If we tell you the truth, you’d want to hear a lie|Mar. 18, 2022|India|n/A
Genre: Bollywood;Drama;Thriller
Description: Jalsa 2022 is a Hindi film that explores complex moral dilemmas through its gripping storyline. The movie begins with a tragic incident where a young girl is hit by a car, reminiscent of the themes in Paul Haggis’s “Crash,” though not as effectively executed. This accident intertwines the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds, forcing them to confront difficult ethical questions.
Vidya Balan stars as Maya Menon, a stern and principled journalist who takes pride in her honesty. Initially, the film seems to focus on her struggles balancing her career with caring for her disabled son. However, the plot takes a dramatic turn when it is revealed that Maya was the driver in the hit-and-run. Complicating matters further, the victim is the daughter of Ruksana (Shefali Shah), Maya’s loyal cook, who has become like family.
As Maya hides her secret, the film touches on themes of wealth disparity, contrasting affluent apartments with modest working-class homes. However, its attempt to address social issues feels superficial as more characters, each embodying stereotypical roles like a corrupt cop or a stubborn trainee, are introduced, overcrowding the plot.
Though “Jalsa” tries to tackle numerous pressing topics, it lacks depth in analyzing their root causes. This is especially disappointing given the powerful performances by Balan and Shah in the few moments they share the screen. Ultimately, the film falls short of delivering a meaningful commentary on inequality or morality, leaving viewers with a confusing and underwhelming drama.
Cast director: Suresh Triveni
Cast actor: Vidya Balan, Shefali Shah, Manav Kaul, Rohini Hattangadi, Mohammed Iqbal Khan, Vidhatri Bandi, Shrikant Yadav, Shafeen Patel, Surya Kasibhatla, Kashish Rizwan
Original name: जलसा