Wikipedia

Yatra (2019 film)

Yatra (transl. Journey), also marketed as YSR: Yatra, is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language biographical film starring Mammootty as Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Directed by Mahi V Raghav, the film is based on padayatra of Reddy who served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from May 2004 to June 2009 representing Indian National Congress. The film is produced by Vijay Chilla, Shashi Devi Reddy under 70mm Entertainments and music composed by K.[4] Principal photography commenced on 20 June 2018 in Hyderabad.[5]

Yatra
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMahi V Raghav
Written byMahi V. Raghav
Produced byVijay Chilla
Shashi Devi Reddy
Shiva Meka (presenter)
StarringMammootty
CinematographySathyan Sooryan
Edited byA. Sreekar Prasad
Music byK
Production
company
Release date
  • 8 February 2019 (2019-02-08)[1]
Running time
126 mins
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹12 crore[2]
Box officeest. ₹14.30 crore[3]

The film was released on 8 February 2019 alongside dubbed versions in Malayalam and Tamil.[1][6] Despite receiving critical acclaim, the film did not perform commercially.[7][8]

Plot

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The plot of Yatra unfolds as a retrospective narrative, with Mahi V. Raghav directing the film in a biopic format. The story revolves around YSR's ambitious political career, his strong connection with the masses, and his vision for improving the lives of the people of Andhra Pradesh. YSR is depicted as a charismatic and compassionate leader who implemented numerous welfare programs and policies that endeared him to the common people.

The film also delves into the political challenges and obstacles faced by YSR during his tenure as the Chief Minister, including his tireless efforts to address issues such as healthcare, education, and the welfare of the underprivileged. Yatra portrays YSR's famous Padayatra, a massive foot journey he undertook across the state to connect with the people and understand their problems better.

The narrative of Yatra takes the audience through YSR's personal and political struggles, his interactions with various individuals, and the pivotal moments that shaped his political career. The film showcases his determination, leadership qualities, and the deep-rooted support he enjoyed from the people.

The climax of the film is centered around the tragic helicopter crash that claimed YSR's life, leaving the entire state in shock and mourning. It highlights the outpouring of grief and the unity of the people as they come together to pay their respects to their beloved leader.

Cast

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Soundtrack

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The music is composed by K, while the lyrics are written by Sirivennela Sitaramasastri. The first single "Samara Shankham" was released on 2 September 2018 on the anniversary of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy's death.[9]

Yatra
Soundtrack album by
K
Released2019
Recorded2018–2019
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length21:25
LanguageTelugu
ProducerK
K chronology
London Babulu
(2017) 		Yatra
(2019)
Soundtrack
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Samara Shankham"Sirivennela SitaramasastriKaala Bhairava3:40
2."Rajanna Ninnapagalara"Sirivennela SitaramasastriVandemataram Srinivas3:21
3."Pallello Kala Undhi"Sirivennela SitaramasastriS. P. Balasubrahmanyam4:00
4."Mandhito Patugaa"Sirivennela SitaramasastriSaicharan Bhasakaruni2:41
5."Nee Raka Kosam"Sirivennela SitaramasastriShankar Mahadevan4:21
6."Maruginava Rajanna"Penchal DasPenchal Das3:22
Total length:21:25

Production

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By early January 2018, the producers Vijay Chilla and Shashi Devireddy under their banner 70MM Entertainments had registered the title Yatra, while director Mahi V. Raghav was at the final phase of scripting.[10]

Casting

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Director Mahi V. Raghav said Mammootty was the first choice to play the role of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, but it took nearly five months to bring him on board.[11] Mammootty's performance in the 1991 film Thalapathi inspired director Mahi V Raghav to cast him in the film. In April 2018, Posani Krishna Murali was chosen to play YSR's personal assistant Sureedu.[12] In May, Hindi actor Sachin Khedekar was selected to play former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Bhaskara Rao,[13] while Rao Ramesh was chosen to play K. V. P. Ramachandra Rao, a close associate of Reddy.[14] In June, Suhasini Maniratnam was cast to portray Sabitha Indra Reddy, a sister figure to Reddy and the first woman Home Minister in Andhra Pradesh,[15] while television actress Anasuya Bharadwaj was reported to play a politician from Kurnool district.[16] In July, Jagapathi Babu was selected to feature Y. S. Raja Reddy, YSR's father.

Release and reception

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The film was released on 8 February 2019.[17]

Critical response

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Hemanth Kumar of Firstpost gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Yatra feels like just its title. The route is long and you are moved to tears at times, but without any major twists or turns that leave you in awe of the whole journey".[18] Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Beyond politics, Mahi V Raghav film Yatra, starring Mammootty, also works as a decent human drama.".[19] Karthik Kumar of Hindustan Times gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Mammootty’s docudrama is at its best when it focuses on the padayatra, devoid of any major twists and turns that usually leave you in awe".[20] Sify gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Political movies work more if you have a similar political bent".[21] Venkat Arikatla of Great Andhra gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "More than politics, the emotional sequences work out well for all".[22]

Box office

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Yatra collected ₹5 crore in the first five days.[23] The film, which grossed a total of ₹ 28.5 crore worldwide against a budget of ₹12 crore, performed decently at the box office.[24] Its worldwide distributor's share was ₹ 15.8 crore.[25] Yatra Managed to collect ₹ 1.20 crore at the USA Box Office.[26]

Sequel

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The second part titled Yatra 2 was released on 8 February 2024.[27]

References

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  1. ^ a b Narayanan, Nirmal (13 September 2018). "Mammootty's Yatra release date revealed". International Business Times. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  2. ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (30 December 2019). "Tollywood 2019". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  3. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H. (22 December 2019). "Tollywood Box office report - 2019: Highest grossing Telugu movies of the year". International Business Times. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  4. ^ "Yatra (Review)". Idlebrain. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  5. ^ "Mammootty plays YS Rajasekhara Reddy in upcoming Telugu biopic Yatra, directed by Mahi Raghavg". Firstpost. 6 July 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  6. ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (8 February 2019). "Yatra review: Mammootty is an asset to this political film that has the vibe of a docu-drama". The Hindu. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  7. ^ Prakash, BVS (3 March 2019). "Families take sting out of biopics?". The Hans India. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  8. ^ MK, Surendhar (23 February 2019). "Kumbalangi Nights becomes 2019's first Mollywood's blockbuster; Yatra, Dev fail to create impact at box-office". Firstpost. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  9. ^ "Yatra song Samara Shankham is about YSR Reddy's famous walkathon". Indian Express. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  10. ^ Adivi, Sridhar (4 January 2018). "Mahi V Raghav to direct biopic on YSR". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  11. ^ C R, Hemanth Kumar (22 March 2018). "'Mammootty was my first choice to play YSR': Director Mahi interview on upcoming biopic". The News Minute. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  12. ^ "is Posani right one to play expressionless ysr aide". Ntv. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  13. ^ Vyas (5 May 2018). "Bollywood Star In YSR Biopic Yatra". The Hans India. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  14. ^ Vyas (14 May 2018). "Rao Ramesh Roped In For KVP Role In YSR Biopic". The Hans India. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  15. ^ SURESH KAVIRAYANI (20 June 2018). "Suhasini to play Sabitha Indra Reddy". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  16. ^ "YSR biopic: Anasuya Bharadwaj turns politician". India Today. 30 June 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  17. ^ R, Manoj Kumar (8 January 2019). "Yatra movie trailer: Mammootty nails the role of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy". The Indian Express. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  18. ^ "Yatra movie review: Mammootty tries hard to keep the journey worth rooting for in a lacklustre political drama". Firstpost. 8 February 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  19. ^ "Yatra movie review: Mammootty is convincing as YSR". TheIndianExpress. 9 February 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  20. ^ "Yatra movie review: Mammootty's political drama is worth rooting for in spite of flaws". HindustanTimes. 8 February 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  21. ^ "Yatra review: Mammootty is convincing as YSR". Sify. 4 June 2019. Archived from the original on 8 February 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  22. ^ "Yatra Review: The Rise Of Mass Leade". GreatAndhra. 8 February 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  23. ^ "Yatra box office collection Day 8: Mammootty film is a winner". India Today. 16 February 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  24. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H. (25 February 2019). "Yatra 2-week box office earning: Mammootty starrer turns next big hit after F2 in 2019". www.ibtimes.co.in. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  25. ^ Vyas (1 March 2019). "Yatra Closing Box Office Collections Report". The Hans India. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  26. ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita (9 February 2019). "Yatra box office collections day 1: Mammootty and Mahi V Raghav's film does good business in US and India". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  27. ^ "'Yatra 2' teaser: Jiiva turns Andhra Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy in biopic". India Today. 5 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
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