Yudhra Movie Review: An overhyped and underwhelming action flicks with recycled spy-thriller clichés.

Yudhra, announced in 2021, the Siddhant Chaturvedi and Raghav Juyal-starring film finally hit the big screens three years after its initial announcement. Whereas there was anticipation regarding the action sequences in the film after the trailer was released, we didn’t have any grand expectations from this film, and true to our predictions, seemingly, there isn’t much to offer in the film.

Yudhra: Good and Bad Aspects

Rating: 2 Stars
Language: Hindi
Genre: Action
Director: Ravi Udyawar
Cast: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal, Malavika Mohanan, Ram Kapoor, Gajraj Rao.
Release Date: 20 September
Available: In Cinemas Now

A Familiar Blend of Bollywood’s Spy Thrillers:
By the time you finish the first half of Yudhra, you can’t shake the feeling that much of what you’re seeing feels familiar, like a scene or storyline you’ve watched in another movie. That’s mainly because Yudhra—written by Shridhar Raghavan, the screenwriter behind War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3 from YRF’s Spy Universe—borrows heavily from the same action-packed formulas. Directed by Ravi Udyavar, the film comes across as a blend of many Bollywood movies, making it feel more like a mashup than an original narrative.

Ram Kapoor and Raghav Juyal Impress, Siddhant and Malavika Underwhelm:
Siddhant Chaturvedi delivers a solid performance, but his character lacks depth, offering little beyond expressions of anger. While Siddhant may have had the potential to showcase more, the limited scope of his character seems to have held him back. Malavika Mohanan, who has garnered praise for her recent role in Thangalaan, feels strictly average in this film. The true standouts, however, are Ram Kapoor and Raghav Juyal, who both leave a lasting impression with their powerful performances. Raghav Juyal after his last film “Kill” has maintained his streak of brilliant performance.

Engaging Action, Struggles to Meet Hindi Cinema’s New Bar:
While the plot may be predictable, the film’s action sequences—featuring fast-paced bike chases, stunning locations, and intense combat—ensure there’s always something to keep you engaged. However lately a new standard for action has been set in Hindi cinema and anything less than exceptional struggles to leave a lasting impression as we see is the case with this film.

Flawed Plot and Cliché Romance:
The major flaw in the first half of Yudhra lies in the loopholes within the drug racket storyline. Yudhra’s double-agent act feels illogical and inconsistent at various points, making the plot difficult to follow. The first half, though it ends on a cliffhanger, feels rushed and leaves viewers questioning the script and storytelling. While the second half attempts to redeem the film, it struggles to fully engage and keep the audience invested. Additionally, the love story between Siddhant and Malavika feels cliché and somewhat irrelevant to the overall plot, adding little value to the narrative.

Now looking into the positive aspects of the film –

Stunning Visuals and Stellar Cinematography Shine:
While Yudhra has its shortcomings, the film’s cinematography truly stands out. The stunning visuals and engaging action sequences are a highlight. If the story had been developed with more depth, the strong cinematography could have helped salvage the film overall.

Final Thoughts:
Yudhra brings a mix of familiar elements, action-packed sequences, and stunning cinematography, but ultimately falls short due to a predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. While Ram Kapoor and Raghav Juyal deliver standout performances, the film’s inconsistent storytelling and cliché romance hinder its potential. Despite its visual appeal and engaging action, Yudhra struggles to meet the higher standards set by recent Bollywood action films, leaving viewers wanting more in terms of originality and depth. It’s an entertaining watch for action lovers, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking. Share your thoughts in the comments below!