Mammootty starrer ‘Yatra’ is set in the backdrop of YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s padayatra in 2003. The movie has presented the leader who went among the public, addressed their concerns and fulfilled the promises when the party began to lose its base. People in Andhra Pradesh called him YSR. Though the movie can be included under the tag of biopic, it discusses the one event which took YSR to the post of chief minister.
The special position which YSR received in Congress after the padayatra and behind the stage politics considering the upcoming elections are all seen in the movie. The movie takes some instances to show how the pieces of advice his father gave in childhood have helped to mould a kind leader. One of those instances is when YSR became popular in his land through treating patients with 1 Rupee fee. Director Mahi V Raghav has flawlessly portrayed the leader who walked 1475 kms to the hearts of people within 60 days.
Though the movie describes a life story, it is a political thriller which will be an enjoyable watch for everyone. End of the movie was made emotional by bringing the real life visuals of YSR. Mammootty has succeeded in truthfully portraying YSR. He could bring the way of speaking and movements. In a nutshell, ‘Yatra’ is a one-man show of Mammootty. The movie's another highlight is that it is after two decades that Mammootty has acted in Telugu cinema.
The translated version of the movie was released in Kerala. Ashrita Vemuganti has played YSR’s wife. Several stars including Suhasini and Jagapathi Babu have acted in the movie. Music was composed by Krishna Kumar.
