Review: Siddhant Chaturvedi's explosive action elevates 'Yudhra' several notches higher

"Yudhra," directed by Ravi Udyawar is a film produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under the banner of Excel Entertainment. Starring Siddhant Chaturvedi in the lead role, alongside a stellar ensemble cast that includes Malavika Mohanan, Raghav Juyal, Gajraj Rao, Ram Kapoor, and Raj Arjun, the film is a blend of intense action, raw emotions, and dramatic twists.

Plot and Premise

The story follows Yudhra (Siddhant Chaturvedi), a man grappling with anger issues and a troubled past. An orphan raised by Kartik (Gajraj Rao), Yudhra's journey takes him into the dark world of a powerful drug syndicate led by Firoz (Raj Arjun) and his unhinged son, Shafiq (Raghav Juyal). As he sets out to dismantle their criminal empire, Yudhra also finds himself battling personal demons while protecting the love of his life, Nikat (Malavika Mohanan). With the help of Rehmaan (Ram Kapoor), Yudhra must navigate a web of danger, betrayal, and emotional turmoil.

Direction and Screenplay

Ravi Udyawar’s direction adds a refreshing touch to this action-heavy film. While the plot follows a fairly familiar path with the traditional elements of revenge, love, and action, the storytelling is effective, especially in the action sequences. The pacing in the first half is gripping, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats. However, the second half starts to drag, with certain scenes feeling unnecessary and slowing down the momentum. Still, the film manages to recover with its thrilling climax.

The screenplay, written by Shridhar Raghavan, provides Yudhra’s character with depth. His backstory, including his troubled childhood and internal struggle with anger, adds complexity to the character. The emotional layers are well-crafted, though at times, they can be a bit overwhelming in the midst of the high-energy action scenes.

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s Fighter avatar and Other Performances

Siddhant Chaturvedi delivers a solid performance as Yudhra, showcasing his range as an action hero. From executing daring stunts to portraying the emotional vulnerability of his character, Siddhant makes Yudhra feel real and raw. His transformation into a full-fledged action star is commendable, and he shines in every action sequence, be it high-speed bike chases, gunfights, or hand-to-hand combat.

Malavika Mohanan as Nikat shares great on-screen chemistry with Siddhant and adds charm to her role. While her character doesn’t have as much depth, she brings sincerity and warmth to the love story element of the film.

Raghav Juyal, as Shafiq, is a revelation. Known for his comic timing in previous films, Raghav takes a sharp turn here, portraying a ruthless and eccentric mafia heir. His look, complete with a pierced nose and unkempt hair, adds to his menacing persona. He plays the antagonist with flair, adding unpredictability to his character.

Veterans Gajraj Rao and Ram Kapoor provide solid support. Gajraj Rao surprises the audience with his layered performance, while Ram Kapoor is reliable as the stern, no-nonsense Rehmaan, Yudhra’s ally.

Action and Music

"Yudhra" thrives on its action sequences, which are brilliantly choreographed and visually stunning. From bike chases to intense shootouts, the film delivers non-stop adrenaline-pumping moments. The use of color, especially the red screen during scenes of violence, adds a stylish flair to the film's presentation. Cinematographer expertly captures the gritty atmosphere, using both wide-angle shots and close-ups to heighten tension.

The background music (BGM) complements the film’s tone perfectly. The pulsating beats amplify the high-stakes action scenes, while the softer notes during emotional moments create a contrast. However, the film’s songs, though well-placed, aren’t particularly memorable and could have been better integrated into the narrative.

While "Yudhra" is a thrilling ride for the most part, the film’s second half suffers from pacing issues. Certain scenes feel irrelevant and contribute little to the story, which could have been trimmed to maintain the intensity. Additionally, some of the plot twists are predictable, reducing the impact they might have otherwise had. Despite these flaws, the film manages to stay engaging with its action-driven storyline.

The Verdict

"Yudhra" is an exciting action thriller that successfully blends heart-pounding action with emotional depth. Siddhant Chaturvedi shines as the tortured hero, while Raghav Juyal delivers an impressive performance as the villain. Though the film falters slightly in its pacing and predictability, the well-executed action sequences and strong performances make it worth watching.

The Rating

***1/2 (3.5/5) stars