Survival thrillers thrive on one core emotion—the instinct to live against impossible odds. Inspired by the 2018 Thai film The Pool, Tu Yaa Main taps into this very instinct, blending romance, class conflict, and raw survival into a tense cinematic experience.

What is the story of Tu Yaa Main?

The film follows Avni Shah, aka Miss Vanity (Shanaya Kapoor), a Mumbai-based social media influencer with over two million followers, and Maruti Kadam, aka Ala Flopara (Adarsh Gourav), a struggling rapper from Nalasopara. Their worlds collide through content creation, and despite stark differences in upbringing and social status, the two slowly fall in love.

Avni comes from a wealthy background but carries the emotional scars of losing her parents at a young age. Maruti, on the other hand, battles poverty, abandonment by his father, and the responsibility of supporting his mother and sister—all while chasing his dream of musical success.

A crocodile turns love into a nightmare

Avni’s family strongly disapproves of the relationship. Disturbed by the pressure, Avni and Maruti decide to escape to Goa. However, fate intervenes when their bike breaks down in the Konkan region, forcing them to take shelter in an abandoned scuba diving center.

What begins as an inconvenience soon turns horrifying. Due to a series of events, both characters fall into a 20-feet-deep empty swimming pool, with no visible escape route. Just when things seem hopeless, a crocodile enters the pool, turning their struggle into a terrifying game of life and death. From here, the film transforms into an intense survival thriller, keeping viewers on edge as they wonder whether the duo will make it out alive.

Romance feels undercooked

The film opens with a gripping underwater crocodile attack, instantly setting a tense tone. However, the first half largely focuses on Avni and Maruti’s relationship, their arguments, and contrasting family realities. While the idea of influencer culture is central, the screenplay doesn’t explore the digital world in depth. As a result, the romantic arc lacks emotional depth and fails to fully connect.

Second half delivers the thrills

Post-interval, the film finds its true rhythm. Abhishek Arun Bandekar’s screenplay tightens, and director Bijay Nambiar effectively builds claustrophobic tension. The confined pool, looming danger, and constant fear create a gripping atmosphere. The crocodile encounters are the film’s strongest moments, delivering genuine suspense and excitement.

Where the film falters

Technically, the film scores well. The background score enhances the tension, while the use of old Hindi songs like “Chori Chori Yun Jab Aankhen Ho Chaar…” and “Tum Hi Hamari Ho Manzil My Love…” adds an emotional layer. The crocodile visuals are convincing enough to keep viewers guessing whether it’s real or CGI.

Cinematographer Remi Dalal beautifully captures the rain-soaked Konkan landscape, abandoned locations, and the eerie swimming pool, lending authenticity to the setting. However, certain logical loopholes weaken the narrative—such as the police failing to trace Maruti’s last phone call, or the caretaker’s phone mysteriously floating and ringing in water.

Performances hold the film together

The film heavily relies on Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor, and for the most part, they deliver. Adarsh shines as Maruti, portraying ambition, frustration, and emotional vulnerability with ease. His rap sequence and survival scenes are particularly impactful. Shanaya Kapoor looks confident and stylish as an influencer and shows improvement in her second film, though her emotional scenes lack depth. Parul Gulati’s role remains too brief to leave a strong impression.

Tu Yaa Main succeeds in creating a tense survival atmosphere and delivers solid thrills in its second half. While the emotional drama and romance don’t always hit the mark, the crocodile survival angle keeps the audience hooked. Despite its flaws, the film offers engaging entertainment and edge-of-the-seat moments, making it a decent watch for thriller lovers.