Movie: Mr Bachchan
Rating: 2.25/5
Banner: People Media Factory
Cast: Ravi Teja, Bhagyashri Borse, Jagapathi Babu, Sachin Khedekar, Satya, Sudarshan, Satyam Rajesh, Subhalekha Sudhakar, BVS Ravi, Tanikella Bharani and others
Music: Mickey J Meyer
DOP: Ayananka Bose
Editor: Ujwal Kulkarni
Action: Ram Laxman, Pruthvi
Production Designer: Brahma Kadali
Co-Producer: Vivek Kuchibhotla
Producer: T G Vishwa Prasad
Written and Directed by: Harish Shankar
Release Date: August 15, 2024
Ravi Teja and Harish Shankar have teamed up once again after a long hiatus. Their previous film, "Mirapakay," was a success. Their new film, "Mr. Bachchan," is a remake of a blockbuster Hindi movie.
It remains to be seen if this remake lives up to the hype.
Story:
Following his brief suspension, Bachchan (Ravi Teja), an upright income tax official, goes to his village, where he falls in love with Jikki (Bhagyashri Borse), a Marwadi-Telugu local.
While serving his suspension, Bachchan showcases his vocal talents and entertains audiences as a singer in a local orchestra. His renditions of Kumar Sanu's songs and his lighthearted demeanor impress Jikki.
Both families consent to their marriage. As they are making arrangements for the wedding in four days, Bachchan receives a call from senior officials to resume his duty and initiate a raid on Mutyam Jaggayya, a local Member of Parliament, who has been storing money in his house.
Before his wedding, will Bachchan fulfill his task and find the money from Mutyam Jaggayya?
Artistes’ Performances:
In addition to offering a fresh role for Ravi Teja, the tax officer character 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 performances during promotional interviews, but her on-screen presence in the film is unremarkable.
The film begins with an intriguing portrayal of Jagapathi Babu as a Member of Parliament. However, as the story progresses, his character devolves into a caricature of a villain rather than a formidable antagonist.
Satya's comedy is occasionally amusing but loses its appeal after a while. 'Jabardasth' Chammak Chandra's comedy track is not only silly but also highlights the film's poor writing.
Technical Excellence:
The songs are a major highlight of the film. Tracks like "Sitar," “Reppal Dappulu,” and “Nallanchu Tellacheera” stand out due to their vibrant picturization, and they 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. There is a noticeable lack of brilliance in his editing work.
The screenplay is the main issue, while the dialogue writing is somewhat acceptable.
Highlights:
Songs and their picturization
Drawback:
Lack of seriousness
No drama in raid sequences
The comedy is of poor quality
Botched up screenplay
Analysis
"Mr. Bachchan" is an official remake of the 2018 Hindi film "Raid," which starred Ajay Devgn. The original film dramatized a real-life income tax raid that took place in Lucknow during the mid-1980s, known as the longest raid in Indian history. Director Harish Shankar, who is known for adapting source material to suit Telugu mass audiences, unfortunately, delivers a lackluster remake.
Harish Shankar has added outdated comedic and romantic elements to boost the entertainment value and cater to mass audiences. The comedy sequences with Satya and Chammak Chandra highlight the film's routine nature.
The romance between Ravi Teja and Bhagyashri, developed through songs and frequent visits to cassette recording places, is neither captivating nor engaging. This subplot feels overlong and tedious.
The first half of the film focuses on the romantic relationship between the main characters, while the interval builds anticipation for a more intense storyline involving income tax raids. However, the film's narrative remains flat even after the interval.
The raids conducted by Ravi Teja and his team fail to generate excitement. The attempts to uncover hidden funds within the antagonist’s residence lack intrigue and drama.
The original Hindi film featured a racier screenplay and more engaging sequences, particularly involving Ajay Devgn and Saurabh Shukla. The Telugu version, however, lacks the same intensity due to a diluted script.
Ravi Teja's attempts to mimic ANR's dance, deliver dialogues reminiscent of Amitabh Bachchan, and sing like Kumar Sanu fall short of providing entertainment.
The subplot involving Ravi Teja and a television serial actress contradicts the logical rules of income tax raids, with phone calls being made and villains meeting high-profile figures despite the ongoing raid.
Young actor Siddhu Jonnalagadda makes a cameo appearance in a crucial segment, adding star value but nothing else.
The film’s positive aspects are its colorful songs and, to some extent, Ravi Teja's performance.
Overall, “Mr. Bachchan” fails to entertain or engage as effectively as the original movie. Despite Harish Shankar’s reputation for successful remakes, this version suffers from outdated comedy and a lack of seriousness.
Bottom line: Beaten Track
