Yuva

The main reasons to watch this film are Mani Ratnam, A.R.Rahman, and Abishek Bachan.

There is not much of a story but the screenplay is awesome. The way Mani shows the three men from different walks of life meet on a bridge three times and their flashbacks is refreshingly new.

I think it should have been publicized well before they released this film. It deserved a hit.

I have also seen the Telugu version, in which Madhavan's performance is outstanding.

All in all, a new cinematic experience.

Okay so when the music of this movie came out, I was hopping around in hopes that Mani Ratnam will finally be successful in the Hindi film industry. But of course the film released and tanked at the box office. I was quite depressed afterward and unsure of whether to watch the film, but recently, upon a friend's recommendation, I rented it. After watching it, all I have to say is that box office says absolutely nothing about the merit of a movie (I'm sure a lot of people knew that already). Bottom line: YUVA is awesome.

Sure it isn't perfect, and not near most of Ratnam's tamil movies, but it is definitely worth watching. The story is about 3 young men who come from vastly different backgrounds and schools of thought. One incident on a bridge brings them together, changing their fates forever.

Abhishek Bachchan is definitely come into his own with this role. His "Lallan" is both menacing and pitiable (like the song Kabhi Neem Neem, Kabhi Shahed Shahed aptly describes). Its quite unreal how he gets into the skin of his character. He not only picked up the mannerisms but managed to capture the volatility, anger and ambition that defines Lallan. Rani Mukherji has really become my favorite actress these days. Her performance as Shashi (Lallan's wife) really compliments Bachchan's and together they make their story the most interesting and compelling aspect of the movie.

Ajay Devgan and Vivek Oberoi are decent and do their jobs. Its not really their fault that Bachchan got the strongest part. Esha Deol and Kareena Kapoor don't have roles big enough to impact the movie in any way. Ajay's story as a student leader is good but might have been better. Its not super powerful but at the same time, that aspect makes the story a lot more real. Ajay's "Michael Mukherjee" doesn't overdue the preaching and the patriotism, he simply believes that his country can do better and he wants to lend a hand. Vivek Oberoi's Arjun is a simple soul until he crosses paths with Michael. Arjun's transformation from a carefree youth to someone finding a cause is not particularly powerful and could have been expanded a little. But again, this only makes it a little more real. Nobody makes that transformation overnight. Sure he found a purpose, but he's not immediately going to become the second coming of Michael Mukherjee. The scene where he quietly volunteers to stand elections with Michael is very subtle but made me think of how other directors might have dealt with that situation. You would get Arjun shouting patriotic verse at the top of his lungs with tears in his eyes. Just a tad unrealistic.

I wholeheartedly recommend this film to everyone not only because its worth your time but also so we somehow send a message to Ratnam not to get discouraged. Please continue to tell your stories (in Hindi). We are listening.

I agree to kaushik dave up to some extent that it bears a resemblance with Amores Perros but at one point only and it is that there are three different stories meeting at one point but that is the end.

What impresses me more about this movie is the true depiction of youth's mind (sp. in Pakistan, India and other third world countries). Today's youth is matured but confused, helping but selfish for themselves and above all sentimental yet insensitive. Like Arjun, on the face he is loving, caring and always wants to be with family but inside wants to go to US for good career. Same is true for Lallan, very selfish thinks only for himself and nothing else. But the true high point of the movie is Michael Thinking and approach towards things. He is the one driving force for others.

As per direction, Mani Ratman's movie is always special for its visual feat and that is also true for this movie. And above all AR Rehman Music is true to the story.

Yuva is a great comeback for Maniratnam as a Hindi film director after the unsuccessful Dil Se. His earlier regional language films like Velu Nayakan, Anjali, Roja, Bombay, Iruvar and many more have been highly successful all over India. Yuva is a thrilling story of three young guns of Calcutta whose stories get connected by a road mishap. The film is based upon college. Ajay Devgan (two time National Award winner) has given a fantastic performance as a college leader along with Vivek Oberoi. The actors are aptly casted and the film is technically very good. Cinematography is just out of this world. But the limelight is stolen by Abhishek Bachchan who has given the performance of a lifetime. His role of a street-side malefactor will surely win him awards. HATS OFF TO YUVA & MANIRATNAM!!!

If you like Hindi movies, dont miss YUVA, the latest and best by Mani Ratnam (maker of Roja, Bombay and Dil Se). Yuva is better than all the last three. Although it has all the usual elements dance/song/action etc, direction is superb and the theme of youth revolting against corruption and contributing to society keeps it going. Ajay Devgan is a student leader who stands against threatening politician Om Puri. Vivek Oberoy is a happy go lucky Romeo and is transformed into a rebellion when he meets Ajay Devgan. Abhishek Bachchan is a gangster tapori being exploited by Om Puri. All have excelled in their acting.

Entire movie is made in Calcutta, this is the best depiction of this city. One is left amazed by the beautiful locales of Calcutta, hitherto unknown to outsiders.

This is how the powerful media of cinema can be used to portray optimism of the youth energy. Unfortunately, most of the bollywood is not doing such work.