Yatra 2 Review: Yatra 2, helmed by Mahi V Raghav and featuring Jiiva and Mammootty, serves as a compelling sequel to the 2019 film Yatra. This Telugu political drama intricately chronicles the journey of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, portrayed with remarkable depth by Jiiva. Mammootty, reprising his role as YSR, brings a dignified presence to the screen, complementing Jiiva’s portrayal of Jagan with poise and gravitas.
Jiiva, in his portrayal of YS Jagan, embodies the character with an exceptional blend of resilience, political acumen, and personal warmth. Mammootty, as YSR, delivers with elegance, while supporting roles by Mahesh Manjrekar and Suzanne Bernard, as Chandra Babu and the Madam respectively, add layers to the political narrative. Ketaki Narayan and Ashrita Vemuganti, portraying YS Bharati, Jagan’s wife and YS Vijayamma, Jagan’s mother contribute to the emotional depth of the storyline.
Despite potential political controversies, director Mahi V Raghav’s storytelling prowess ensures a captivating narrative, seamlessly integrating real-life footage to enhance authenticity. However, the disparity in visual quality between archival footage and cinematic sequences, along with the juxtaposition of YSR’s statues against Mammootty’s depicted images, may slightly detract from the immersive experience.
The film’s technical aspects, from Santhosh Narayan’s evocative score to Madhie’s cinematography, cohesively support the film’s narrative highs and lows. The dialogues like “Devudu nammakam, YSR nijam” (God is belief, YSR is truth) and “Maata thappadu madam thippadu” (He neither breaks his word nor turns his back) resonate with YSR’s supporters, invoking a sense of nostalgia and fervour.
Yatra 2 is a thought-provoking exploration of political perseverance and personal resilience. Jiiva’s portrayal of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is both powerful and poignant, offering a window into the complexities of political leadership and familial legacy. This political drama sheds light on the dynamics of power, loyalty, and governance, appealing to viewers differently depending on their political affiliations.