Uunchai Review: Sooraj R Barjatya’s film surpasses everything that Rajshri is known for, even the length

Director: Sooraj R Barjatya

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Anupam Kher, Sarika, Neena Gupta and Parineeti Chopra

Where: In theatres near you

Rating: 4 stars

Filmmaker Sooraj R Barjatya, who has been carrying forward the legacy of his home banner with every film he directs, was questioned when he made 'Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon' (2003), which was the modern-day adaptation of their own production 'Chitchor' (1976). Several said that he is over in the pretence of being uber cool but with the Shahid Kapoor, Amrita Rao-starrer 'Vivah' (2006), he got family audiences back to the theatres in huge numbers.

In 2015, touted as one of the biggest films back then, 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', which starred Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor, took Sooraj on a back seat since the film didn’t do well as expected. Now, he is back with 'Uunchai' a heartwarming tale of friendship, values and everything possible you expect from a bonafide Rajshri film.

An established author Amit (Amitabh Bachchan), a book shop owner Om (Anupam Kher), a garment store owner Javed (Boman Irani) and a Nepali aristocrat Bhupen (Danny Denzongpa) are friends for nearly 50 years. Bhupen, who claims his heart lies in Mt. Everest plans a trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) with his three friends but soon after dies due to cardiac arrest. To fulfil his last wish, Amit, Om and Javed plan to trek for his last rites.

Despite several health conditions, the three with the help of trek tour lead Shraddha Gupta (Parineeti Chopra) experience a journey like never before. On their way, fellow trek traveller Mala Trivedi (Sarika) joins them. Javed’s adorable wife Shabina (Neena Gupta) tags along too and then begins a rollercoaster ride.

Be it any film, Sooraj never fails to tell a story keeping family values in mind. Interpersonal relationships are the favourite subtext of his narratives. Family disputes, bonding over food, differences between generations and one primary Muslim family and so on. 'Uunchai' surpasses everything that Rajshri is known for. The beauty of Sooraj is that even the smallest of characters in his films have closure to them.

In 'Uunchai', from Amitabh’s failed marriage with Nafisa Ali, Anupam’s sour relationship with his son due to his orthodox beliefs, Boman and Neena’s overdosing love for their daughter and son-in-law to Parineeti’s issues with her parents — everything ends so aptly. Hence the film tests one’s patience slightly with a runtime of 169 minutes.

Amitabh, Boman, Anupam, Neena, Sarika and Danny are acclaimed performers and 'Uunchai' is yet another testimony to their acting ability. Parineeti is just fortunate enough to have a Rajshri film in her filmography else with her extended cameo, she is just average.

'Uunchai' not only breaks every stereotype of their own films — no longish songs, no wedding sequences etc. but doesn’t let the old-fashioned charm go away.