Yodha
Yodha
*Yodha* is an action-packed thriller centered around a hijacking, delivering intense sequences reminiscent of *Passenger 57* and *Olympus Has Fallen*. Sidharth Malhotra stars as Arun Katyal, a suspended soldier from the Special Yodha Task Force, whose presence on a hijacked flight raises questions about his loyalty. Directed by debutants Sagar Ambre and Pushkar Ojha, the film focuses on high-octane action but stumbles in its writing.
Malhotra shines as the heroic soldier, with larger-than-life sequences showcasing his action chops. From his grand entry to the midair climax, his portrayal cements his credentials as an action star, though the film lacks the emotional depth of *Shershaah*. Raashii Khanna impresses as a hostage negotiator, adding realism and depth, while Disha Patani surprises with her action scenes, including a standout sequence in a saree. Despite these performances, the romance between Malhotra and Khanna feels rushed.
The film’s strength lies in its action set pieces, especially the thrilling airplane scenes, including a standout moment with the aircraft flipping midair. The visuals and stunts are gripping, but the screenplay feels disjointed and simplistic at times. However, *Yodha* deserves praise for its balanced portrayal of patriotism, avoiding jingoism and emphasizing cooperation between India and Pakistan during a crisis.
While not without flaws, *Yodha* delivers enough adrenaline-pumping moments to entertain action enthusiasts. Watch it for its slick fight sequences and Malhotra’s commanding screen presence.
Richard Boyd