Mass Raja Ravi Teja's "Mr. Bachchan," directed by Harish Shankar, has ignited considerable anticipation amongst movie lovers. The duo's previous collaboration, "Mirapakay," was a massive hit, setting the stage for high expectations surrounding this latest venture. As the film concludes its theatrical run, fans eagerly await its arrival on Netflix, the film's official OTT partner.
Mr. Bachchan is inspired by real-life incidents and based on the IT raid conducted on industrialist Sardar Inder Singh and is a remake of the Hindi film Raid (2018). Mr. Bachchan (Ravi Teja), an honest and upright IT officer, is suspended for his unwavering integrity. He returns to his tranquil village, seeking solace and spending quality time with his loving parents (Tanikella Bharani, Gautami). In this peaceful haven, he falls head over heels for Jikki (Bhagyashri Borse), a beautiful Marwari girl. His idyllic life takes a dramatic turn when he clashes with the powerful Muthyam Jaggayya (Jagapathi Babu), an MP.The unexpected reinstatement and promotion of Bachchan as Dy Commissioner of IT adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation. As the story unfolds, the consequences of his unwavering commitment to justice and his clash with the powerful Jaggayya family unravel in a series of unexpected twists and turns.
Ravi Teja, the "Mass Raja," brings his trademark energy, mass appeal, and stylish presence to "Mr. Bachchan." He effortlessly embodies the character, leveraging his experience to deliver a performance that surpasses his previous outings. His portrayal is marked by genuine emotions, expressive delivery, and captivating dance moves. Ravi Teja's bold attempt at a Hindi accent adds a new dimension to his on-screen persona, delighting his fans.
Bhagyashri Borse, making her debut, captivates with her glamorous presence. While her acting scope remains limited, she excels in the film's song sequences, matching Ravi Teja's energy levels. Her performance in emotional scenes is competent.
Jagapathi Babu delivers a nuanced performance, showcasing a range of expressions and impactful dialogue delivery. He avoids overacting, ensuring his dialogues resonate effectively.
Satya's comic timing entertains the audience, especially in the first half where Satya excels in infusing humor. Supporting actors, including Sachin Khedekar, Tanikella Bharani, Subhalekha Sudhakar, and Gautami, all deliver convincing performances within their respective roles. Young hero Siddhu Jonnalagadda's special appearance is a highlight, with his striking dialogue delivery leaving a strong impact.
Harish Shankar's "Mr. Bachchan," a remake of the Bollywood film "Raid," attempts to recapture the magic of his previous hits like "Gabbar Singh" and "Gaddalakonda Ganesh." While the film opens with a stylish introduction of Ravi Teja, it quickly descends into predictable romantic sequences and stale comedy.
In a surprising move, Harish Shankar incorporates numerous Hindi songs by Kishore Kumar, Kumar Shanu, and Amitabh Bachchan, even having Ravi Teja dance to old ANR hits. Though meant to entertain, these musical interludes fail to contribute meaningfully to the story and ultimately hinder the film's momentum.
The pace picks up slightly during the interval block, but the second half follows the same formulaic approach. Harish Shankar's overreliance on stale comedy involving Jagapathi Babu's family members, fails to elevate the conflict between him and Ravi Teja. The lack of seriousness in portraying the IT raids undermines the potential for a strong narrative.
The climax, riddled with illogical scenes and unrealistic stunts that leave Ravi Teja unscathed, further weakens the film. His de-aged appearance occasionally jars with the on-screen persona.
While Ujwal Kulkarni's editing is decent, it could have been more effective in tightening the pacing. Ayanaka Bose's cinematography is commendable, capturing the scenic beauty of the song locations. Mickey J Meyer's music is engaging, with foot-tapping mass beats and well-choreographed dance sequences, though some moves feel reminiscent of other superhit films. His background music effectively complements the scenes. The film's production values are satisfactory.
Overall, "Mr. Bachchan" lacks the depth and originality that characterized Shankar's earlier successes. It relies heavily on tried and tested tropes, failing to create a compelling narrative or elevate the source material.
Altogether, Mr. Bachchan is a predictable mass entertainer. Harish Shankar's "Mr. Bachchan" relies heavily on Ravi Teja's signature mass appeal and the captivating presence of Bhagyashri Borse. While the film successfully caters to the expectations of Ravi Teja's fanbase, it falls short in terms of a compelling narrative. The screenplay and direction, though entertaining, adhere to a familiar formula, lacking depth and originality. As a result, "Mr. Bachchan" earns a 2.25 rating from Cinejosh, signifying a film that delivers on entertainment value but falls short in terms of substance.