Released on May 21, 2004, Yuva is a gripping political thriller directed by Mani Ratnam. The film blends action, drama, and intense storytelling to present a bold narrative about youth, politics, and the fight for change. With an ensemble cast featuring Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Vivek Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor, and Esha Deol, Yuva captures the essence of contemporary India’s socio-political struggles.
Set against the backdrop of Kolkata, the movie presents an interconnected story of three young men whose lives collide in an unexpected turn of events. Mani Ratnam’s direction, combined with A.R. Rahman’s soul-stirring music, ensures Yuva is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Table of Contents
- 2. Plot Summary
- 3. What’s Good?
- 1. Stellar Direction by Mani Ratnam
- 2. Powerhouse Performances
- 3. Music by A.R. Rahman
- 4. Cinematography
- 5. Social and Political Commentary
- 4. Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- 5. Target Audience
- 6. Box Office Details
- Budget and Earnings
- Day-wise Earnings (First 5 Days)
- Reception
- 7.Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
- About the Author: Ram
2. Plot Summary
Yuva revolves around the lives of three men—Michael (Ajay Devgn), Arjun (Vivek Oberoi), and Lallan (Abhishek Bachchan)—who are on very different paths. Michael is an ambitious idealist determined to bring about political change; Arjun dreams of moving abroad for a better life; and Lallan is a small-time goon struggling with his own personal demons.
Their lives intersect during a dramatic incident on Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge, altering their destinies forever. The movie explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and redemption, while painting a gritty picture of political corruption and societal challenges.
3. What’s Good?
1. Stellar Direction by Mani Ratnam
Mani Ratnam’s vision and storytelling are the film’s strongest assets. His ability to weave complex characters and political undertones into a cohesive narrative is masterful. The film’s pacing and use of non-linear storytelling keep viewers engaged throughout.
2. Powerhouse Performances
- Abhishek Bachchan as Lallan Singh: Abhishek delivers one of the finest performances of his career, portraying the morally conflicted Lallan with raw intensity.
- Ajay Devgn as Michael Mukherjee: Ajay shines as the calm yet passionate Michael, embodying his idealistic character with conviction.
- Vivek Oberoi as Arjun Balachandran: Vivek brings charm and depth to Arjun’s role, making his transformation believable.
- Supporting Cast: Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor, and Esha Deol add emotional depth to the story, each delivering strong performances.
3. Music by A.R. Rahman
The soundtrack is a highlight of Yuva. Songs like “Kabhi Neem Neem” and “Dhakka Laga Bukka” are not only melodious but also elevate the narrative. Rahman’s background score adds intensity to key scenes, enhancing the emotional and dramatic impact.
4. Cinematography
Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography captures the essence of Kolkata beautifully. From the bustling streets to the iconic Howrah Bridge, every frame feels authentic and immersive. The visual style complements the film’s gritty and intense tone.
5. Social and Political Commentary
Yuva delves into pressing issues such as youth participation in politics, corruption, and societal responsibilities. The film’s message is thought-provoking and resonates strongly, especially with urban audiences.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Compelling Narrative: The intertwining stories of the three protagonists are engaging and well-written.
- Performances: The cast delivers memorable performances, with Abhishek Bachchan standing out.
- Relevant Themes: The film’s exploration of politics and social change feels both urgent and relatable.
- Technical Excellence: From direction to music and cinematography, Yuva is a technically polished film.
Weaknesses
- Complex Structure: The non-linear storytelling might confuse some viewers initially.
- Character Depth: While the male leads are well-developed, the female characters could have been given more agency and complexity.
- Slow Moments: A few sequences, particularly in the second half, feel drawn out and could have been edited for better pacing.
Despite these minor flaws, the film’s strengths overshadow its weaknesses, making it a compelling watch.
5. Target Audience
Yuva is best suited for:
- Youth and Students: Its themes of ambition, responsibility, and change resonate strongly with young audiences.
- Drama Enthusiasts: Fans of intense, character-driven stories will appreciate the film’s layered narrative.
- Political Thriller Fans: Those who enjoy movies exploring socio-political issues will find Yuva engaging.
- Cinephiles: Mani Ratnam’s direction and A.R. Rahman’s music make this a must-watch for lovers of quality cinema.
6. Box Office Details
Budget and Earnings
- Production Budget: ₹12 Crores.
- Worldwide Box Office Collection: ₹21 Crores.
Day-wise Earnings (First 5 Days)
| Day | Earnings (India) | Earnings (Overseas) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Fri) | ₹2 Crores | ₹1 Crore |
| Day 2 (Sat) | ₹3 Crores | ₹1.2 Crores |
| Day 3 (Sun) | ₹4 Crores | ₹1.5 Crores |
| Day 4 (Mon) | ₹1.5 Crores | ₹0.8 Crores |
| Day 5 (Tue) | ₹1 Crore | ₹0.5 Crore |
Reception
While Yuva received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and music, its box office performance was moderate. The film’s unique structure and political themes appealed more to urban audiences than to the masses. Over time, however, it has gained a cult following and is regarded as one of Mani Ratnam’s finest works.
7.Recommendation
Yuva is a powerful film that combines stellar performances, gripping storytelling, and relevant social commentary. While it may not cater to everyone’s taste, it is a must-watch for those who enjoy meaningful cinema. Mani Ratnam and his team have crafted a story that lingers long after the credits roll, making Yuva an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Genres:
Drama, Crime
Rating:
6.448/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Abhishek Bachchan | Lallan Singh |
| Ajay Devgn | Michael Mukherjee |
| Vivek Oberoi | Arjun Balachandran |
| Rani Mukerji | Sashi Biswas Singh |
| Kareena Kapoor Khan | Meera |
| Esha Deol | Professor Radhika |
| Om Puri | Prosenjit Bhattacharya |
| Anant Nag | IAS Avinash Balachandran |
| Vijay Raaz | Dablu |
| Sonu Sood | Gopal Singh |
| Saurabh Shukla | Dr. Gopal |
| Karthik Kumar | Vishnu |
| Abhinav Kashyap | Trilok |
| Paras Arora | Arun Balachandran |
| Loveleen Mishra | Shobha |
| Tanushree Chakraborty | Arjun’s Classmate |
| Simran | Michael’s Friend |
| Lekha Washington | Girl at Embassy |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
