Yatra Movie Review : Emotionalized Version of Events, Already in Public Domain.

Story/Premise 

Yatra tells the origin and evolution story of 1500 km Padyatra (walk), throughout the state of Andhra to know problems faced by people, undertaken by late Andra Pradesh CM Y.S. Rajashekara Reddy before 2004 State election.

Review

Contrary to the Popular Buzz around the movie, Yatra is not a complete biopic, it covers hardly a duration of 1 year from the life of YSR. Focussing primarily on the 1500 km Padyatra (walk) undertaken  by YSR to understand the problems faced by poor people in state, Yatra gives a miniscule glimse into the Personal life of Former CM.

Written and driected by Mahi V Raghav, Yatra doesn't shed light on any new information about YSR, banks mostly upon emotionalizing events already in public domain.

Movie opens with introduction scene of YSR (Mammootty), since then he is present in almost every frame. The first half is a bit negative to the movie ( feels little dragged), but the charismatic presence of Mammootty adds soul to the scenes. Maybe because in first half information overpowered Drama,  Scenes narrated farmer problems which we already know , so it felt little dragged. Except few massy dialogues , first half goes in a slow pace.

Second half,  is where the Drama begins focussing more on clashes between party  high command and YSR. There is no constant antagonist in the movie, the completion of padyatra marked conclusion to the film. Original Archived footages of YSR are used in the end.

The performance by Mammootty as YSR is mesmerizing, His charisma and voice make it a treat for eyes and ears. Then Rao Ramesh, in role of side-kick to YSR has a prominent presence. Sachin khedekar plays the role of passive antagonist (coincidentally he is playing antagonist is 2nd NTR Biopic movie too ). Ashrita vemuganti, who played wife of YSR, has a very small role , as I said films focusses very less into personal life of YSR.There are many other known faces in movie like Suhasini maniratnam, Pisano Krishna murali , 30 years Prithvi. Everyone played their parts perfectly.

The BGM added great value to movie. Though there are no catchy songs, but the music is apt. Cinematography sets the visual tone for the movie, perfect.

Verdict

Yatra is a safe-game. Director played it safe, not touching any controversy. Not having  OTT dialogues and conflicts, makes the pace of the movie  slow but it doesn't bore you.

If you know about YSR you would relate to the film and love it too. But if you are a newbie then you would be slightly disappointed.