Yodha Movie Review: Sidharth Malhotra shines in this predictable yet thrilling action flick

Yodha Rating: 3.0/5

Yodha Story: In "Yodha," the narrative revolves around Arun Katyal, a specialized task force soldier portrayed by Sidharth Malhotra, who faces suspension after a critical mission failure. However, a startling turn of events occurs when he is discovered aboard a hijacked flight, shrouded in mystery. The central suspense of the story revolves around whether he is perceived as a traitor or a patriot.

Yodha review: Debut directors Sagar Ambre and Pushkar Ojha's film, "Yodha," delivers an exhilarating journey through the skies. While the initial setup may be slow, once the plane is hijacked, tension quickly mounts. Despite its predictable storyline, the movie offers plenty of exciting moments and twists to keep audiences engaged. Sidharth Malhotra's performance skillfully navigates the highs and lows of a determined soldier trapped between duty and suspicion.

The story follows Arun Katyal, a proud son determined to uphold his father's legacy in the special task force, Yodha. However, after a critical mission failure, he finds himself aboard a hijacked flight under mysterious circumstances. As evidence points to him seeking revenge against the system, the question arises: Is Arun a traitor, or a patriot like his father? The action unfolds in a thrilling thriller 15,000 feet above the ground.

Sagar Ambre's screenplay effectively immerses viewers in the tense atmosphere of the aircraft, where most of the action takes place. While the mid-air stunts are thrilling, the film suffers from predictability and clichéd plot twists, lacking depth in exploring themes of courage and patriotism.

However, the film's pacing remains consistent, never feeling stretched, and incorporates subtle humor throughout. Despite some heavy-handed dialogues, the screenplay strikes a balance with lighter moments.

The music, apart from Ammy Virk and B Praak's reprised version of "Qismat Badal Di," is average, blending well with the genre's background score.

Returning as commando Arun Katyal after his portrayal of war hero Vikram Batra in "Shershaah," Sidharth showcases his action hero prowess. Raashii Khanna portrays Arun's love interest effortlessly, while Disha Patani shines in her role as an air hostess caught in the hostage drama. Tanuj Virwani and Sunny Hinduja also leave their mark in their respective roles.

In conclusion, while "Yodha" offers thrilling action, it falls short of truly soaring in the imagination.