Adil Hussain began a conversation about his upcoming film, Ulajh, with an important heads-up: contractual obligations prevent him from divulging much about the storyline. “Every twist matters,” he emphasizes. This cryptic teaser intrigues, but Hussain’s enthusiasm for Sudhanshu Saria’s directorial venture is palpable. Drawn to the film for its intricate portrayal of relationships set within the framework of an espionage thriller, Hussain elaborates, “It is about the bravery of a young woman who wants to defend her country’s honour. What I appreciated was that the film isn’t jingoistic. Sudhanshu and I had intended to collaborate earlier, but it hadn’t worked out. When he approached me with this script, I instantly agreed,” recounts Hussain.
Slated for its upcoming release, Ulajh is fronted by Janhvi Kapoor, sharing screen space with Hussain, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, and Rajesh Tailang. Reflecting on his experience with the cast, Hussain expresses his pleasant surprise with Janhvi Kapoor’s dedication and skill, even noting a connection to her late mother, Sridevi. “She inherently possesses some steadfast qualities of an artiste. A film set is daunting. Janhvi has sharp concentration. I had seen that in Sridevi when I worked with her in English Vinglish (2012), and observed glimpses of that very spirit in Janhvi. She has the willingness to be in the moment, deliver what’s needed by the director, and she is mindful of the film’s best interest,” Hussain explains.
Hussain, who resides in Delhi, is known for his versatility, choosing roles across various film industries, including Malayalam, Khasi, and Norwegian cinema. He emphasizes his selective approach, underscoring his commitment to projects that resonate artistically, regardless of their commercial scale. “I don’t have a publicist or an agent; the scripts are chosen by me. My budget might be higher than what they can offer. But if a film artistically appeals to me, I try to accommodate it. I envision an India where a film’s artistic interests match its commercial interests,” he shares.
Aligning with this vision, Hussain will be seen next in Blue 52, directed by Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi and co-starring Neha Dhupia.
. The film chronicles the journey of a 22-year-old Indian soccer fan escaping his controlling father to attend the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Hussain believes that cinema during crises has a unique role to play, saying, “People are being killed in thousands, and the world is watching them die. At such a time, it’s necessary that we watch films coming out of conflict areas as they evoke empathy. I watch a lot of Iranian, Russian, and Japanese cinema to understand where they come from. We need to stop telling binary stories of heroes and villains. We need more movies with an understanding of human beings, ones that help us understand the ‘other’ better.”
Revisiting the partnership with Janhvi Kapor, Hussain draws an emotional link to the legendary Sridevi. Janhvi’s portrayal of an IFS officer in Ulajh possesses a raw intensity and intrinsic concentration that mirrors her mother’s dedication, as noted by Hussain. Reflecting on his experiences, Hussain mentions, “Janhvi has an innate ability to remain focused on set, much like Sridevi did during our collaboration in English Vinglish. Her commitment to delivering what’s required by the director while maintaining awareness of the film’s overarching narrative shows her maturity as an artiste.”
Such anecdotes speak volumes about the personal experiences actors bring to their professional lives, enhancing the depth and quality of their performances. Hussain’s varied career trajectory, from regional cinema to international projects, exemplifies his dedication to meaningful storytelling.
In evaluating the current state of cinema, Hussain advocates for films that transcend simplistic narratives. “We need to stop telling binary stories of heroes and villains. We need more movies with an understanding of human beings,” he emphasizes. This perspective aligns with films like Blue 52, which highlight personal stories against larger backdrops of socio-political contexts. Hussain’s engagement with global cinema—from Iranian to Japanese films—reflects his commitment to storytelling that fosters empathy and global understanding.
As anticipation builds for Ulajh, viewers are eager to witness the nuanced portrayals brought forth by Janhvi Kapoor and the ensemble cast. Hussain’s insights into the making of the film, combined with his reflections on artistic integrity, underscore the profound impact of dedicated craftsmanship in cinema. Janhvi’s budding career, influenced by her mother’s legacy and her own intrinsic talent, continues to garner attention, promising audiences an engaging and heartfelt cinematic experience.
