“Mr. Bachchan” follows the journey of an honest and principled Income Tax Officer as he navigates a complex world of political pressure and tempting offers from influential individuals, determined to complete a high-stakes raid.
Story
Mr. Bachchan (Ravi Teja), an honest IT officer suspended for his integrity, seeks solace in his village, where he falls for the captivating Marwari beauty, Jikki (Bhagyashri Borse). But his peaceful retreat is abruptly shattered when he’s unexpectedly reinstated and promoted to Dy Commissioner, tasked with raiding an influential individual. This twist throws Bachchan into a whirlwind of unexpected consequences, especially when he crosses paths with the powerful MP Muthyam Jaggayya (Jagapathi Babu), setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
Analysis
Ravi Teja, the film’s energetic livewire, seamlessly embodies Mr. Bachchan, captivating audiences with his signature mass appeal. Despite his age, his energy levels remain unmatched, making an impact with his dialogue delivery, expressions, and energetic dance moves that drive his fans wild.
Bhagyashri Borse, making her debut, sets the screen ablaze with her captivating beauty and glamorous presence. While her role limits her acting scope, she sizzles in the song sequences and romantic scenes with Ravi Teja.
Jagapathi Babu, exuding a menacing presence, embodies a silent killer. He conveys emotions effectively through his eyes and flawless body language. Other supporting actors like Sachin Khedekar, Tanikella Bharani, and Subhalekha Sudhakar deliver convincing performances. Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s cameo adds a punch of intensity to the film.
“Mr. Bachchan,” a remake of the 2018 Bollywood film “Raid” starring Ajay Devgn, is inspired by a real-life IT raid on a prominent politician and industrialist. While those familiar with “Raid” may find “Mr. Bachchan” silly and outdated, those who haven’t might find some enjoyment. Harish Shankar sticks to a predictable formula of hero introduction, a love track with the heroine, and the hero outsmarting the villain in his own lair with some comedic scenes.
The story feels dated, and Harish Shankar prioritizes the glamour of Bhagyashri Borse and Ravi Teja’s mass appeal over a strong narrative. While he achieves some success in this regard, he fails to replicate the uproarious comedy of “Gabbar Singh.” The comedy track feels forced and tedious, testing the audience’s patience. Although the inclusion of Hindi songs by Kishore Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kumar Shanu might appeal to some, along with Ravi Teja dancing to ANR songs, these elements ultimately drag the film down.
Ravi Teja’s de-aged look, while effective at times, feels awkward at others. The first half drags on before finally transitioning into the second half with an interval block that generates some interest. However, the second half also feels silly and illogical, catering to those who don’t care for narrative coherence.
Ujwal Kulkarni’s editing leaves much to be desired, with repetitive scenes and pacing issues that impact the flow. Ayanaka Bose’s cinematography is commendable, showcasing the songs beautifully. While the song choreography is impressive, some moves feel borrowed from older hits. Mickey J Meyer delivers foot-tapping tunes and a few melodies, striking a balance. His background music complements the storyline, though it can be overly loud at times. Production values are satisfactory.
Verdict
Harish Shankar’s “Mr. Bachchan” starring Ravi Teja, has been met with mixed reactions. While the film attempts to engage audiences with familiar commercial elements like Ravi Teja’s mass appeal and Bhagyashri’s glamorous presence, it ultimately falls short of expectations, appearing outdated and lacking in substance. The film’s success hinges heavily on Ravi Teja’s dedicated fan base, who will be the deciding factor in its box office performance.