Aayutha Ezhuthu (2004) is a Tamil film directed by Mani Ratnam. The film has Surya, Madhavan and Siddharth in the lead roles. As usual Mani Ratnam comes up with a beautiful film that connects three men in a fateful incident and changes all their lives. Aayutha Ezhuthu focuses on the socio-political condition of the country and the role of the youth in the contemporary society. While some of them are aware of their responsibilities and fighting each day to set things straight there are others who live in a dream world and are self-centered. Another section of youth is misguided and is exploited by those who are powerful. Aayutha Ezhuthu was also dubbed into Hindi too and titled Yuva.

As far as the plot of Aayutha Ezhuthu is concerned it is spun around three young men: Inbashekar (Madhavan), Michael (Surya Sivakumar) and Arjun (Siddharth). The lives of these three men are entangled due to an incident on Napier Bridge in Chennai. Inbashekar (Madhavan) is a hit man who shoots Michael (Surya Sivakumar), a student leader. As Michael falls into the river he is saved by Arjun (Siddharth). The latter had taken lift from Michael to reach the bridge. Aayutha Ezhuthu opens with this scene.

As the plot develops several earlier incidents are shown and the story is divided into amongst the three male protagonists. Coming from three different strata of society they represent the condition of youth today. Michael is the student activist who is concerned with the socio-political scenario in India. His fearless attitude and unquestionable leadership makes the local leadership worried. On the personal front he is happy in a relationship with his neighbor Geetha (Esha Deol). On the other hand Inbashekar is married to Sasi (Meera Jasmine). Arjun is a carefree urban youth who is thrilled with his career and wants to go abroad to pursue his studies. However he comes across Meera (Trisha Krishnan) and falls in love with her. But the major change in him comes when he saves Michael. He leaves behind everything to join hands with Michael.

Aayutha Ezhuthu raises a pertinent question about the role of the youth in shaping the country`s future. The film clearly conveys the message that somebody needs to lead from the front and that person has to be one of us.

A. R. Rahman composed the music for Aayutha Ezhuthu.