:Yatra (2019 film)

{{short description|2019 Indian Telugu-language biographical film}}

{{Infobox film

| name = Yatra

| image = yatra(2019).jpg

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = Mahi V Raghav

| producer = Vijay Chilla
Shashi Devi Reddy
Shiva Meka (presenter)

| writer = Mahi V. Raghav

| starring = Mammootty

| music = K

| cinematography = Sathyan Sooryan

| editing = A. Sreekar Prasad

| studio = 70mm Entertainments

| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2019|2|8|ref1=}}

| runtime = 126 mins

| country = India

| language = Telugu

| budget = {{INR}}12 crore{{cite news|last=Kavirayani|first=Suresh|title=Tollywood 2019 |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/301219/tollywood-2019.html|access-date=15 May 2020|work=Deccan Chronicle|date=30 December 2019}}

| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR}}14.30 crore{{cite news|last=Hooli|first=Shekhar H.|title=Tollywood Box office report - 2019: Highest grossing Telugu movies of the year|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/tollywood-box-office-report-2019-highest-grossing-telugu-movies-year-810648|access-date=24 December 2019|work=International Business Times|date=22 December 2019}}

}}

Yatra ({{translation|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.{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/yatra.html |title=Yatra (Review) |work=Idlebrain |access-date=24 April 2022}} Principal photography commenced on 20 June 2018 in Hyderabad.{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mammootty-plays-ys-rajasekhara-reddy-in-upcoming-telugu-biopic-yatra-directed-by-mahi-raghav-4679881.html|title=Mammootty plays YS Rajasekhara Reddy in upcoming Telugu biopic Yatra, directed by Mahi Raghavg|date=6 July 2018|access-date=8 July 2018|work=Firstpost}}

The film was released on 8 February 2019 alongside dubbed versions in Malayalam and Tamil.{{cite news|last=Narayanan|first=Nirmal|date=13 September 2018|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/mammoottys-yatra-release-date-revealed-780447|title=Mammootty's Yatra release date revealed|access-date=15 September 2018|work=International Business Times}}{{cite news |last1=Dundoo |first1=Sangeetha Devi |title=Yatra review: Mammootty is an asset to this political film that has the vibe of a docu-drama |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/mammootty-is-an-asset-to-this-political-film-that-has-the-vibe-of-a-docu-drama/article26214559.ece |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=8 February 2019 |language=en-IN}} Despite receiving critical acclaim, the film did not perform commercially.{{cite news|last=Prakash|first=BVS|date=3 March 2019|title=Families take sting out of biopics?|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Tollywood/2019-03-02/Families-take-sting-out-of-biopics/505842|work=The Hans India|access-date=15 March 2021}}{{Cite news|title=Kumbalangi Nights becomes 2019's first Mollywood's blockbuster; Yatra, Dev fail to create impact at box-office|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kumbalangi-nights-becomes-2019s-first-mollywoods-blockbuster-yatra-dev-fail-to-create-impact-at-box-office-6139731.html|access-date=15 March 2021|work=Firstpost|first=Surendhar|last=MK|date=23 February 2019}}

Plot

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

{{cast listing|

Mammootty as Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy
Suhasini Maniratnam as Sabitha Indra Reddy
Jagapathi Babu as Y. S. Raja Reddy
Ashrita Vemuganti as Y. S. Vijayamma
Rao Ramesh as K. V. P. Ramachandra Rao
Anasuya Bharadwaj as Gowru Charitha Reddy
Sachin Khedekar as Ghulam Nabi Azad
Posani Krishna Murali as Y. Venkata Rao
Prudhvi Raj as Sujaya Krishna Ranga Rao
Vijayachander as Mandipalli Narayana Reddy
Thalaivasal Vijay as Tulla Devender Goud
Thotapalli Madhu as V. Hanumantha Rao
Tarun Dhanrajgir as N. D. Tiwari
Vinod Kumar Alva as K. Chennakesava Reddy
Nagineedu as Telapalli Raghavayya
Nassar as Teacher Venkatappa
Surya as Doctor
Dil Ramesh as Veerappa
Mahesh Achanta as Obulesh
Sanjay Swaroop as D.C.P.
Ravi Kale as Henchman
Chatrapathi Sekhar as Farmer
Kalyani as Kavitha's mother

}}

Soundtrack

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.{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/yatra-samara-shankham-ysr-biopic-mammootty-5335896/|title=Yatra song Samara Shankham is about YSR Reddy's famous walkathon|date=2 September 2018|access-date=15 September 2018|work=Indian Express}}

{{Infobox album

| name = Yatra

| type = Soundtrack

| artist = K

| cover =

| alt =

| released = 2019

| recorded = 2018–2019

| venue =

| studio =

| genre = Feature film soundtrack

| length = 21:25

| language = Telugu

| label =

| producer = K

| prev_title = London Babulu

| prev_year = 2017

| next_title =

| next_year =

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Soundtrack

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| total_length = 21:25

| lyrics1 = Sirivennela Sitaramasastri

| title1 = Samara Shankham

| extra1 = Kaala Bhairava

| length1 = 3:40

| lyrics2 = Sirivennela Sitaramasastri

| title2 = Rajanna Ninnapagalara

| extra2 = Vandemataram Srinivas

| length2 = 3:21

| lyrics3 = Sirivennela Sitaramasastri

| title3 = Pallello Kala Undhi

| extra3 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam

| length3 = 4:00

| lyrics4 = Sirivennela Sitaramasastri

| title4 = Mandhito Patugaa

| extra4 = Saicharan Bhasakaruni

| length4 = 2:41

| lyrics5 = Sirivennela Sitaramasastri

| title5 = Nee Raka Kosam

| extra5 = Shankar Mahadevan

| length5 = 4:21

| lyrics6 = Penchal Das

| title6 = Maruginava Rajanna

| extra6 = Penchal Das

| length6 = 3:22

}}

Production

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.{{cite news |last1=Adivi |first1=Sridhar |title=Mahi V Raghav to direct biopic on YSR |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/mahi-v-raghav-to-direct-biopic-on-ysr/articleshow/62364025.cms |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=4 January 2018 |language=en}}

=Casting=

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.{{cite news |last= C R |first=Hemanth Kumar | date=22 March 2018|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/mammootty-was-my-first-choice-play-ysr-director-mahi-interview-upcoming-biopic-78315|title='Mammootty was my first choice to play YSR': Director Mahi interview on upcoming biopic|work=The News Minute|access-date=24 April 2022}} 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.{{cite web|title=is Posani right one to play expressionless ysr aide|date=12 April 2018|access-date=18 September 2018|url=http://www.ntvtelugu.com/en/post/is-posani-right-one-to-play-expressionless-ysr-aide|work=Ntv}}

In May, Hindi actor Sachin Khedekar was selected to play former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Bhaskara Rao,{{cite news|title=Bollywood Star In YSR Biopic Yatra|author=Vyas | work=The Hans India |date=5 May 2018|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Tollywood/2018-05-05/Bollywood-Star-In-YSR-Biopic-Yatra/379071/amp|access-date=18 September 2018}} while Rao Ramesh was chosen to play K. V. P. Ramachandra Rao, a close associate of Reddy.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Tollywood/2018-05-14/Rao-Ramesh-Roped-In-For-KVP-Role-In-YSR-Biopic/381221/amp|title= Rao Ramesh Roped In For KVP Role In YSR Biopic|author= Vyas |work=The Hans India|date= 14 May 2018|access-date=18 September 2018}} 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,{{cite news|title=Suhasini to play Sabitha Indra Reddy|work=Deccan Chronicle|author= SURESH KAVIRAYANI|date=20 June 2018|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/200618/suhasini-to-play-sabitha-indra-reddy.html|access-date=18 September 2018}} while television actress Anasuya Bharadwaj was reported to play a politician from Kurnool district.{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/anasuya-bharadwaj-to-play-politician-in-ysr-biopic-1273829-2018-06-30|date=30 June 2018|title=YSR biopic: Anasuya Bharadwaj turns politician|access-date=18 September 2018|work=India Today}} In July, Jagapathi Babu was selected to feature Y. S. Raja Reddy, YSR's father.

Release and reception

The film was released on 8 February 2019.{{cite news |last1=R |first1=Manoj Kumar |date=8 January 2019 |title=Yatra movie trailer: Mammootty nails the role of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy |language=en |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/yatra-trailer-mammootty-nails-the-role-of-ysr-reddy-5527481/ |access-date=24 April 2022}}

= Critical response =

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".{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/yatra-movie-review-mammootty-tries-hard-to-keep-the-journey-worth-rooting-for-in-a-lacklustre-political-drama-6050251.html|title=Yatra movie review: Mammootty tries hard to keep the journey worth rooting for in a lacklustre political drama.|website=Firstpost |access-date=21 October 2019|date=8 February 2019}} 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.".{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/yatra-movie-review-rating-mammootty-ysr-5575533/|title=Yatra movie review: Mammootty is convincing as YSR.|website=TheIndianExpress|date=9 February 2019|access-date=21 October 2019}} 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".{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/yatra-movie-review-a-political-drama-worth-rooting-for-in-spite-of-flaws/story-yRDhr8HCg6L3GckDx6AIOJ.html|title=Yatra movie review: Mammootty's political drama is worth rooting for in spite of flaws.|website=HindustanTimes|date=8 February 2019|access-date=21 October 2019}} Sify gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Political movies work more if you have a similar political bent".{{cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/yatra-review-mammootty-is-convincing-as-ysr-review-telugu-tcio1Hdhecjie.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208125118/http://www.sify.com/movies/yatra-review-mammootty-is-convincing-as-ysr-review-telugu-tcio1Hdhecjie.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 February 2019|title=Yatra review: Mammootty is convincing as YSR.|date=4 June 2019|website=Sify|access-date=21 October 2019}} Venkat Arikatla of Great Andhra gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "More than politics, the emotional sequences work out well for all".{{cite web|url=https://www.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/yatra-review-the-rise-of-mass-leader-94931|title=Yatra Review: The Rise Of Mass Leader|website=GreatAndhra|date=8 February 2019|access-date=21 October 2019}}

=Box office=

Yatra collected {{INR|5 crore}} in the first five days.{{cite news |title=Yatra box office collection Day 8: Mammootty film is a winner |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/yatra-box-office-collection-day-8-mammootty-film-continues-decent-run-at-box-office-1457619-2019-02-16 |access-date=21 October 2019 |work=India Today |date=16 February 2019 |language=en}} The film, which grossed a total of {{INR}} 28.5 crore worldwide against a budget of {{INR}}12 crore, performed decently at the box office.{{Cite web|last=Hooli|first=Shekhar H.|date=25 February 2019|title=Yatra 2-week box office earning: Mammootty starrer turns next big hit after F2 in 2019|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/yatra-2-week-box-office-earning-mammootty-starrer-turns-next-big-hit-after-f2-2019-792611|access-date=28 October 2021|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}} Its worldwide distributor's share was {{INR}} 15.8 crore.{{cite news|author=Vyas|date=1 March 2019|title=Yatra Closing Box Office Collections Report |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Tollywood/2019-03-01/Yatra-Closing-Box-Office-Collections-Report/504823|work=The Hans India|access-date=24 April 2022|language=en}} Yatra Managed to collect ₹ 1.20 crore at the USA Box Office.{{cite news |last1=Nyayapati |first1=Neeshita |title=Yatra box office collections day 1: Mammootty and Mahi V Raghav's film does good business in US and India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/box-office/yatra-box-office-collections-day-1-mammootty-and-mahi-v-raghavs-film-does-good-business-in-us-and-india/articleshow/67912443.cms |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=9 February 2019 |language=en}}

Sequel

The second part titled Yatra 2 was released on 8 February 2024.{{cite magazine |title='Yatra 2' teaser: Jiiva turns Andhra Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy in biopic |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/yatra-2-teaser-jiiva-turns-andhra-chief-minister-jagan-mohan-reddy-in-biopic-2484762-2024-01-05 |magazine=India Today |date=5 January 2024 |access-date=9 January 2024}}