I Did not Imitate YSR- Mammootty

Late chief minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy's Padayatra have gained immense importance in his life. The movie 'Yatra' is based on the key events that had happened during the Padayatra. Malayalam superstar Mammootty played the role of YS Rajasekhar Reddy. Mahi V Raghav is directing this film and produced by Vijay Chilla and Sasidhar Reddy under 70MM Entertainments Banner. On the occasion of the movie release on February 8th, Malayalam superstar Mammootty spoke to media

The reason for making the film after a long time in Telugu?
After a long time, I made a Telugu movie `Yatra`. When I heard about this film, it seemed to me that I was perfect for the film.  

Why do you want to work with a new director like Mahi?
In my career, I worked with over 70 Debut directors. But Mahi V. Raghav is not a debut director. Most of them in the 70 directors now became big directors. I am sure that new directors will be promising to say something in a new way.

Why do you act as a politician?
Mahi came to me with the full script and a lot of belief. We had good producers and require a legendary character, This is the main reason I accepted the film. There may be or may not be the real events in the script I read. But this is a biopic based on some events in the life of YSR. This is not his full biopic.  

Did you imitate YSR?
While I was doing the movie, I did not want to imitate YSR. It is not possible to behave, speak and walk like him. It's not good if you make a film based on his role. We made a film based on the soul of the character.

Have you done any research for the role?
I have not done any research for the film. Mahi gave me the script and I followed after reading it. People can speak differently but all are one. 

Want to go into politics?
I have been in the film industry for 38 years. Why should I go to politics now? These are my politics.

How difficult is to make dubbing?
There are many similar words in Telugu and Malayalam. In some places, some words are emphasized. With some work, we can make it easy. 

What Telugu movies have you seen in recent times?
I have seen Rangasthalam and Bharath Ane Nenu.

Have other directors approached you?
No, If good directors come with a nice script I will definitely do.

Do you have any dream roles to do?
All the roles I do are my dream roles.

Did you meet YS Jagan?
No, I did not.