Yodha Movie Review: Hold Onto Your Seats For Sidharth Malhotra's Latest Cinematic Adventure

In the latest offering from Dharma Productions, "Yodha," Sidharth Malhotra takes center stage as Arun Katyal, a distinguished soldier of the Yodha unit, tasked with righting wrongs when things go awry. However, this film quickly descends into a melodramatic whirlwind of patriotism and questionable plot twists.

From the outset, it's clear that "Yodha" doesn't shy away from wearing its patriotism on its sleeve. The narrative unfolds with all the subtlety of a rescue flare painted in the colors of the Indian flag. Malhotra's character finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes airplane hijacking, where even the most mundane details are painted with a brush of nationalism.

As the story unfolds, we're subjected to a series of increasingly ludicrous scenarios. The villains are predictably bearded and given Muslim names, while the destination of the hijacked plane is none other than Islamabad, with the nefarious plan to sabotage peace talks between India and Pakistan. The film's attempts at tension-building often veer into the absurd, with scenes of planes flipping upside down and passengers traversing between aircraft with improbable ease.

Despite its flaws, "Yodha" attempts to inject nuance into its portrayal of Pakistani characters, suggesting that not all are to blame for the turmoil. However, this attempt at balance feels forced amidst the film's heavy-handed approach to storytelling.

Also Read: Showtime Review: Peeling Back The Glitz of Bollywood With Familiar Strokes

Amidst the chaos, Malhotra's character grapples with personal demons, including a strained relationship with his spouse, played by Raashii Khanna. His journey culminates in a pacifist resolution that feels jarringly out of place in the film's otherwise bombastic narrative.

Ultimately, "Yodha" is a mixed bag of over-the-top patriotism and hare-brained plotlines. While some may find entertainment in its cartoonish escapades, others may emerge from the experience bewildered and unfulfilled. Nevertheless, Malhotra delivers a standout performance, reminding viewers that in this cinematic universe, he's the hero of the story.