After the tremendous success of the dubbed film “Rangam” (known as “Ko” in Tamil) over a decade ago, actor Jiiva is set to make his debut in Telugu with “Yatra 2.” Directed by Mahi V Raghav, the political drama serves as a sequel to the Mammootty-starrer “Yatra” and is scheduled for release on February 8.

In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Jiiva delves into the intricacies of portraying Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in the sequel. Despite having no prior knowledge of Andhra Pradesh politics, Jiiva approached the role purely as an actor, aiming to bring authenticity to his performance.

The actor expresses enthusiasm about venturing into the Telugu film industry and outlines his future plans. Jiiva’s debut in Telugu cinema with “Yatra 2” is poised to be a significant milestone in his career, marking his entry into a new linguistic realm and broadening his audience base.

‘I was sceptical to do Yatra 2’

Jiiva candidly reveals his initial hesitation in accepting the role in “Yatra 2,” primarily due to the significant nature of the character and his unfamiliarity with the Telugu language. Expressing his skepticism, he acknowledges the monumental stature of Jagan Mohan Reddy, the character he portrays, and the linguistic challenge that accompanied it. Jiiva, though not lending his own voice for the film, emphasizes the importance of comprehending the dialogues to deliver a convincing performance.

To overcome the language barrier, the actor dedicated two months to intense training to grasp the nuances of Telugu dialogues. Taking the portrayal of Jagan Mohan Reddy seriously, Jiiva approached the role with a sense of responsibility, ensuring authenticity and accuracy in his performance. This commitment reflects his dedication to delivering a compelling and believable depiction of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister in “Yatra 2.”

‘I approached this only from an artistic perspective’

Jiiva candidly admits to having no understanding of politics and underscores that, for him, “Yatra 2” is fundamentally a story about a son fulfilling a promise to his father. Emphasizing the artistic perspective, he draws parallels to iconic films like “Deiva Magan” and “The Godfather,” framing the narrative as a familial commitment rather than a political commentary. Jiiva’s focus on the emotional core of the film showcases his commitment to portraying the character of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy with depth and authenticity, regardless of the political context in which the movie is set to be released.

‘I waited 12 years to debut in Telugu’

Jiiva reflects on his journey in the Telugu film industry, noting that despite the success of “Rangam” in the region, he had not received compelling offers until “Yatra 2.” Expressing his eagerness for exciting roles, he waited for over a decade before landing the lead role in a direct Telugu film. Jiiva highlights the impact of Mahi V Raghav’s direction and praises Mammootty’s portrayal of YS Rajasekhara Reddy in the original “Yatra,” emphasizing his confidence in Mahi’s ability to bring out the best in actors. This wait, coupled with his admiration for Mahi’s directorial approach, ultimately led Jiiva to embrace the opportunity to play YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in the sequel.