsa, a gripping drama with a deep moral core, keeps you on the edge of your seat for the majority of its two-hour length. This one is a must-see, especially for the incredible climax.