Does the film succeed as art? Partially. The metaphor of the rickshaw—a vehicle for others’ journeys—is strong. Raju spends his life driving people to their destinations, never owning his own path. When he finally "drives" into the bedroom of a wealthy woman, it is a rebellion against the caste-class ceiling.
Released in early 2023, Rikshawala is not just another steamy short film; it attempts to layer the classic Ullu formula—lust, infidelity, and voyeurism—onto the sweaty, diesel-stained canvas of a rickshaw puller’s life. But does it succeed beyond the skin show? Let’s dive deep into the plot, performances, and the cultural context of this controversial original. The narrative of Rikshawala -2023- Ullu Original is deceptively simple. It follows Raju (played by Ayush Tandon) , a struggling, muscular rickshaw puller in a nondescript, overcrowded city (likely inspired by Lucknow or Delhi). Raju isn’t just poor; he is invisible. He navigates traffic, fumes, and arrogant commuters just to afford a single room in a slum.
In the ever-expanding universe of OTT platforms vying for adult eyeballs, has carved out a niche that is instantly recognizable. Known for its bold storytelling, often steeped in the raw, unpolished corners of Indian society, Ullu’s 2023 lineup brought forward a title that immediately sparked curiosity: Rikshawala .
Ullu App (Subscription required, 18+ only).
The supporting cast—the local thanedar and the jealous husband—are caricatures, but they serve their purpose. Ullu has often been criticized for packaging social commentary as pornography. Rikshawala explicitly tries to comment on class divide . There is a poignant scene where Tara watches Raju eat a vada pav with his hands while she sips wine. She is aroused not by him, but by the act of slumming it.
The Ullu twist comes in the second half. The "forbidden affair" turns into a survival thriller. Tara’s husband, a ruthless businessman, discovers the affair. Raju, the humble Rikshawala , is no longer just a lover; he becomes a target. The film shifts gear (pun intended) from sensual tension to violent retribution, culminating in a climax involving chase sequences through narrow gullies and bloodshed that feels ripped from a 90s B-grade thriller. What sets Rikshawala (2023) apart from earlier Ullu productions is the noticeable bump in cinematography. The opening shots of the monsoonal city, with wet streets reflecting neon signs, are genuinely atmospheric. The director, Sanjeev Sharma (known for Charmsukh ), uses the rickshaw as a metaphorical prison—the canopy separating the haves from the have-nots.
When Raju returns the purse, he is invited into her lavish apartment. What follows is a psychological game of cat and mouse. Tara, bored with her rich husband’s neglect, finds excitement in the taboo —the raw masculinity of a lower-class man.
His life changes one evening when he picks up a glamorous, affluent passenger, . Clad in designer wear and reeking of expensive perfume, Tara represents everything Raju cannot have. After a brief, flirtatious ride, Tara intentionally forgets her purse in the rickshaw—a classic MacGuffin.
Rikshawala -2023- Ullu Original -
Does the film succeed as art? Partially. The metaphor of the rickshaw—a vehicle for others’ journeys—is strong. Raju spends his life driving people to their destinations, never owning his own path. When he finally "drives" into the bedroom of a wealthy woman, it is a rebellion against the caste-class ceiling.
Released in early 2023, Rikshawala is not just another steamy short film; it attempts to layer the classic Ullu formula—lust, infidelity, and voyeurism—onto the sweaty, diesel-stained canvas of a rickshaw puller’s life. But does it succeed beyond the skin show? Let’s dive deep into the plot, performances, and the cultural context of this controversial original. The narrative of Rikshawala -2023- Ullu Original is deceptively simple. It follows Raju (played by Ayush Tandon) , a struggling, muscular rickshaw puller in a nondescript, overcrowded city (likely inspired by Lucknow or Delhi). Raju isn’t just poor; he is invisible. He navigates traffic, fumes, and arrogant commuters just to afford a single room in a slum.
In the ever-expanding universe of OTT platforms vying for adult eyeballs, has carved out a niche that is instantly recognizable. Known for its bold storytelling, often steeped in the raw, unpolished corners of Indian society, Ullu’s 2023 lineup brought forward a title that immediately sparked curiosity: Rikshawala . Rikshawala -2023- Ullu Original
Ullu App (Subscription required, 18+ only).
The supporting cast—the local thanedar and the jealous husband—are caricatures, but they serve their purpose. Ullu has often been criticized for packaging social commentary as pornography. Rikshawala explicitly tries to comment on class divide . There is a poignant scene where Tara watches Raju eat a vada pav with his hands while she sips wine. She is aroused not by him, but by the act of slumming it. Does the film succeed as art
The Ullu twist comes in the second half. The "forbidden affair" turns into a survival thriller. Tara’s husband, a ruthless businessman, discovers the affair. Raju, the humble Rikshawala , is no longer just a lover; he becomes a target. The film shifts gear (pun intended) from sensual tension to violent retribution, culminating in a climax involving chase sequences through narrow gullies and bloodshed that feels ripped from a 90s B-grade thriller. What sets Rikshawala (2023) apart from earlier Ullu productions is the noticeable bump in cinematography. The opening shots of the monsoonal city, with wet streets reflecting neon signs, are genuinely atmospheric. The director, Sanjeev Sharma (known for Charmsukh ), uses the rickshaw as a metaphorical prison—the canopy separating the haves from the have-nots.
When Raju returns the purse, he is invited into her lavish apartment. What follows is a psychological game of cat and mouse. Tara, bored with her rich husband’s neglect, finds excitement in the taboo —the raw masculinity of a lower-class man. Raju spends his life driving people to their
His life changes one evening when he picks up a glamorous, affluent passenger, . Clad in designer wear and reeking of expensive perfume, Tara represents everything Raju cannot have. After a brief, flirtatious ride, Tara intentionally forgets her purse in the rickshaw—a classic MacGuffin.