Mammootty breathes life into YSR role; ‘Yatra’ to hit screens on Dec 21

Former chief minister of united Andhra Pradesh late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy’s biopic is now ready for release. According to its producers, the film titled ‘Yatra’ will be released on December 21. The movie is directed by Mahi M Raghav whose horror comedy ‘Anando Bhrahma’ was usual run-of-the-mill one. 

However, all eyes are on ‘Yatra’ as national award-winning Malayalam actor Mammootty is donning the role of Rajasekhara Reddy, fondly knows as YSR. Mammootty has done the Telugu musical sensational ‘Swathi Kiranam’ some two decades ago that went on to become a huge hit and is loved by film buffs of all ages till today.

‘Yatra’ revolves around the events that lead to YSR’s popular padayatra (walkathon) in 2003. The story does not delve deep on the biography of one of most adored Indian politicians. It focuses only on what shaped the late leader and his career.  

Speaking about the movie, producers Vijay Chilla and Sashi Devireddy said through his 60-day long 1,500-kilometer padayatra, YSR became a legendary leader who found special place in the hearts of millions of Telugu speaking people across the globe. He wanted to understand the trials and tribulations of people, the pain and sufferings of women and the plight of farmers in the state from ground level, they said adding that only an actor like Mammootty could do justice to such a legendary character.   

Renowned Tollywood actor Jagapathi Babu is acing as YSR’s father Raja Reddy. Suhasini Maniratnam is also playing a key role in the film.