Siddhant Chaturvedi’s latest action film, Yudhra, ultimately struggles under the weight of a familiar storyline and an unsatisfying climax in its latter half. Siddhant Chaturvedi’s starrer Yudhra is directed by Ravi Udyawar.
Star Cast: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Malavika Mohanan, Gajraj Rao, Raghav Juyal, Raj Arjun, Ram Kapoor
Director: Ravi Udyawar
What’s Good: Action sequences, a gripping first half, Siddhant Chaturvedi’s fiery screen presence, the performances of the supporting star cast, and the cinematography.
What’s Bad: An extremely underwhelming second half, a disappointing climax, predictable plotline, not utilizing some supporting actors who could have immense potential.
Loo Break: You can take one in the second half. Won’t be much of a loss.
Watch or Not?: On the occasion of Cinema Day today, you can just use that 99 bucks for a one-time watch.
Language: Hindi
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 142 Minutes
Yudhra Movie Review: A Promising Actioner Derails in the Second Half
Yudhra, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi, sets the stage for an action-packed narrative with an intriguing premise. Directed by Ravi Udyawar, the movie explores the life of a young man seeking revenge for the brutal murder of his parents. The film’s first half is intense, but despite its promising start, it loses momentum in the second half due to predictable plotlines and an underwhelming climax.
The Plot: A Tale of Revenge and Redemption
The story follows Yudhra (played by Siddhant Chaturvedi), whose life is shaped by a traumatic childhood event. His father, a no-nonsense police officer, takes down a drug cartel run by the ruthless drug lord Firoze (played by Raj Arjun). Seeking revenge, Firoze murders Yudhra’s parents, including his pregnant mother. However, the infant Yudhra miraculously survives the attack.
As he grows up, Yudhra’s violent and aggressive nature becomes apparent, a direct result of the trauma he endured. He is adopted by Kartik (played by Gajraj Rao), his father’s close friend and colleague. Another of his father’s colleagues, Rehman (played by Ram Kapoor), also mentors him. His only source of solace is Nikhat (played by Malavika Mohanan), who stands by him despite his unpredictable and aggressive behavior. The relationship between Yudhra and Nikhat develops over time, but his anger often threatens to tear them apart.
Yudhra’s violent outbursts eventually lead to his expulsion from school and later from the National Counter Terrorism Academy (NCTA). His aggressive tendencies continue to get him into trouble until he finds himself in a dangerous prison, notorious for its brutal gang wars. It is here that the authorities decide to channel his anger for good by assigning him a mission to infiltrate Firoze’s drug racket and gather intelligence.
As an undercover agent, Yudhra must gain Firoze’s trust while secretly working to bring him down. This assignment brings Yudhra face-to-face with his tragic past, as he grapples with his desire for revenge while trying to complete the mission.
A Strong First Half: Intrigue, Action, and a Solid Setup
The first half of Yudhra delivers a compelling narrative that combines action, suspense, and emotional depth. Director Ravi Udyawar and writer Farhan Akhtar succeed in building a world where the stakes are high, and the hero’s internal conflict is palpable. The portrayal of Yudhra as an angry young man battling the demons of his past draws the audience in, creating a sense of anticipation for what’s to come.
Siddhant Chaturvedi shines in these initial moments, particularly in the action sequences, where his physical prowess and intensity come to the forefront. The scenes depicting Yudhra’s struggles with anger and his difficult relationship with Nikhat add emotional weight to the film. The audience is also introduced to Firoze, the ruthless antagonist, and the suspense surrounding his drug racket, laying the groundwork for an explosive showdown.
The cinematography by Jay Oza is a standout in the first half, especially in his use of color, with red symbolizing Yudhra’s simmering rage and thirst for revenge. The film’s visual appeal is heightened by stylized action sequences, choreographed with precision, evoking the feel of comic book characters and anime-inspired aesthetics.
The Second Half: Predictability and Disappointment
Unfortunately, the momentum built in the first half does not carry over into the second half of the film. As the story progresses, the plot becomes increasingly predictable, and the emotional depth that initially intrigued the audience starts to fade.
Yudhra’s mission to take down Firoze, while fraught with danger, lacks the tension and thrill one would expect from such a high-stakes scenario. The climactic showdown between Yudhra and Firoze, which should have been the movie’s defining moment, fails to deliver the suspense and excitement that was promised in the buildup. Instead of keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, the climax feels rushed and underwhelming.
A major plot twist involving one of the characters, meant to surprise the audience, becomes predictable long before it is revealed. As a result, the film loses its sense of intrigue, and the emotional stakes begin to fall flat. Yudhra’s internal conflict and the complexity of his character, which were well-established in the first half, are sidelined as the film focuses more on action than on character development.
There is also a missed opportunity to explore Yudhra’s experiences in prison, particularly how he survives and navigates the dangerous environment filled with rival gangs. This aspect of the plot could have added a layer of complexity to his character, showing how his violent tendencies are both a survival mechanism and a reflection of his inner turmoil. Instead, this storyline is glossed over, leaving the audience wanting more.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
Siddhant Chaturvedi carries much of the film on his shoulders, excelling in the action sequences where his physicality takes center stage. However, in the emotional scenes, particularly in the second half, he struggles to fully convey the depth of Yudhra’s pain and conflict. While Chaturvedi gives his best effort, the lackluster writing in the latter half of the film does not allow him to tap into his full potential.
Malavika Mohanan, as Nikhat, is more than just a love interest. Her character has a significant role in the storyline, and Mohanan delivers a commendable performance, adding nuance to her portrayal. Raghav Juyal impresses in his fiery and intense role, but like many of the supporting characters, he is underutilized in the second half of the film.
Ram Kapoor and Gajraj Rao play their parts well as Yudhra’s mentors, though their roles are limited in scope. Shilpa Shukla, a talented performer, is unfortunately wasted in a minor role, leaving the audience wishing she had been given more to do. A standout performance comes from the child actor who plays young Yudhra—his portrayal of the traumatized child is powerful and moving.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Yudhra had the potential to be a thrilling action film with a strong emotional core, but it ultimately falls short due to its weak second half. While the first half sets up an engaging story with impressive action sequences, the film loses its way, succumbing to predictable plot twists and an underwhelming climax. The lack of character development and emotional depth in the second half leaves the audience feeling disconnected from the narrative.
Despite Siddhant Chaturvedi’s efforts to bring Yudhra to life, the film fails to fully capitalize on his talent. The action sequences are well-executed, but without a compelling story to back them up, they lose their impact. Yudhra is a film that action enthusiasts might enjoy for its fight scenes, but for those seeking a well-rounded cinematic experience, it may fall short.
Yudhra releases on September 20, 2024. If you’ve seen the film, share your thoughts and experience with us.
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