Yuva(2004)
Yuva is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language political crime drama film written, produced, and directed by Mani Ratnam. The lead cast includes Ajay Devgn as Michael Mukherjee, Abhishek Bachchan as Lallan Singh, and Vivek Oberoi as Arjun Balachandran. Rani Mukerji, Esha Deol, and Kareena Kapoor play supporting roles. The story follows three young men from different social classes whose lives intersect after a violent incident on the Howrah Bridge in Kolkata. The film explores themes of political corruption, personal redemption, and youth activism. It was praised for its innovative narrative structure, which shows the same events from three perspectives. The music was composed by A.R. Rahman. Yuva received positive reviews from critics and won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Abhishek Bachchan. The film was released on May 21, 2004.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Netflix, Sun Nxt, Airtel Xstream Play
- OTT Release Date
- 2 June 2005
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2004
- Director
- Mani Ratnam
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 41m
- Rating
- 6.8/10
Storyline
Three young men from different worlds meet on a bridge in Kolkata. Michael is a student leader fighting corruption. Arjun is a dreamer planning to escape to America. Lallan is a thug working for a crooked politician. A single act of violence ties their fates together. Each man must choose between running away or standing up for what is right.
“One moment. Three lives. Forever changed.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Yuva
Cast reunions in this film: Mani Ratnam & A. R. Rahman (20 films together), A. R. Rahman & Ravi K. Chandran (8 films together), Ajay Devgan & Kareena Kapoor (8 films together), Rani Mukerji & Abhishek Bachchan (7 films together), Om Puri & Kareena Kapoor (7 films together), and Esha Deol & Ajay Devgan (6 films together).
Trivia
- The film was simultaneously shot in Tamil as 'Aaytha Ezhuthu' with a different cast, but the same director and core story.
- Ajay Devgn's character was originally offered to Shah Rukh Khan, who turned it down due to scheduling conflicts.
- The iconic bridge accident scene was filmed on Kolkata's Howrah Bridge, requiring complex traffic and crowd control.
- Mani Ratnam used three distinct color palettes and camera styles to visually separate the three storylines.
- The film's title 'Yuva' means 'youth' in Hindi, highlighting its focus on young people driving political change.
- Rani Mukerji's role was a rare non-glamorous part for her at the time, with simple cotton sarees and minimal makeup.
- The soundtrack by A.R. Rahman included a song 'Kabhi Neem Neem' that was not in the final theatrical cut.