Yudh

Yudh was a groundbreaking Indian psychological thriller television drama miniseries that aired on Sony TV in 2014, marking the television debut of Bollywood's legend Amitabh Bachchan in a starring role.

Having completed multiple blockbuster films, Amitabh Bachchan, also fondly known as "Big B," needed no introduction in India and amongst Bollywood enthusiasts worldwide. His first foray into the world of small screen programming was highly anticipated, and Yudh didn't disappoint, matching up to the expectations surrounding its grand premiere.

Yudh revolves around the eponymous character Yudhishthir Sikarwar, affectionately known as Yudh. He is depicted as a successful real estate tycoon who owns the construction company 'Shanti Constructions' in Ghaziabad, a city near Delhi. From the first episode, viewers are introduced to Yudh's complex world - both professionally and personally - laying the foundation for a roller coaster narrative filled with power struggles, family relationships, corporate politics, betrayal, and self-discovery.

Yudh is not just about corporate world battles and power dynamics. A significant layer is added to the storyline when the lead character is diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder. The complex disease angle, not conventionally seen in Indian TV dramas, provides an insightful glimpse into Yudh's vulnerable side and how he fights not just external dilemmas but also battles within himself.

The series boasts a strong supporting cast that brings an added depth to the storyline. Beautifully-crafted characters include Yudh's loving yet strong wife, Nayantara, portrayed by Sarika, his ambitious daughter, Taruni, played by Aahana Kumra, and his loyal right hand Anand Upadhyay, portrayed by Zakir Hussain. The series also features renowned actor Kay Kay Menon as the Commissioner of Police.

The series does a commendable job of detailing Big B's character. As Yudh, Amitabh Bachchan depicts the struggle of a man in a constant battle - navigating uncertainty in his professional and personal life while also grappling with a fatal disease. This gives viewers a chance to see a different side of Amitabh Bachchan's acting prowess.

One of the defining aspects of Yudh is its high production value. The show was co-produced by Endemol India and Amitabh Bachchan's own production company Saraswati Creations. This was evident in the show's visuals, which stood shoulder to shoulder with many high-budget movies and international series. With top-notch cinematography, well-orchestrated action sequences, and striking visual effects, Yudh made its mark as one of the most aesthetically pleasing shows in the history of Indian television.

Anurag Kashyap, known for his critically acclaimed films, was the creative director of the show, and Shoojit Sircar, another accomplished director, also held the reins as the creative consultant. This involvement of celebrated filmmakers provided Yudh with a cinematic touch and a unique storytelling approach.

Despite covering a wide range of topics, from corporate power games to health issues, the narrative successfully interwoven these threads into a coherent plot. Amidst a wide array of emotionally charged sequences and plot twists, Yudh managed to keep viewers anticipating the next move.

Yudh had a limited 20-episode run, which allowed it to maintain a gripping pace throughout the series. It struck a balance between the intensifying drama and insightful character development, thereby ensuring the viewers remained engrossed till the end.

Although it was a departure from the melodrama that the Indian TV industry is generally associated with, Yudh was a remarkable series that touched on multiple aspects of life’s trials, tribulations, and victories, amplifying the human spirit’s resilience to withstand internal and external battles.

Despite being a short-lived series, Yudh had a lasting impact and set a new benchmark on the Indian TV scene as a milestone of quality content that beautifully combined elements of storytelling, performance, production, and visual appeal. The show manages to be a compelling narrative about relentless fight and perseverance in the face of adversity, encapsulated by the tagline 'Har Yug Ka Ek Hi Yuddh...Man ka Yudh', translating to 'The only battle of every age...is the battle with one's self'.