Yashoda, a Tollywood survival thriller, stands out for its realistic premise and solid performance by Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The film follows Yashoda, a pregnant surrogate in need of money, who moves to a luxurious facility owned by Madhu (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar) and cared for by Dr. Gowtam (Unni Mukundan). However, as mysterious disappearances and glitches occur, Yashoda uncovers a disturbing truth about the facility. Simultaneously, a murder mystery outside the facility unfolds, linking to Yashoda’s predicament.
The first half of the movie relies on comedy and emotion, showcasing the lives of the women in the facility and Yashoda’s relationship with Dr. Gowtam. However, a fight scene before the interval sets the tone for the edge-of-the-seat thriller that follows. Samantha’s performance as Yashoda fighting for survival is visceral and engaging, despite predictable plot points.
While some dialogues on motherhood and pregnancies appear hammy and the VFX could be better, the film’s cinematography, score, stunts, and art direction support the story. Samantha steals the show with her impressive action scenes and punch dialogues, supported by solid performances by Varalaxmi and Unni Mukundan.
Overall, Yashoda offers a refreshing break from the usual masala fare and is a must-watch for thriller fans or Samantha’s fans.
