'Yatra 2', directed by Mahi V Raghav, has been produced by Shiva Meka under Three Autumn Leaves and V Celluloid. The director himself is one of the producers. Made as an election-time film in favour of the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the film hit the screens today. Let's find out how the movie is:
Plot:
It is 2009. The tragic demise of Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy (Mammootty) leaves the ruling Progress Party in tatters. The state unit of the national party favours the deceased leader's son, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (Jiiva), as the successor. This is not to the liking of the party high command led by Sonia Gandhi (Suzanne Bernert), who uses the excuse that Jagan is inexperienced as a nine-month-old parliamentarian.
Despite overt and covert threats, Jagan decides to undertake the Odarpu Yatra to console the families of more than 600 individuals who died out of shock after the untimely passing away of YSR. The Yatra galvanizes the support of millions, sending shivers down the spine of the high command and Jagan's bete noire, Chandrababu (Mahesh Manjrekar). How do his sworn political enemies try to prevent his rise? How does Jagan become the CM of Andhra Pradesh against all odds? That's what the second half is about.
Performances:
Jiiva is known to the Telugu audience mainly because of 'Rangam' ('Ko' in Tamil). As Jagan in 'Yatra 2', he delivers a defining performance. In the scene where he and his onscreen mother (played by Ashrita Vemuganti Nanduri) meet with Sonia Gandhi, he raises the script to the next level. Jiiva is not just good but shockingly good! He looks like Jagan in many ways without making the imitation too obvious.
Mammootty is a seasoned actor and whatever he had to deliver as YSR, he did in 'Yatra' (2019). In the present film, he is more of a supporting character who anchors the emotional arc of his onscreen son. Suzanne Bernert is good, showing the arrogance of a leader who tried to subvert a rising force with utter contempt for people's wishes. Mahesh Manjrekar as Chandrababu Naidu could have been better; he doesn't get memorable scenes beyond the conventional ones. Ketaki Narayan as YS Bharathi is natural.
Technical Departments:
Music Director Santhosh Narayanan uses the songs to dramatize Jagan's people-connect campaigns with a touch of melodrama and triumphalist music. Cinematographer Madhie's efforts are commendable. Editor Shravan Katikaneni could have handled the occasional non-linear narration in a better way. Art Director Selva Kumar's work is good.
Analysis:
Writer-director Mahi V Raghav is a confessed fan of Jagan. He is emotionally and intellectually invested in the incumbent. And it shows. Jagan is depicted as a shy newcomer who steered clear of crowds. Encouraged by his father's aide, he reluctantly steps forward to acknowledge the cheering crowds at a rally. For those unfamiliar with his persona in 2009, it may surprise you that the future CM was once hesitant to engage in what eventually became his strength: joyfully waving at crowds with a blissful smile.
There was a period when Jagan was anticipated to be deferential towards Sonia. He remained composed amidst political turmoil, whether orchestrated by men from AP or influenced by Madam from Delhi. His transition into a fearless figure is portrayed through his developing grasp of the lessons instilled by his father from a young age.
Chandrababu's Telugu Nadu Party plots against Jagan's rise. The portrayal of the rivals could have been subtle. The film follows a conventional template we are used to seeing in commercial potboilers: Jagan makes intrepid moves, keeps winning people on his sides, adds seats, multiplies legislators and divides Opposition (well, not really; as he says it took a coalition to defeat his party in 2014 by a meagre vote share).
For a good part of the first half, the film is as much pro-Jagan as it is anti-Sonia. Congress party's name is changed to Progress party. On the other hand, YSR Congress' name is retained.
In the second half, 'Yatra 2' becomes an out-and-out pitch for Jagan. We are told why he refused to make a promise that could have titled the scales in 2014. And his eventual ascension in 2019 occupies a decent screen time.
Merits:
1. The film's production values are decent.
2. An effective Jiiva is really a major plus.
3. The timing of the release.
4. The telling of the story as a son's promise to his father.
5. Some cinematic lines. They are political yet they carry some charm.
Demerits:
1. The portrayal of the period from 2014-19 could have been more effective.
Vox Verdict:
'Yatra 2' makes its political inclinations clear. This is no neutral film and if you are a fan of Jagan/YSRCP, you will enjoy some whistle-worthy moments. Watch it!
Rating: 3.25/5
