What’s it about?
Anand, known as Bachchan (Ravi Teja), is an upright tax officer. An incident during one of his tax raids resulted in his temporary suspension. He joins an orchestra in his hometown to sing until his suspension is lifted, and he is mesmerized by Jikki’s (Bhagyashri Borse’s) beautiful looks.
He successfully captures her heart, setting the stage for their wedding. While preparing for the wedding, the officials overturn his suspension and assign him the task of completing tax raids on the local Member of Parliament, Mutyam Jagaiah (Jagapathi Babu).
Will Bachchan finish the raids before his wedding ceremony? What is the reason for the raids on Mutyam Jagaiah? How powerful is Jagaiah, and what challenges will Bachan encounter in his task?
Analysis
“Mr. Bachchan” is the official remake of the 2018 Hindi film “Raid,” featuring Ajay Devgan in the lead role. The Hindi film was a dramatization of an actual income raid that took place in Lucknow during the mid-1980s. Harish Shankar took the main story and changed it vastly. The story’s setting shifted to the 1990s. The Hindi version portrays Ajay Devgan as an income tax officer who experiences frequent transfers due to his uncompromising attitude. By the time the main story begins, the hero has already tied the knot.
In this version, Ravi Teja portrays a recently recruited tax officer who is still unmarried. Hence, the romantic track involving Ravi Teja and Bhagyashri Borse takes center stage during the whole first half of “Mr. Bachchan.” Harish Shankar has made Ravi Teja to perform Kumar Sanu’s songs and imitate the acting style of Amitabh Bachchan. Romance and entertainment dominate throughout the first half. Although visually appealing and glamorous, this extended episode is devoid in originality and is predictable. Occasionally, it challenges our patience too.
The comic segments with Satya and Chammak Chandra are completely ineffective. In one scene, Satya’s conversation goes as follows: “Pelliki Mundu Aadedi Pekata…Pelli Tarvata?” Why is it necessary to use such double meanings? When IT raids are underway, Chammak Chandra performs “stage plays” in the same home. How ridiculous does it sound? Such old-school writing and illogical episodes have indeed marred the quality of this remake.
The raids, the main point of the story, should have built tension in the story. But nowhere in the second half we feel such tension or raciness.
Similarly, the character of Jagapathi Babu, first depicted as a strong rival, eventually transforms into a conventional villain. Moreover, the film ends in a foreseeable manner, lacking the ability to create any thrill during the alleged IT raids. It is particularly absurd to witness Jagapathi Babu’s journey to New Delhi and his meeting with India’s Prime Minister in order to implore him to halt the raids.
Ravi Teja fully embodies the essence. His performance, style, and attractiveness will undoubtedly entertain his main fans. Bhagyashri Borse is a newcomer with attractive features and good dancing skills. She exhibits excellent chemistry with Ravi Teja in this flick. While her acting abilities are plain, she possesses exceptional talent for dance.
The film’s primary asset is its songs. “Sitar,” “Reppal Dappulu,” and “Nallanchu Tellacheera” are appealing. The songs work so well. The writing is lacking in strength and effectiveness.
Bottom line: Although “Mr Bachchan” has a few entertaining moments and enjoyable songs, it ultimately falls into the trap of being a formulaic film because of its subpar writing and excessive dependence on obsolete ideas. The remake is completely ineffective.
Rating: 2.5/5
Film: Mr.Bachchan
Cast: Ravi Teja, Bhagyashri Borse, Jagapathi Babu, Sachin Khedekar, Satya, Sudarshan, Annapurna, and others
Story: Ritesh Shah
Screenplay: Ramesh Reddy, Sathish Vegesna, Praveen Varma, Dattatreya, Tanvi Kesari
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
Directed by: Harish Shankar
Release Date: August 15, 2024
