Plot:
Suspension follows Sidharth Malhotra’s portrayal of Arun Katyal, a dedicated special task force soldier, after a mission failure. Suddenly thrust into an unexpected crisis, Arun finds himself aboard a hijacked flight under perplexing circumstances. Is he a loyal patriot or a treacherous traitor? The suspense thickens around Arun Katyal, a proud scion determined to uphold his father Ronit Roy’s legacy.
Amidst the chaos, the novel’s protagonist, rooted in the tradition of the special task force Yodha, grapples with a mysterious twist of fate. Despite his allegiance, Arun appears driven by a vengeful mission against the very system that has stripped him of everything. Suspended in the thin air at 15,000 feet, revelations unfold in a gripping thriller that pushes the boundaries of suspense.
Review:
“Yodha,” helmed by debut directors Sagar Ambre and Pushkar Ojha, takes viewers on a riveting journey through the skies. Initially slow-paced and tentative, the film swiftly ramps up the tension as the narrative unfolds towards a hijacking. Despite its predictable storyline, the film manages to hold interest with its array of thrilling sequences and unexpected twists. Sidharth Malhotra shines in his portrayal of Arun Katyal, expertly navigating the complexities of a dedicated soldier torn between allegiance and suspicion.
The action-packed set pieces, particularly those within the confines of the aircraft, stand out as the film’s crowning achievements. These sequences boast meticulously choreographed stunts that keep audiences at the edge of their seats, offering a visual spectacle that captivates throughout.
Sagar Ambre’s screenplay effectively plunges viewers into the high-stakes atmosphere aboard the plane, where the bulk of the action unfolds. However, the film falls short in its exploration of themes like courage and patriotism, relying instead on adrenaline-fueled mid-air escapades and clichéd plot twists.
Returning as commando Arun Katyal, Sidharth Malhotra reaffirms his status as an action hero following his lauded portrayal of war hero Vikram Batra in “Shershaah.” His performance anchors the film, shouldering much of its weight with conviction. Raashii Khanna delivers a commendable performance as Arun’s romantic interest, while Disha Patani adds depth to the narrative as an air hostess embroiled in the hostage situation. Tanuj Virwani makes a noteworthy contribution as another member of the special task force, while Sunny Hinduja delivers a solid performance in his role.
Overall, “Yodha” offers an exhilarating ride, propelled by adrenaline-pumping action and strong performances, despite its shortcomings in narrative depth.
Rating: 3/5
The screenplay of “Yodha” offers a mix of serious dialogue interspersed with lighter moments, creating a somewhat balanced viewing experience. However, the music, apart from a rehashed version of “Qismat Badal Di” by Ammy Virk and B Praak, falls short of making a lasting impression, bordering on mediocre. On a positive note, the background score seamlessly blends with the film’s genre, enhancing certain scenes effectively.
Despite these aspects, the film’s depiction of movement within the aircraft fails to fully immerse the audience in the flight experience, lacking the desired impact. Overall, “Yodha” delivers an exhilarating narrative but falls short of truly transporting viewers into the heart of the action. With its strengths and weaknesses considered, the film earns a respectable rating of three stars out of five.
