Cast
View AllEmraan Hashmi
as Nikhil Abhyankar
Kangana Ranaut
as Maya
Sanjay Dutt
as Ashok Kale
Randeep Hooda
as Abhay Kashyap
Neha Dhupia
as Teesta
Angad Bedi
as Kaleem
Reema Lagoo
as Abhay's Mother
Arunoday Singh
as Ricky
Shivkumar Subramaniam
as Shivraman
Mahesh Manjrekar
as B.R. Dayal
Kader Khan
as Suneel
Rachel White
as Nikhil's Girlfriend
Shraddha Kapoor
as Special Appearance in "Dance Basanti" Song
Rajiv Kachroo
as Inspector Kadam
Sharad Ponkshe
as Gaikwad
Crew
Director
- Renzil D'Silva
Producer
- Karan Johar
- Hiroo Johar
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Ungli examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Renzil D'Silva brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Ungli took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 114 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1723 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ungli shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Earth, which focuses more on action than character development, Ungli subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Like Stars on Earth and Water explore similar territory, Ungli stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 28, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 54m
Where to Watch



