Yatra 2 (2024) Movie Review

This scene, featured in director Mahi V Raghav’s Telugu film, "Yatra 2", captures the tense exchange between father and son amidst the foreboding weather. It prompts viewers to ponder what might have happened if YSR had heeded his wife's apprehensions and postponed his chopper ride. The sequel to the 2019 YSR biopic, "Yatra", delves into the events preceding YS Jagan's ascent to power. With its reverential tone and strategic release before elections, the film's intentions are clear.

While portraying YSR and Jagan as flawless leaders, the film vilifies their opponents as cunning and corrupt. Amidst this political narrative, it attempts to weave a compelling story of familial bonds, as seen in moments like the rainy night exchange. However, the film gradually leans towards a one-sided political drama.

Director Mahi Raghav, along with cinematographer Madhie and music composer Santhosh Narayanan, succeeds in creating dramatic tension. The color palette, shifting between muted tones and warmer hues, enhances the juxtaposition of cinematic reenactments with real-life footage. Santhosh's background score subtly complements the narrative, while Mammootty's commanding presence elevates the film, serving as its cornerstone.

In summary, "Yatra 2" offers a glimpse into the intertwined worlds of politics and family, driven by stellar performances and effective storytelling techniques.

In the early scenes of "Yatra 2," we notice subtle nods to classic films like "The Godfather" and "Thevar Magan." Jagan, portrayed by Jiiva, initially hesitates to steal the spotlight from his father, YSR, content to stay in his shadow. However, as the story progresses, we witness Jagan's transformation into a confident leader, symbolized by a triumphant moment standing tall in an open-roof car. Jiiva delivers a convincing performance, adding depth to the character.

As the conflict between Jagan and the party leadership intensifies, the film falls into a predictable pattern of portraying Jagan's opponents as manipulative and deceitful. Some aspects border on the absurd, such as the labeling of the ruling party as the "Progress party," highlighting the irony of decisions being made by 'Madam,' a thinly veiled reference to Sonia Gandhi. The portrayal of Chandrababu Naidu and his party adds unintentional humor, with a slightly wicked background score accompanying his introduction.

Unfortunately, "Yatra 2" tends to caricature the party leadership, reducing them to mere stereotypes rather than genuine political opponents. Even a cameo featuring former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh waiting for 'Madam' during her coffee break fails to add substance to the narrative. While Naidu's character gains some depth in later scenes, the film struggles to maintain engagement, particularly in the prolonged showdown between Jagan and Naidu.

Despite standout performances by Jiiva and supporting actors like Ashrita Vemuganti and Ketaki Narayan, who bear striking resemblances to their real-life counterparts, the film fails to sustain interest. Mahi Raghav injects moments of mass appeal with powerful dialogues like "Devudu nammakam, YSR nijam," but these moments are fleeting and unable to salvage the narrative.

"Yatra 2" offers a glimpse into Jagan's journey from launching his own political party to becoming Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 2019. However, it glosses over significant events like the state's bifurcation and the absence of Y S Sharmila's character leaves a noticeable gap. Despite its ambitious scope, the film ultimately falls short, focusing primarily on Jagan's ascent to power while neglecting broader political context and key characters.

"Yatra 2" caters primarily to fans of the YSRCP and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. The film lacks depth in political analysis or biography; instead, it serves as a celebratory showcase for Jagan.

Starring Mammootty, Jiiva, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Shubhalekha Sudhakar, and directed by Mahi V Raghav, "Yatra 2" receives a rating of 3.2 stars