“Yudhra” introduces us to Siddhant Chaturvedi as Yudhra, a young man burdened by a tragic past that has left him angry and unpredictable. His character, which fluctuates between calm and fury, carries the weight of unresolved trauma. The only comfort he finds is in the presence of his childhood love, Nikhat, played by Malavika Mohanan. However, life takes a turn when Yudhra becomes entangled in the deadly underworld of a drug cartel, which leads him to confront shocking truths about his life and circumstances.
Yudhra’s character is shown to have an unusual fascination for lizards, which adds to his eccentric personality. His journey through the film is a mix of raw action, heartache, and intense moments of rage. Chaturvedi perfectly embodies this brooding action hero, with his innocent appearance masking the powerful and dangerous man within.
The film’s main antagonists, Firoz, a drug mafia lord played by Raj Arjun, and his son Shafiq, portrayed by Raghav Juyal, add significant tension to the storyline. Their roles are crucial in pushing the narrative forward, especially as Yudhra comes face-to-face with them in a series of deadly confrontations.
Standout Performances: Raghav Juyal Shines as the Villain
One of the highlights of “Yudhra” is Raghav Juyal’s portrayal of Shafiq. Known more for his dancing and comic roles, Juyal once again proves his versatility as an actor. After his intense performance in “Kill,” Juyal returns with another compelling portrayal of a menacing, unhinged character. His ability to switch between controlled menace and outright madness gives the film an edge, making him a standout in the ensemble cast.
Alongside Juyal, veteran actors Ram Kapoor and Gajraj Rao add depth to the film with their supporting roles. Kapoor plays a suspicious cop with finesse, while Rao, as Yudhra’s father, brings a subtle touch of emotion to an otherwise intense narrative.
Watch the trailer of ‘Yudhra’ here
Action-Packed Sequences Steal the Show
“Yudhra” doesn’t hold back when it comes to action. The film’s fight choreography, led by renowned action director Nick Powell, is the film’s biggest strength. Powell, famous for his work on international blockbusters like “Gladiator,” creates heart-pounding sequences that keep the audience glued to the screen.
Two key action scenes, in particular, stand out: an intense fight inside a music store and a thrilling chase in a bicycle parking area. These moments are sure to leave action lovers at the edge of their seats. The combination of stylized violence, sharp editing, and pulsating background score makes the film an exhilarating ride for those who crave high-octane stunts.
Weak Storyline and Lack of Emotional Depth
While the film excels in action, it falters in its storytelling. The emotional core of the film is weak, leaving the audience disconnected from Yudhra’s inner turmoil. Director Ravi Udyawar has crafted a film that focuses heavily on violence and stylized action, but this focus comes at the cost of the narrative’s emotional impact.
In comparison to traditional “angry young man” films, Yudhra’s rage feels directionless. There’s no strong motive behind his anger, making it harder for viewers to empathize with his journey. While Yudhra’s emotional detachment adds a unique twist to the character, it ultimately leaves the audience wanting more in terms of emotional connection.
Final Thoughts: A Visually Striking Action Film with Room for Improvement
“Yudhra” is visually impressive and offers some of the best action choreography Bollywood has seen in recent times. However, the lack of a compelling emotional storyline keeps it from reaching its full potential. The chemistry between Siddhant Chaturvedi and Malavika Mohanan also feels underdeveloped, adding to the film’s shortcomings. Despite these flaws, “Yudhra” is an exciting watch for action enthusiasts, showcasing the evolving landscape of Bollywood’s action genre.
