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 are collaborating again after quite some time! Their last project, “Mirapakay,” was a hit, and now they’re back with a new film titled “Mr. Bachchan,” which is a remake of a popular Hindi blockbuster.
We’ll have to wait and see if this remake meets all the expectations.
Story:
After a short suspension, Bachchan (Ravi Teja), a dedicated income tax officer, returns to his village and finds himself falling for Jikki (Bhagyashri Borse), a local girl of Marwadi-Telugu descent.
While he’s on suspension, Bachchan entertains crowds by showcasing his singing abilities in a local orchestra. His lively performances of Kumar Sanu’s songs and his cheerful attitude leave a lasting impression on Jikki.
Both families have given their blessing for the marriage. As they finalize the wedding plans for four days later, Bachchan is contacted by senior officials who ask him to resume his duties and carry out a raid on Mutyam Jaggayya, a local MP known for keeping large sums of money at his house.
Will Bachchan manage to complete his mission and track down the money from Mutyam Jaggayya before his wedding?
Artistes’ Performances:
Along with providing a new opportunity for Ravi Teja, the tax officer role fits him perfectly in both his acting and style. Unfortunately, the repetitive scenes designed for him take away from the film’s overall appeal.
Bhagyashri Borse, a fresh face in the industry, caught everyone’s eye with her captivating dance performances during promotional interviews; however, her presence in the film itself leaves much to be desired.
The film opens with an engaging representation of Jagapathi Babu as a Member of Parliament. However, as the plot develops, his character shifts into a more exaggerated villain, losing the depth of a genuine adversary.
While Satya delivers some laughs here and there, his comedy starts to feel less engaging over time. On the other hand, Chammak Chandra’s comedic moments in ‘Jabardasth’ are not only ridiculous but also reveal the film’s weak script.
Technical Excellence:
One of the film’s biggest attractions is its music. Songs such as “Sitar,” “Reppal Dappulu,” and “Nallanchu Tellacheera” are especially memorable, thanks to their colorful presentation that looks fantastic on screen.
Ayananka Bose’s work in cinematography and production design really elevates the visual charm of these songs.
Although Ujwal Kulkarni is celebrated for his role in ‘KGF,’ his editing in this film leaves much to be desired. It’s evident that his work here lacks the creativity and polish we’ve come to associate with him.
The main problem lies with the screenplay, although the dialogue is reasonably good.
Highlights:
The relationship between songs and their visual representation.
Drawback:
The tone is quite lighthearted, lacking any sense of seriousness.
The raid scenes don’t bring any tension.
The comedy isn’t very strong, and the screenplay seems to be poorly crafted.
Analysis
The film “Mr. Bachchan” serves as an official remake of the 2018 Hindi film “Raid,” which starred Ajay Devgn. The original narrative focused on a real income tax raid that happened in Lucknow during the mid-1980s, noted for being the longest raid in Indian history. Unfortunately, director Harish Shankar, known for his ability to adapt stories for Telugu viewers, has produced a remake that lacks excitement.
Harish Shankar has incorporated some old-fashioned comedic and romantic elements to enhance the film’s entertainment factor and appeal to a wider audience. The comedic moments featuring Satya and Chammak Chandra really emphasize the film’s conventional style.
The romance that blossoms between Ravi Teja and Bhagyashri, showcased through their musical moments and repeated trips to cassette recording venues, doesn’t quite capture the audience’s interest. This subplot feels prolonged and somewhat monotonous.
The opening segment of the film highlights the budding romance between the protagonists, establishing a sweet vibe. As we reach the intermission, there’s a sense of excitement for a more dramatic twist involving income tax raids. However, the storyline fails to elevate itself after the break, leaving it feeling somewhat flat.
Ravi Teja and his team’s raids miss the mark when it comes to excitement. Their quest to find hidden money in the antagonist’s house feels uninspired and devoid of any real drama.
The Hindi version of the film showcased a more exciting screenplay and dynamic moments, particularly with Ajay Devgn and Saurabh Shukla. Unfortunately, the Telugu adaptation doesn’t quite match that energy, as the script feels less impactful.
While Ravi Teja tries to channel ANR’s dance, echo Amitabh Bachchan’s dialogue delivery, and sing in the vein of Kumar Sanu, his attempts unfortunately miss the entertainment factor.
In the subplot with Ravi Teja and a television actress, the events clash with the typical expectations of income tax raids, where phone conversations are happening and villains are interacting with high-profile people despite the ongoing investigation.
In a key moment, young actor Siddhu Jonnalagadda pops up for a cameo, lending some star appeal, though it doesn’t add much to the overall impact.
One of the highlights of the film is its vibrant songs, along with Ravi Teja’s performance, which adds a nice touch to the overall experience.
All in all, “Mr. Bachchan” misses the mark in terms of entertainment and engagement compared to the original movie. Although Harish Shankar is celebrated for his remakes, this one is hindered by its outdated humor and a deficiency in seriousness.
Overall conclusion:
FAQs
2. How is Ravi Teja's performance in "Mr. Bachchan"?
Ravi Teja delivers a solid performance, embodying the role of a tax officer with his signature style and energy. However, repetitive scenes diminish the overall impact of his portrayal, and the movie fails to fully capitalize on his talents.
3. Is "Mr. Bachchan" a faithful remake of the Hindi movie Raid?
While "Mr. Bachchan" is a remake of Raid, it falls short in terms of excitement and tension. The Telugu version incorporates additional comedic and romantic elements, but it doesn't match the intensity and gripping narrative of the Hindi original.
4. What are the highlights of the film?
The highlights of "Mr. Bachchan" include its vibrant musical sequences, particularly songs like "Sitar" and "Nallanchu Tellacheera," and Ravi Teja’s lively performance. The film's cinematography also adds visual charm to these sequences.
5. What are the major drawbacks of "Mr. Bachchan"?
The film suffers from a lighthearted tone, lacking seriousness, with weak comedy and a poorly structured screenplay. The romantic subplot feels drawn out, and the raid scenes lack any real tension, making the movie less engaging than anticipated.
