Mr.Bachchan Movie Review : A nostalgic tribute wrapped in mass entertainment

Story: Anand Bachchan (Ravi Teja), is a fiercely honest Income Tax officer who finds himself suspended due to his unyielding principles. Upon returning to his film-obsessed family in the village, where he continues to sing Bollywood songs in an orchestra, Bachchan's life seems to settle. His father, inspired by the film Sholay, has renamed the entire family after its characters, leading to Anand adopting the moniker 'Bachchan' after the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. However, Bachchan’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is reinstated and tasked with raiding the home of the powerful and ruthless politician Mutyam Jaggaiah (Jagapathi Babu).

Review: Harish Shankar’s Mr. Bachchan, the Telugu remake of the Hindi film Raid, makes a commendable effort to adapt the original story to cater to Telugu audiences, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and mass entertainment. The film, featuring Ravi Teja and Bhagyashree Borse in lead roles, with Jagapathi Babu playing the antagonist, strikes a balance between paying homage to cinematic legends and delivering the kind of high-energy drama expected by fans of Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja.

Ravi Teja, as Bachchan, embodies the essence of his idol, Amitabh Bachchan, not only in his acting and body language but also through his attire and delivery of some of the legendary star’s iconic dialogues. As expected, Ravi Teja brings his trademark energy and timing, elevating the film, particularly during weaker moments. Bhagyashree Borse, as Jikki, making her Telugu debut, looks stunning and plays a significant role, adding glamour to the film. However, her character lacks depth, serving more as a complement to Bachchan rather than having a distinct purpose. Jagapathi Babu, as the menacing Jaggaiah, delivers a powerful performance, effectively heightening the drama and entertainment value. The supporting cast, including Tanikella Bharani, Gautami, Sachin Khedekar, Subhalekha Sudhakar and Satya, contribute well to the film.

One of the film's strengths lies in its brisk pacing during the first half. The narrative progresses smoothly with exciting introductory sequences, followed by the depiction of village life, a quirky, film-loving family with Tanikella Bharani as Thakur and Gautami as Basanti, and a good dose of humour provided by Satya. The period-specific backdrop, along with well-placed tropes and nostalgic songs, enriches the narrative, making the initial journey particularly enjoyable. The romance between the lead pair, infused with a nostalgic charm, adds further appeal.

Unfortunately, the film begins to lose momentum in the second half, as the director tries to incorporate over-the-top action sequences, partially effective humour, and cliched commercial elements, which detract from the overall impact.

Mickey J. Meyer’s music plays a pivotal role in maintaining the film's energy, and Ayananka Bose’s cinematography effectively captures the retro theme and vibrant visuals. However, the editing by Ujwal Kulkarni could have been tighter, especially in trimming the excesses in the second half.

In conclusion, Mr. Bachchan succeeds in delivering entertainment, especially in the first half, but struggles to maintain its momentum in the latter part. Nonetheless, fans of Ravi Teja will find plenty to enjoy in this blend of retro charm and commercial entertainment.