Yudhra (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – A young man heads off on a daring mission of revenge against the reigning drug lord of the country.

My Take – With films like Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Lakshya (2004), Don (2006), Rock On!! (2008), Don 2 (2011), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Gully Boy (2019) and the Fukrey trilogy filling up their filmography, as an audience you tend to have certain expectations from a product produced by Excel Entertainment, the banner backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.

Something which seemed to be factored in to fuel this latest revenge action thriller helmed by director Ravi Udyavar (Mom). But while the film is handsomely mounted and isn’t lacking in energy by any stretch of imagination. The screenplay by Shridhar Raghavan (Pathaan, War 3) finds itself over reliant on clichés, something that in the end dampens its potential.

Indeed, the film’s true strength lies in its physical storytelling through action sequences, which are decent enough and crammed with high-voltage scenes that are dominated by blood, guns and explosions.

But what starts off as an engaging ride soon turns into a predictable rehash of genre staples we’ve seen many times before. Leaving the necessary emotional and narrative beats underdeveloped. Ultimately offering more style than substance. Which is pity considering the film had the potential to kick off a franchise.

The story follows Yudhra (Siddhant Chaturvedi), the orphaned son of a no-nonsense police officer who along with his pregnant wife where brutally murdered by dangerous drug lord in a hit. Though adopted as a new born by Kartik (Gajraj Rao), a kind and caring colleague of his late father, right from childhood, Yudhra harnesses an aggressive and violent nature. Often finding himself in unwanted trouble, including getting expelled from school.

His only companion and later love interest is Nikhat (Malavika Mohanan), the daughter of Rehman (Ram Kapoor), another of his father’s colleagues, who stands strong by him despite his aggressive behavior. In order to channel his belligerent behavior, Yudhra even enlists in the NCTA, only to find himself facing disciplinary charges and prison time. That is until, Rehman finds the right path to put him on.

Enlisting Yudhra as an undercover informer in India’s biggest drug network run by gangster Firoz (Raj Arjun) and his son, Shafiq (Raghav Juyal). Soon, he’s doing hits and brokering drug deals for them while reporting to Rehman. However, as he gets closer to his target, Yudhra faces betrayal, deceit, and a dark truth about his past that will test his limits.

Running for 142 minutes, the film rests on a breathless narrative. Whether or not you connect with any of the characters, the plot carries on, non-stop. But it stumbles when it comes to its storyline, which feels secondary to the film’s action-packed spectacle.

While the first half maintains a gripping pace with a few unexpected twists, the second half falls into a predictable pattern. The narrative leans heavily on well-worn action-thriller tropes from double-crosses, an improbable main villain, a love interest in peril, to the familiar cocktail of drugs, mafia, and gunfights.

Unfortunately, these overused elements leave the plot feeling formulaic and lacking in originality. However, where the film lacks in coherence and conviction it somewhat makes up for in constant activity. That keeps the film from getting boring, even when the efforts to drum up excitement are patently stale. For example, one cycle chase sequence has Yudhra in blue briefs and yellow dressing gown in pursuit of Shafiq, who is dressed in a maroon suit and fur coat.

Where the film excels is the action department, with slick fight scenes and a grittiness that gives it an edge. The fight choreography is brutal, stylized, and relentless, making every sequence feel real and high-stakes. Whether it’s hand-to-hand combat or larger-than-life set pieces, each action scene is meticulously executed.

Performance wise, Siddhant Chaturvedi is decent enough. Though he isn’t exactly physically imposing, the actor primarily shines in the action sequences. Chaturvedi’s portrayal is fierce and unyielding. However, he falls short in emotional scenes that look a lot rehearsed or none at all. The gorgeous Malavika Mohanan is excellent. Though she is mostly reduced to a love interest, she manages to make her presence feel. Moreover, her chemistry with Chaturvedi is easy-breezy and palpable.

Raghav Juyal, still riding on the success of his portrayal in Kill (2024), manages to be a scene-stealer again. While his screen time is limited, he brings a quiet intensity to his character, acting as a steady counterbalance to Yudhra’s rage. In supporting roles like Ram Kapoor, Gajraj Rao and Raj Arun play their parts well. However, Shilpa Shukla is heavily wasted. On the whole, ‘Yudhra’ is an average action entertainer that struggles due to its narrative originality and emotional depth.