When Mani Ratnam decided to make Dil Se, the Bollywood audience had great expectations from this great director because of his Tamil movies. But with Dil Se, Mani let down his fans and his foray in Bollywood failed miserably. Instead of committing himself to the subject of his movie he tried to cash in on the image of SRK- of an obsessive lover. Therein lied his failure. When he decided to make Yuva, everyone questioned “ Will Mani Ratnam overcome the failure of Dil Se and make a comeback in Bollywood ? Yuva provides the answer. Mani Ratnam fails once again.
Yuva is the story of three young men representing different stratum with their own views towards society and have their own philosophies of life. But an accident turns their life topsy-turvy and brings them together and radically changes their views on life and society. The movie explores three diverse characters, the changes in their nature, the conflicts and interactions between them.
Since the movie is mainly character driven its necessary to examine the characters of the three main protagonists to understand the movie.
Michael Mukherjee (Ajay Devgan) epitomizes today’s educated, upright and conscientious youth but who has leaning towards violent behaviour when confronted with injustice. His doctrine is that the educated youth should take a proactive role in bringing about a change in the socio-political scenario of the country rather than crib about the deterioration of the same. His inquisitive nature, propensity to question everything around, belief in his just cause, his efforts towards the cause, clear conscience, makes him a kind of role model for others. He wants to revolutionise the political system and clear the mess that our politics is currently in. He does not believe in marriage and prefers living in with his girl friend Esha Deol, who supports him selflessly through good and bad times.
Arjun Balakrishnan (Vivek Oberoi) is an engineer who has aspirations to go to US, and represents today’s yuppie MTV-bred youth. Born with a golden spoon everything came on a platter to him. His life’s funda is to enjoy and for that he is ready to tread any path to earn money. His ladylove, Kareena, has the same attitude as him – to enjoy life to the fullest. Though they love each other, they have this candid understanding between them that their relationship is not for keeps but to just hang around and enjoy without any emotional baggage. But while Vivek wants to go to US, Kareena Kapoor is adamant in settling down in India.
Lallan (Abhishek Bachchan) symbolizes today’s youth that is on the wrong side of the law, which believes in breaking law for whatever purpose. He does not believe in doing anything for the society. He lives for himself only and satisfying his needs by hook or crook is his motto. He does not fear anyone and his tryst with law is incessant due to his violent behaviour. Violence is the only way he knows to survive in the society. He loves his middle class wife Rani, who is keen on reforming him and in this endeavour had to bear all his tantrums and violent behaviour.
An accident on the bridge on Hoogly river alter the course of the life of the three protagonists and bring them together on a same platform where their ideologies and philosophies clash and their subsequent interactions change their destinies.
PROS
All the scenes between Abhishek and Rani leave an impact, particularly the scene when Abhishek comes to know that Rani has aborted their child.
The scene where Rani unleashes her anger on ‘men’ is top class.
CONS
The subject of Politics has been oft-repeated in many movies. But even we consider a leeway for a different treatment to this subject from Mani, he has not come up with anything new.
Since the movie is character driven too much footage is spent in establishing the three characters. As a result there is very little time for the director to weave those characters into a story to have any effect.
The romantic track between Vivek and Kareena is absolutely boring and irritating.
The treatment of the political scenario is very superficial. When Ajay and Vivek jump into election fray, there is neither any kind of campaigning shown or any kind of work done by them. The altercations and contest between them and the seasoned politicians in the by-elections is devoid of convincing and dramatic touch. Thus the audience neither feels excited with election proceedings nor is delighted when Ajay & co win the elections.
There is not a semblance of salvation to Abhishek’s character in the end.
STAR CAST
Ajay Devgan though a tad miscast as a college student has done a great job and does not allow the age factor to act as any impediment in the portrayal of his role.
Abhishek Bachchan has convincing played the role of tough guy. Sporting stubble he looks good and acts brilliantly.
Vivek Oberoi is just about passable as a fun loving youngster.
Esha Deol plays the role of Radhika – Ajay’s love. She has shown some improvement.
Rani Mukherjee plays the role of Sashi - Abhishek Bachchan’s middle class wife. She brings a realistic feel to her role. Whether she showcases her obsession for Abhishek, makes efforts to reform him, takes his violent behaviour in her stride, or intermittently threatens to call of the relationship only to return back, she breathes life into the role.
Kareena Kapoor plays the role of Mira, Vivek’s girlfriend. She is irritating.
Om Puri is disappointing as the corrupt politician.
Anant Nag, Vijay Raaz and Sonu Sood play their part well.
TECHNICAL CREW
As a story and screenplay writer Mani Ratnam disappoints big time. In his effort to concentrate on the evolutions of characters he ignores the story. Instead of building up the plot and taking it to the logical conclusion with a twist in the tale somewhere in between, Mani has put the crux of the plot right in the beginning and then tried to establish the characters. This diluted the impact of the movie considerably. He tries to camouflage this shortcoming by his deft direction through which he has portrayed various hues of youth and the problems faced by them.
A. R Rahman's music score is good. Some songs are catchy but impede the flow of film. Talented Mehboob’s lyrics are devoid of any meaning, except for Kabhi Neem.
Cinematographer Ravi Chandran has captured Kolkata and Goa in their pristine form. The emotional and dramatic scenes are enhanced by the slick camera work.
Sabu Cyril's art direction is first rate. The sets can’t get more real than these.
Sreekar Prasad’s editing is inconsistent, slackening a bit in the second half.
Vikram Dharma’s stunts are breathtaking and are well handled particularly the one in the climax.
CONCLUSION
Mani Ratnam is a master story teller when one watches his Tamil movies but one does not know what happens to him when he ventures to make Hindi movies. The stale subject, listless treatment, weak screenplay fail Mani Ratnam and disappoints the audience. Yuva is meant for today’s youth but when I saw this movie many “yuvas” were not interested in the movie. And considering their reaction to the movie, the movie has no chance of succeeding. This is what happens when we have great expectations.
VERDICT – Disappointing movie. Avoid it if you can.
Mani Ratnam has disappointed, now you don't disappoint me by not commenting :)
AMJAD K. MARUF
