Movie Review: Yudhra (2024)

Yudhra Movie Review – Movieholik

Directed by: Ravi Udyawar
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Malavika Mohanan, Raghav Juyal, Gajraj Rao
Cinematography: Jay Oza
Music: Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Prem–Hardeep
Release Date: September 20, 2024
Running Time: 142 minutes
Budget: ₹50–60 crore
Box Office: Estimated ₹4.52 crore

Yudhra is one of the most anticipated action films 2024, primarily due to Siddhant Chaturvedi’s growing fanbase after his breakout performance in Gully Boy. Directed by Ravi Udyawar, the film attempts to deliver a stylized action-packed experience but falters in its storytelling and screenplay. Despite strong visuals and high-budget action sequences, Yudhra struggles to engage the audience emotionally or narratively. This review will break down the film’s strengths and weaknesses while exploring why it ultimately fails to live up to expectations.

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s Potential: A Missed Opportunity

Siddhant Chaturvedi, who shined as MC Sher in Gully Boy, is an actor brimming with potential. His performance in Yudhra shows glimpses of that same talent, but the weak screenplay and poorly developed character hinder him from truly shining. Audiences were eager to see Chaturvedi in a full-blown action role, but the film doesn’t fully leverage his abilities.

While Chaturvedi performs well during the action sequences, his emotional arc lacks depth. The script fails to give him enough material to showcase his acting range, making his portrayal feel one-dimensional. The audience doesn’t get the chance to root for his character or connect with his motivations, which detracts from the film’s overall impact.

Cinematography: Visuals That Steal the Show

One of the strongest aspects of Yudhra is the stunning cinematography by Jay Oza. The film is visually impressive, with well-shot action scenes, creative camera angles, and excellent use of lighting. From wide shots capturing intense battle sequences to intimate close-ups that build tension, the visuals are undoubtedly the highlight of the film.

The color palette and set designs also add to the film’s aesthetic, creating a vibrant and engaging world that draws viewers in. However, while the visuals are remarkable, they cannot compensate for the film’s lack of narrative substance. Despite the beauty on-screen, the story feels hollow.

Action Sequences: Style Without Substance

Yudhra tries hard to position itself as a slick, modern action film. The action sequences are creative and well-choreographed, showcasing Siddhant Chaturvedi in various intense fight scenes. However, these moments, while entertaining, lack emotional weight. The disconnect between the action and the storyline is apparent, leaving viewers uninvested in the outcome.

There’s no denying the technical skill involved in the film’s action set pieces, but they fail to elevate the overall narrative. Without meaningful stakes or a compelling story driving the action forward, the fight scenes begin to feel like style over substance.

Screenplay Weakness: A Predictable Plotline

One of the most significant flaws in Yudhra is its weak screenplay. Written by Shridhar Raghavan, the film is bogged down by predictable plot twists and shallow character arcs. The story doesn’t offer anything new or exciting, making it difficult for audiences to stay engaged.

The pacing also feels uneven, with the first half of the film dragging due to unnecessary romantic subplots and lackluster dialogue. By the time the film picks up speed in the second half, it’s too late to salvage the overall experience. The lack of compelling character development further hampers the narrative, making it hard for the audience to care about the protagonist’s journey.

Romantic Subplot: An Unnecessary Distraction

The romantic subplot between Siddhant Chaturvedi’s and Malavika Mohanan’s characters feels forced and unnecessary. The chemistry between the two leads doesn’t quite click, and their love story detracts from the film’s main plot. Instead of enhancing the emotional stakes, the romance comes across as an afterthought, slowing down the film’s pace.

Given that Yudhra is primarily an action film, the inclusion of a weak romantic element feels out of place. The film would have benefited from focusing more on character motivations and the core action plot, rather than trying to shoehorn a love story that lacks impact.

Casting Concerns: A Gap in Young Male Leads

One of the larger issues with Yudhra is its casting. Siddhant Chaturvedi, while talented, feels miscast in the role of a young action hero. The Hindi film industry has long struggled with finding younger male actors who can carry such roles convincingly. The trend of casting older actors in youth-centric roles often feels inauthentic, and Yudhra suffers from this lack of relatability.

For a youth-driven action film to resonate with audiences, the lead actor needs to embody the character’s struggles and energy authentically. Unfortunately, Yudhra fails to fill this gap, which highlights a larger problem within the industry – the absence of compelling young male stars in Bollywood.

Box Office Performance and Budget

Despite its high budget of ₹50–60 crore, Yudhra has struggled at the box office, with an estimated collection of just ₹4.52 crore. This disappointing performance reflects the film’s inability to connect with audiences, further cementing the fact that visual spectacle alone isn’t enough to guarantee success. Without a strong narrative and emotional core, the film hasn’t managed to draw in viewers or sustain positive word-of-mouth.

Conclusion: A Film That Falls Short Despite Visual Brilliance

Yudhra is a film that dazzles with its visuals but falls short on almost every other front. While Siddhant Chaturvedi’s potential is apparent, he is let down by a weak screenplay and an underdeveloped character. The film’s action sequences, though well-executed, lack the narrative substance to make them truly impactful.

Jay Oza’s cinematography is undoubtedly the highlight of the film, but even the most stunning visuals can’t save Yudhra from its fundamental flaws. The predictable plot, underwhelming romance, and lack of emotional depth make it a forgettable experience. For fans of action films, Yudhra might provide brief moments of entertainment, but ultimately, it is a missed opportunity to create something truly special.

Rating: 2.5/5