Movie: Mr Bachchan
Evaluation: 2.25/5
Banner: People Media Factory
Pour: Ravi Teja, Bhagyashri Borse, Jagapathi Babu, Sachin Khedekar, Satya, Sudarshan, Satyam Rajesh, Subhalekha Sudhakar, BVS Ravi, Tanikella Bharani and others
Music: Mickey J Meyer
Camera: Ayananka Bose
Editor: Ujwal Kulkarni
Action: Ram Laxman, Pruthvi
Production Designer: Brahma Kadali
Co-producer: Vivek Kuchibhotla
Producer: TG Vishwa Prasad
Screenplay and direction: Harish Shankar
Release date: 15 August 2024
Ravi Teja and Harish Shankar have worked together again after a long break. Their previous film ‘Mirapakay’ was a success. Their new film ‘Mr. Bachchan’ is a remake of a successful Hindi film.
It remains to be seen whether this remake lives up to the hype.
Story:
After his brief suspension, Bachchan (Ravi Teja), an upright tax officer, goes to his village where he falls in love with Jikki (Bhagyashri Borse), a local Marwadi Telugu woman.
While serving his suspension, Bachchan showcases his singing talent and entertains audiences as a singer in a local orchestra. His renditions of Kumar Sanu’s songs and his carefree demeanor impress Jikki.
Both families agree to their marriage. While they are planning the wedding in four days, Bachchan receives a call from senior officials to return to duty and raid the home of Mutyam Jaggayya, a local MP, who is hoarding money in his house.
Will Bachchan complete his task and raise the money from Mutyam Jaggayya before his wedding?
Artist appearances:
The role of the tax officer is not only a fresh take on Ravi Teja, it also suits him well in terms of acting and style. However, the routine sequences created for him detract from the overall quality of the film.
Bhagyashri Borse, a newcomer, attracted attention with her dance routines in promotional interviews, but her screen presence in the film is unremarkable.
The film begins with a fascinating portrayal of Jagapathi Babu as a Member of Parliament. However, as the story progresses, his character evolves from a fearsome antagonist to a caricature of a villain.
Satya’s comedy is occasionally amusing but loses its charm after a while. The comedy track by ‘Jabardasth’ Chammak Chandra is not only silly but also shows the poor screenplay work of the film.
Technical excellence:
The songs are a major highlight of the film. Songs like ‘Sitar’, ‘Reppal Dappulu’ and ‘Nallanchu Tellacheera’ stand out for their lively adaptation and look quite appealing on screen.
Ayananka Bose’s cinematography and production design enhance the visual appeal of these songs.
However, Ujwal Kulkarni, known for his work on KGF, delivers subpar editing in this film. His editing noticeably lacks brilliance.
The main problem is the script, while the dialogues are somewhat acceptable.
Highlights:
Songs and their film adaptation
Disadvantage:
Lack of seriousness
No drama in raid sequences
The comedy is of poor quality
Botched script
analysis
Mr. Bachchan is an official remake of the 2018 Hindi film Raid, starring Ajay Devgn. The original film dramatized a real-life tax raid that took place in Lucknow in the mid-1980s and is considered the longest raid in Indian history. Director Harish Shankar, known for adapting source material for mass Telugu audiences, unfortunately delivers a lackluster remake.
Harish Shankar has added dated comedic and romantic elements to increase the entertainment value and appeal to a wide audience. The comedy sequences featuring Satya and Chammak Chandra underline the routine nature of the film.
The romance between Ravi Teja and Bhagyashri, which develops through songs and frequent visits to cassette recording studios, is neither gripping nor exciting. This subplot seems too long and boring.
The first half of the film focuses on the romantic relationship between the main characters, while the intermission builds anticipation for a more exciting plot involving tax raids. However, the film’s plot remains monotonous even after the intermission.
The raids conducted by Ravi Teja and his team do not generate any suspense. The attempts to uncover funds hidden in the antagonist’s house lack intrigue and drama.
The original Hindi film had a faster-paced script and more thrilling scenes, especially with Ajay Devgn and Saurabh Shukla. However, the Telugu version lacks the same intensity due to a watered-down script.
Ravi Teja’s attempts to imitate ANR’s dance, deliver dialogues reminiscent of Amitabh Bachchan and sing like Kumar Sanu are not exactly entertaining.
The subplot involving Ravi Teja and the actress from a television series contradicts the logical rules of a tax raid: despite the ongoing raid, phone calls are made and the perpetrators meet with high-ranking personalities.
Young actor Siddhu Jonnalagadda makes a cameo appearance in a crucial section, giving him star qualities but nothing else.
The positive aspects of the film are its colourful songs and to some extent the performance of Ravi Teja.
Overall, Mr. Bachchan is not as entertaining and engaging as the original film. Although Harish Shankar is known for successful remakes, this version suffers from outdated comedy and a lack of seriousness.
Conclusion: Well-trodden path
