Mammootty awaits the release of 'Yatra' on February 8.  In this interview, he talks about playing YS Rajasekhara Reddy in the movie, working with director Mahi V Raghav, making a comeback in Tollywood and more.  

Right comeback movie

'Yatra' is my first Telugu film in a long time.  I saw it as an apt film as soon as I listened to the narration.  As for the comeback, people are saying that I am looking just the way I looked in 'Swathi Kiranam'.  I don't know what is the secret.  But I always think good thoughts.

New directors are not new to me

I have worked with 70 new directors in my career.  Of these 70, most of them are still continuing to make movies.  Two of them are doing Tamil movies.  Some of them have made big names for themselves.  In any case, Mahi is not a debutant.  He is relatively new.  He has tried to bring something new to the table.

True to what YSR was like

Mahi not only came to me with a bound script but also trusted me totally.  He offered me the role of a legendary man with the confidence that I can bring something to the table.  It's not possible to tell the story of a person in two hours.  'Yatra' may or may not have scenes that actually happened in real life.  But the film definitely has entire segments based on YSR garu's life.  

Not a life story

This is not his full life story.  It's based on his Pada Yatra and other incidents.  His 'Pada Yatra' was not just about touring, but was also about meeting people, etc.  He learned first hand about their problems and emotions.  The script of 'Yatra' brings out all those sensibilities.  

No imitation of YSR

I haven't tried to imitate YSR garu in the movie.  It's not possible to talk like him, walk like him and behave like him.  My character is based on the real person that he was.  We have only taken the soul of his personality.  I haven't done any kind of research before donning the role.  I followed Mahi's script in toto.  I have done two biopics so far, one of them being Ambedkar's.  I could pull off 'Yatra' only because of the entire team.

Dubbing was easy

Many words are common to both Telugu and Malayalam.  There are certain differences pertaining to emphasis, etc.  I have dubbed for my role after duly taking care of all the nuances.  

Tollywood has changed

These days, artists are selective about what they are choosing.  I acted in K Viswanath garu's direction in a character with a negative shade.  I had to act in Kodi Ramakrishna garu's direction, too.  Somehow, it didn't work out.  'Yatra' happened when I was not expecting something like this to come to me.  I see a lot many changes in the film industry since the days of 'Swathi Kiranam'.  Versatile films are being made nowadays.  I have watched 'Rangasthalam' and 'Bharat Ane Nenu' recently.  

No politics for me

I have been an actor for 38 years.  Why should I think of entering politics now?  This is my politics.