Survival thrillers are still rare in mainstream Bollywood, which is why Tu Ya Main generated curiosity from the start. Directed by Bijoy Nambiar and starring Shanaya Kapoor and Adarsh Gourav, the film mixes influencer culture with a high-stakes survival setup.
The result is an engaging watch that keeps you invested, especially once the survival angle kicks in.
Story: Love, Class Divide and a Fight for Survival
The film revolves around two social media influencers from very different worlds.
Avani Shah, played by Shanaya Kapoor, is a rich and glamorous content creator known online as “Miss Vanity.” With millions of followers, she represents the polished and privileged side of digital fame.
On the other hand, Maruti Kadam, portrayed by Adarsh Gourav, is a rapper from a modest chawl in Nalasopara. Known as “Aala Flopara,” he dreams big and uses rap and content creation to carve out his own identity.
Their worlds collide. What begins as rivalry slowly turns into attraction. As their relationship grows, the obvious class divide becomes a source of tension. Avani’s family is uncomfortable with Maruti, and friction begins to build.
The story takes a dramatic turn when the couple decides to escape the chaos and spend time together in Goa. Instead of a romantic getaway, they find themselves trapped in a 20-foot-deep empty swimming pool in a deserted area of the Konkan coast. To make matters worse, they are not alone. A crocodile is inside the pool with them.
From that point onward, the film shifts gears into a survival thriller. What follows is a desperate battle to stay alive.
What Works: Tension and Fresh Setting
Tu Ya Main is an official adaptation of the Thai survival thriller The Pool, reimagined in a Mumbai-centric setting by writer Himanshu Sharma.
The influencer backdrop adds freshness to the narrative. The clash between curated online personas and harsh real-world danger creates an interesting contrast. The second half is particularly gripping, with director Bijoy Nambiar maintaining steady tension about what might happen next.
The film also subtly comments on environmental destruction in the name of development, hinting at how human negligence can trigger unforeseen dangers.
Where It Falters
The transition from romantic drama to survival thriller feels slightly abrupt. The initial romantic build-up between Avani and Maruti stretches longer than necessary. A smoother narrative flow would have made the shift more impactful.
There are also a few logical gaps, such as repeated phone calls during heavy rain and the inability of authorities to trace their location, which may raise questions.
However, these issues do not completely derail the experience.
Performances: Strong Lead Pair
Adarsh Gourav shines as Maruti. He convincingly captures the ambition and vulnerability of a young rapper from Nalasopara. His Mumbai street style feels authentic and grounded.
Shanaya Kapoor makes a confident impression as Avani. The glamorous influencer persona suits her, and she handles the emotional and survival-driven moments well.
Supporting performances add depth. Ansh Vikas Chopra brings energy to his role, while Parul Gulati delivers a decent performance.
Technical Strength: Visuals and Sound Elevate the Film
Cinematography by Remy Dalai effectively captures the stormy atmosphere and intensifies the sense of isolation. The VFX and animatronics team deserves credit for creating a believable crocodile that enhances the tension rather than distracting from it.
The background score by Prateek Rajagopal strengthens the survival sequences and keeps the mood tense.
On the music front, songs like “Jee Liya,” “Aankhen Chaar,” and “Tum Hi Hamari Ho Manzil My Love” are melodious and add emotional value.
Final Verdict: Worth a Watch
Tu Ya Main delivers a mix of romance and survival drama with a modern twist. While it is not flawless, it succeeds in keeping viewers engaged, especially in its second half.
If you enjoy survival thrillers with emotional stakes and a relatable urban setting, this film deserves a spot on your watchlist.
