Writer/Director: Mani Ratnam
Starring: Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan and Ajay Devgan
‘A Brilliant Bollywood Drama’
Few actresses in Bollywood are as beloved as Rani Mukerji. Ever since rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Mukerji has transformed into one of the finest actresses in the Indian film industry. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, prostitutes or bold housekeepers, Mukerji has suggested she can portray various characters. Through her ability to portray characters that are compelling, she has created a legacy which has proven lasting. Mukerji’s greatest strength as an actress has always been her versatility. Mukerji’s strength as an actress is her courage to take risks. She is one of those actresses which has never been afraid of taking risks in her career by playing characters which aren’t commonly likeable. Despite reaching age of retirement, Mukerji has never lost her passion for making powerful entertainment. Throughout an enduring career, Mukerji has crafted many memorable movies which are definitely without a doubt absolutely worth watching.
I’m a big fan of Mukerji and adore the films which she has made in her career. However, “Yuva” stands out as being her most bold film. Released in 2004, Mank Ratnam’s film offered a strong portrait of broken marriage. Packed with captivating production, strong storytelling and superb acting, it’s a brilliant Bollywood crime drama. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Rani Mukerji, who embodies a woman that faces disturbing domestic abuse. Ultimately, what makes “Yuva” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Bollywood movies, the film tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. A mesmerizing crime masterpiece, there are many strong reasons why “Yuva” is worth watching.
Set in urban India, “Yuva” tells the story of three young men from different social class that face trauma. Abhishek Bachchan plays Lallan Singh, an Indian working-class man that struggles to take care about his family. Lallan has always shared a conflicted bond with his wife Sashi (Rani Mukerji), a woman that he abuses daily. However, Lallan’s life forever changes when he crosses path with two men from upper classes. Michael (Ajay Devgan) and Arjun (Vivek Oberoi) are two men that hold a higher position in society with financial security. As he grows envious, Lallan wonders whether he will ever be able to escape poverty of his home country that has become dangerous.
Mani Ratnam is fascinated with the themes of terrorism. A legendary Indian filmmaker, Ratnam has often produced engaging films about terrorists in grave danger. His iconic film “Dil Se” offered a powerful portrayal of terrorists facing a price to pay. With “Yuva”, however, Ratnam crafted his first ever crime drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture lives of men impacted by class in society, but he pulled it off. Using engaging cinematography, Ratnam captures lives of men torn apart by classes in society. Taking inspiration from Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnolia”, Ratnam deftly uses montages to convey hardships faced by men in India. For instance, montages elevate the collision course scene. During this intense scene, the three men meet for the first time following a tragic accident. Through strong montages, Ratnam creates a portrait of social classes that’s engaging. Montages are complicated techniques. As Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” suggested, montages enhance Bollywood movies about marriage. However, it works in this film. Using stunning visuals, Ratnam captures the tensions men in India are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Yuva” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive Bollywood movies you will ever see. Ratnam expertly uses cross-cutting to create music sequences that are engaging. For instance, the cross-cutting elevates the Kabhi Neem Neem song. During this intense song, Lallan forms a strong romantic bond Sashi through singing a song. Using cross-cutting, Ratnam creates musical sequences that prove to be compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing a heavy burden that women facing domestic abuse bear. Using stunning production, Ratnam captures lives of Indian men facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Yuva” is a Bollywood crime drama that is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses non-linear storytelling capturing the lives of different men that are intersecting. Emulating Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction”, Ratnam effectively employs non-linear storytelling to capture hardships Indian men are experiencing. For instance, non-linear storytelling elevates the accident scene. During this heartfelt scene, Lallan is brought together with two men following the sad accident that causes tension. Through non-linear storytelling, Ratnam creates a portrait of Indian society that’s compelling. Non-linear storytelling is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Yash Chopra’s “Veer-Zaara” suggested, non-linear storytelling elevates Bollywood movies about doomed love. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a superb screenplay, Ratnam captures the lives of Indian men facing a price to pay.
One admires astonishing performances.
Rani Mukerji delivers one of her best career performances as Sashi. Mukerji achieved appreciation for playing romantic heroines in classic Bollywood movies. With “Yuva”, however, Mukerji took on her most intense role. It isn’t easy to portray a woman that’s a harsh victim of domestic abuse causing tragedy but she succeeds immensely. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, emotional and meaningful in her most provocative role. With captivating expressions, she captures the angst, grief and resentment endured by a woman that faces marriage tensions. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the best actresses in Bollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Rani Mukerji, the supporting cast is also excellent. Abhishek Bachchan is brilliant, capturing the tension faced by a working-class man struggling to survive in a poor nation. Ajay Devgan is amazing, bringing charisma to a political leader struggling to care for a nation facing a painful price to pay. Lastly, Om Puri merits appreciations. As a political figure, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Yuva” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing the lives of men in modern India. Unlike most Bollywood films, it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. It discusses meaningful themes such as bravery, mental health and social class which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian culture to enjoy it. Therefore, “Yuva” is one of those rare Bollywood movies that everyone would adore.
Fans of Rani Mukerji will absolutely enjoy “Yuva” and so would audiences seeking meaningful entertainment. A captivating Bollywood crime drama, it honours a bold actress in India.
Nearly 25 years following the release of a classic Bollywood film about Indian men brought together by a tragic accident, it’s an astonishing reminder of an actress with strong commitment that has built a lasting legacy through her abilities to play strong characters in entertainment.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 