Siddhant Chaturvedi’s action-packed Yudhra hit theatres on September 20, featuring an ensemble cast with Raghav Juyal, Malavika Mohanan, Ram Kapoor, Gajraj Rao, and Shilpa Shukla.
Directed by Ravi Udyawar, the film delivers on action but stumbles in parts. Here’s a quick review after the first half.
Plot Breakdown
Yudhra (Siddhant Chaturvedi) is a man shaped by tragedy—his father, a tough cop, is murdered after busting a drug lord’s cartel, headed by Firoze (Raj Arjun).
Taken in by his father’s close friend, now a politician (Gajraj Rao), Yudhra battles with deep-rooted anger issues, a result of complications at birth.
His anger not only damages his personal relationships—especially with childhood friend Nikhat (Malavika Mohanan)—but also leads to his dismissal from the NCTA.
To channel his rage, Yudhra becomes an undercover agent tasked with bringing down Firoze’s drug empire.
His journey leads him into Firoze’s inner circle after he takes out a rival gangster. Now, he’s walking a dangerous line—gaining Firoze’s trust while working with the police to dismantle the drug network.
Performances
Chaturvedi’s performance is intense, particularly in the action sequences where he delivers with badass dialogue and physicality.
Raghav Juyal stands out as a villain, and his role is expected to expand in the second half. Malavika Mohanan goes beyond being just a love interest, impressing with her portrayal of Nikhat. Gajraj Rao and Ram Kapoor provide solid support, filling out the world around Yudhra.
Strengths and Weaknesses
While the action and pace are key strengths, the story’s biggest weakness lies in its drug cartel narrative.
Yudhra’s role as a double agent feels inconsistent and at times illogical, which creates a disconnect in the plot. The film ends the first half on a cliffhanger, promising a suspenseful second half.
The film also shines in its cinematography, with a unique blend of comic book and anime elements, and the background score, especially during Raghav Juyal’s entry, adds energy.
However, the second half will determine whether the screenplay can redeem the first half’s narrative flaws.
Final Thoughts
Yudhra’s first half is an action-packed ride with standout performances but is weighed down by some narrative gaps. The second half will reveal whether it can pull off a satisfying conclusion.