In a landscape littered with cinematic debuts, the newest entrant, Yuva Rajkumar, scion of the legendary Dr Rajkumar family, takes his first strides on the silver screen with “Yuva.” Riding the waves of legacy and anticipation, the film, unfortunately, sinks into the quagmire of clichéd storytelling and fails to deliver a refreshing narrative.
“Yuva” is laid out like a blueprint borrowed from the traditional handbook of introducing film heroes: sculpting an angry young man, brimming with brazen punchlines, who ultimately shapes into a caring family man. Yet, in an industry that celebrates novelty, this familiar tale struggles to establish its protagonist as the next big star, contrary to the filmmakers’ expectations.
The narrative, crafted by director Santhosh Ananndram, finds uncanny similarity with his earlier work “Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari,” which starred Yash. Both films portray a hot-tempered protagonist, grappling with authority, often manifesting in college brawls, and a relationship stained by conflict with the father figure—a relationship that is, expectedly, mended through a heartfelt resolution. Revisiting a favored theme can be successful, provided it is told through a fresh lens. But Santhosh opts for the safety of familiarity, featuring an invincible hero whose triumph is a foregone conclusion amidst adversities.
The opening act ushers us into a college in Mangaluru plagued by gang rivalry, where Yuva Rajkumar, as Yuva, emerges as the rebellious leader of the hostel students. Despite attempts to mold him into a ‘mass’ hero, the execution falls short of authenticity. The overstretched gang wars fail to engage, and the debutant’s monotonous delivery of dialogues exacerbates the film’s uninspiring tone.
As we delve into the second half, the film transitions into a family drama thick with melodrama, as Yuva morphs into the supportive pillar for his debt-ridden family, following his father’s disappearance. Predictability ensues, as Santhosh’s storytelling sticks closely to its pre-charted course. An opportunity to present a middle-class family with dignity is lost to the trope of an emotional, gullible one bearing impractical aspirations, despite the director’s well-meaning intentions.
A surprising, yet refreshing, aspect of “Yuva” is the unexpectedly sensible portrayal of its female characters, a rarity in commercial Kannada cinema. Sapthami Gowda delivers a commendable performance as Yuva’s girlfriend, a character who embodies fearlessness and practicality. Veteran actress Sudharani, portraying Yuva’s mother, adds a touch of reality as she cautions against financial imprudence. Hita Chandrashekar, as Yuva’s sister, is a quiet force in the narrative. Nevertheless, their potential remains untapped, as they are sidelined to magnify Yuva’s persona.
Santhosh seems disinterested in serving a narrative that’s simple yet satisfying. Instead, he ambitiously overcomplicates the plot. From a college troublemaker, Yuva transforms into a diligent food delivery agent representing hope for gig workers before donning the mantle of a wrestler in pursuit of national prestige. It feels as though the film can’t find its footing, zigzagging from one scenario to the next.
Amidst the simplistic portrayal of characters and a lack of formidable antagonists, Yuva Rajkumar shines in spurts. His portrayal in action sequences and as a wrestler hints at his potential to dominate the action-hero space. Improved articulation and body language could eventually crown him a ‘mass’ hero in the realm of commercial cinema. Alas, this maiden venture does him no justice, entrapping him within a plot too wearied by convention.
“Yuva” is a reflection of how overpowering the urge to adhere to tried-and-true formulas can dilute a debut’s impact, even when legacy is at its backbone. The film is now screening in theatres to audiences that hoped for innovation but received a rehashed recipe instead. As the reels turn, one wonders if Yuva Rajkumar’s journey will emulate the legendary status of his forebears, or if the shadows of the past are too towering for his unique light to shine. Only time and perhaps future roles will tell if Yuva’s star will ascend or be eclipsed by the towering family legacy he inherits.
