Yudhra Review: The much-anticipated action-thriller ‘Yudhra,’ starring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal, and Malavika Mohanan, has finally hit the theatres. Directed by Ravi Udyawar and written by Shridhar Raghavan, the film promises a mix of high-octane action, suspense, and a touch of romance. But does it deliver? Before you head to the cinemas, here’s a deep dive into what works—and what doesn’t—in this film.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Revenge and Confusion
‘Yudhra’ begins with a tragic accident that claims the lives of Yudhra’s (Siddhant Chaturvedi) parents. He is taken in by Kartik Rathod (Gajraj Rao), a police officer and family friend. Alongside him is Rahman Siddiqui (Ram Kapoor), another police officer, and the two share a deep bond. Yudhra, struggling with anger issues stemming from his parents’ death, is sent to Pune’s National Cadet Training Academy. Here, he reconnects with his childhood friend, Nikhat (Malavika Mohanan).
However, trouble soon finds Yudhra when he gets into a brawl at the academy, landing him in jail for nine months. During his imprisonment, Rahman Siddiqui visits him and reveals that his parents’ death was no accident but a calculated murder orchestrated by the underworld. This shocking revelation sets Yudhra on a path of vengeance, leading him to accept an offer to become an undercover police agent. Whether he succeeds in avenging his parents’ death is something you’ll have to watch to find out.
Direction and Screenplay: A Disjointed Narrative
Ravi Udyawar, known for his work in the critically acclaimed ‘Mom,’ teams up once again with Shridhar Raghavan to deliver a story that, unfortunately, struggles with cohesion. Despite their past successes with films like ‘War’ and ‘Jawan,’ this latest venture falls short of expectations. The narrative jumps abruptly between scenes, leaving the audience puzzled about the storyline’s direction. The dialogues, penned by Farhan Akhtar, fail to uplift the script, making the movie feel like a jumbled mix of action sequences and forced emotions.
Performance Review: Raghav Juyal Steals the Show
Among the lead trio, Raghav Juyal’s performance as the antagonist stands out, overshadowing Siddhant Chaturvedi’s portrayal of the troubled protagonist. While Siddhant tries hard to maintain a brooding and intense demeanor, his character lacks depth, and his chemistry with Malavika Mohanan feels forced and uninspiring. Malavika’s role, though pivotal, fails to leave a lasting impression. Gajraj Rao and Ram Kapoor deliver commendable performances, adding some much-needed gravity to the otherwise lackluster narrative.
Music and Cinematography: Missed Opportunities
With music by the renowned trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, expectations were high. However, except for a few gripping background scores, the soundtrack does not contribute significantly to the film’s overall appeal. The songs feel disconnected, failing to resonate with the movie’s intense theme. The cinematography captures the high-paced action sequences well, but it does little to compensate for the film’s other shortcomings.
Should You Watch ‘Yudhra’?
‘Yudhra’ might appeal to die-hard action fans and those intrigued by revenge dramas, but it does little to offer a fresh take on the genre. If you’re seeking a film with a gripping plot, deep character arcs, and memorable dialogues, ‘Yudhra’ may not meet your expectations. The movie is watchable, but only when you have no better options at the box office.