Director Mahi V Raghav’s name may not ring a bell. The director of Taapsee’s horror comedy Anando Brahma is in news as his much-awaited film Yatra (that chronicles late YSR’s Padayatra) is due for release on Feb 8th.
“I have met YS Jagan only twice. First time, I had went to show him the first look poster of the film. He said he had already seen the poster. Second time, I’ve met him to show the film’s teaser. Either times, he hadn’t given me any advice or any piece of suggestion. All he told me was that I’m making a film about my leader. So, it is in between my leader (YSR) and myself. He questioned me how he can come in between.”
Mahi elaborates on his brief interaction with Jagan. “I think Jagan knows the creative space of a filmmaker. He said he wouldn’t like to intervene in my story and my film. He is very gracious enough. In fact, the biggest thing is that neither him nor anyone from his side have raised any objections when he come to know that I’m making a film. Despite the fact that I’m not so popular director with only two-film-old, they haven’t created any obstacles (like denying permissions) or etc. If they want to interfere or if they want a film on YSR, probably they would have ensured that a bigger director is roped in and can get the film done with higher budgets,” adds Mahi.
Jagan’s Only Request
Mahi tells YS Jagan’s only request. “When I had met him, I had told him that my film is about his Padayatra and his public schemes. Jagan had asked me to give credit to leader YSR only for what he had done to people. He clearly told me not to give credit for things his father had not done. Jagan wants the film to be realistic and doesn’t want it to be glorified and doesn’t want it to be too praising about YSR. Probably, Jagan understood that biopics are glorified these days.
Yatra isn’t Biopic
Mahi clarifies that Yatra is not biopic as assumed by a section of people, media. He says, “Yatra is not a biopic. It is like any movie with good dose of drama and interesting elements that audiences would like to see on screen.”
Origin of Yatra
Talking about the genesis of Yatra, Mahi recalls, “There is no particular incident or event that inspired me to do a film on YSR. There are several instances where I interacted with common people for a general chit chat ( in cab journeys) and their experiences with YSR and his schemes, policies have helped a lot of people and their families in one way or the other. I came to know about late YSR a lot and those things have all added up and that’s when I felt YSR’s story to be picturised on screen.”
Directing Mammootty
Mahi refrains from saying “directing” Mammootty. He reasons, “It is not correct to say that a young filmmaker like me directed Mammootty. Mammootty is a big star and he knows what the role wants and he just did it simply. He is a great movie buff. He is passionate about films. I have never seen a person who loves cinema so much. He enters into caravan, he watches cinema or serials or any content irrespective of the language. He keeps talking about films. Despite having in industry for so long, he is not bored of films and he keeps watching films. Frankly, I didn’t direct him. He has done his part so well. Same is the case with editor Sreekar Prasad and lyric writer Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry. It is obscene to say that I directed Sreekar Prasad and Sirivennela garu. I hardly know how to write Telugu. So, how can I direct Sirivennela garu. They are very experienced than me and they all have helped me in shaping up Yatra.”
What’s next?
Mahi says he is keeping his fingers crossed for the release of Yatra and how audiences would receive it. He says the result of Yatra would decide the fate of his next film.
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