Siddhant Chaturvedi’s highly anticipated action film, Yudhra, released on September 20, 2024, had all the ingredients to become a thrilling ride. However, despite a gripping first half, the movie falls prey to a predictable plotline and an underwhelming climax, leaving audiences disappointed.
A Gripping First Half
Directed by Ravi Udyawar, Yudhra boasts an impressive star cast, including Malavika Mohanan, Gajraj Rao, Raghav Juyal, Raj Arjun, and Ram Kapoor. The film’s narrative revolves around Yudhra’s quest for revenge against the drug lord, Firoze (Raj Arjun), responsible for his parents’ brutal murder. The first half of the movie is engaging, with well-choreographed action sequences and Siddhant Chaturvedi’s fiery screen presence.
The supporting cast, particularly Malavika Mohanan and Raghav Juyal, deliver impressive performances. Mohanan’s character, Nikhat, is not just reduced to a love interest but also has a significant part in the storyline, and she does full justice to it. Juyal’s intensity and fiery performance are noteworthy, making his underutilization in the second half all the more disappointing.
Cinematography and Action Sequences
The cinematography by Jay Oza is noteworthy, incorporating elements of comic book characters and anime. Oza’s use of the color red to pan in and out of the screen symbolizes Yudhra’s anger and knack for revenge. The action sequences and stunts, choreographed by the film’s action team, are slick and nuanced, making for an entertaining watch.
A Disappointing Second Half
However, the second half of the film loses steam, with a predictable twist and a lackluster climax. The writing and screenplay by Farhan Akhtar falter, failing to tap into the potential of the story. The movie’s pace slows down, and the emotional sequences lack depth. The climax, the showdown between Yudhra and Firoze, fails to evoke any thrill or anticipation.
Performance Analysis
Siddhant Chaturvedi shines in action sequences but struggles with emotional scenes. Despite his best efforts, he cannot salvage the film’s weak execution. Malavika Mohanan and Raghav Juyal are underutilized in the second half, while Shilpa Shukla is wasted despite being a strong performer. The child actor who played young Rudra, however, delivers a brilliant performance.
Music and Soundtrack
Except for the romantic track ‘Saathiya’ crooned by Vishal Mishra and Pratibha Singh Baghel, none of the songs create a powerful impact. The music fails to complement the film’s narrative, making it forgettable.
Verdict
Yudhra is a one-time watch for action enthusiasts, but its weak execution prevents it from reaching its full potential. With a runtime of 142 minutes, the film could have benefited from tighter editing. Director Ravi Udyawar’s attempt to create a thrilling ride reminiscent of the 70s and 80s era of Bollywood falls short.
Yudhra Trailer:
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