Movie Name : Mr. Bachchan
Release Date : August 15, 2024
Cast : Ravi Teja, Bhagyasri Borse, Jagapathi Babu, Satya, Sachin Khedekar, Tanikella Bharani, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Gautami etc.
Director : Harish Shankar
Music Director : Mickey J. Meyer
Andhrawatch.com Rating : 2.25/5
Story:
Anand, also known as Mr. Bachchan (Ravi Teja), is a dedicated Income Tax official who moonlights as a singer with the local orchestra. After being suspended from his job due to a raid, he returns to his hometown, where he falls in love with a local girl named Jikki. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes entangled with Mutyam Jaggaya (Jagapathi Babu), a powerful politician from the area. The film’s central plot revolves around how Anand’s personal and professional lives become dangerously intertwined with Jaggaya’s influence, culminating in a dramatic resolution.
Review :
Raid is a film with a serious tone, lacking in entertainment and family drama. To make Mr. Bachchan more engaging, Harish Shankar altered the structure by shifting the core story to the second half and focusing the first half on humor and the romance between Ravi Teja and Bhagyashri. While the film has its moments, it can often feel dull. Ravi Teja’s introduction is effectively executed, and the vintage songs by Kumar Sanu and others add a nostalgic touch. In contrast to Raid’s portrayal of a husband-wife bond, Mr. Bachchan centers on the romance between the leads. Satya’s role is notably entertaining, with his excellent timing and expressions bringing vitality to the first half.
The true essence of Mr. Bachchan emerges in the film’s second half, where the tone shifts to a more serious nature, failing to resonate with the audience. The episodes in this part of the film are poorly executed and lack impact, causing the original emotional depth and essence to be lost. Jagapathi Babu, who is portrayed as a formidable antagonist in the first half, appears powerless throughout the second half. This portion of the film does not live up to audience expectations and ultimately falls short. Besides the songs, the second half of Mr. Bachchan lacks engaging elements and fails to hold interest.
Ravi Teja infuses Mr. Bachchan with his signature energy, effectively embodying the 70s setting with his appearance and presence. He performs well in both the action sequences and musical numbers. Bhagyashri Borse, elegantly showcased on screen, impresses with her flawless performance in the songs and her dance moves. Jagapathi Babu makes a strong impression as a powerful antagonist in the first half, but his impact diminishes significantly in the second half. Satya’s comic timing provides the only real relief, and he delivers his role effectively. Sachin Khedekar, Thanikella Bharani, Gauthami, and others contribute with their limited roles. Siddhu Jonnalagadda and Devi Sri Prasad pleasantly surprise the audience with their cameos.
Harish Shankar is widely recognized as a talented writer in Telugu cinema, but his work on Mr. Bachchan falters significantly, especially in the second half of the film. Some comedic scenes feel disjointed and may not resonate with all viewers. The comedy involving Chammak Chandra and a romantic subplot featuring Annapurnamma come across as particularly off-putting. Additionally, a character named Guruji seems to serve as an opportunity for Harish to settle scores with another industry director, adding to the overall cringe factor of the comedy.
Mr. Bachchan includes several references to classic Hindi songs that may not be familiar to today’s Telugu viewers. Mickey J Meyer is a standout contributor, with his engaging music and impactful background score enhancing the film. Ayanaka Bose’s cinematography deserves particular praise for its quality, while Ujwal’s editing is also effectively executed.
In essence, Mr. Bachchan has its highlights but primarily caters to mass audiences. Ravi Teja and Jagapathi Babu give solid performances, and Bhagyashri Bose brings a dose of glamour. However, the second half is marred by excessive comedy and pacing issues. Fans of Raid, the film that inspired Mr. Bachchan, should adjust their expectations accordingly.