Mumbai’s cinema lovers are in for a treat as Mani Ratnam’s iconic 2004 political drama ‘Yuva’ returns to theaters this Friday. Originally a bilingual masterpiece shot simultaneously in Hindi and Tamil, the film captivated audiences with its gripping narrative on youth, politics, and idealism. The Hindi version, a remake of the Tamil ‘Ayutha Ezhuthu’, stormed the box office, earning over 23 crores worldwide on a modest 11 crore budget.
Ajay Devgn leads as the idealistic student leader Michael Mukherjee, set against Kolkata’s vibrant backdrop. His character collides with the lives of three young men entangled in student politics, pushing for reform amid chaos. Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Abhishek Bachchan, and Esha Deol deliver powerhouse performances that still resonate today.
Anurag Kashyap penned the Hindi dialogues, adding raw edge to the political action drama. Abhishek Bachchan’s negative role was initially offered to Hrithik Roshan, who declined, marking a turning point in Bachchan’s career. The film clinched the Best Film (Critics) at the 50th Filmfare Awards, cementing its legacy.
Ajay Devgn expressed his excitement on social media, celebrating the re-release. Mani Ratnam’s dual-version approach featured distinct casts except for Esha Deol, showcasing his directorial genius. As ‘Yuva’ hits screens again, it reminds us why this story of youthful rebellion and political awakening endures.