Table of Contents
Story
Anand Bachchan (played by Ravi Teja) is a dedicated and upright Income Tax officer whose unshakable ethics lead to his suspension. He returns to his village, where his film-obsessed family resides, and continues performing Bollywood songs in a local orchestra. His father, influenced by the classic movie Sholay, has named all family members after its characters, with Anand himself taking on the name ‘Bachchan’ in honor of Amitabh Bachchan. Life appears to settle down for him until he’s suddenly reinstated in his job and tasked with carrying out a raid at the residence of a feared politician, Mutyam Jaggaiah (Jagapathi Babu).
Review
Directed by Harish Shankar, Mr. Bachchan offers a refreshing Telugu spin on the Hindi film Raid, with a focus on nostalgia while delivering the high-voltage drama expected by Ravi Teja’s fans. This version not only pays tribute to cinematic legends but also caters to the tastes of Telugu audiences with its energetic narrative.
Ravi Teja, portraying the character of Bachchan, does an excellent job of channeling the spirit of Amitabh Bachchan through his mannerisms, attire, and even his delivery of iconic lines. His signature energy and comedic timing help to elevate the film, especially in slower moments. Bhagyashree Borse, making her Telugu debut as Jikki, adds glamour and charm to the film, though her role is more supportive and lacks much depth. Jagapathi Babu, as the villainous Jaggaiah, stands out with his intense performance, amplifying the film’s dramatic appeal. The supporting cast, including Tanikella Bharani, Gautami, Sachin Khedekar, Subhalekha Sudhakar, and Satya, adds to the richness of the film.
The film’s first half is well-paced, providing a good mix of action, humor, and family dynamics. The portrayal of village life, the quirky film-loving family, and nostalgic film references help the narrative flow smoothly. Tanikella Bharani and Gautami play their roles well, contributing to the fun atmosphere. There’s a delightful romantic thread between the leads, which adds a touch of old-world charm.
However, as the movie progresses, the second half loses some of its steam. Attempts to inject over-the-top action scenes and commercial elements start to weigh down the story. The humor, while effective in parts, sometimes falls flat, and the film begins to feel clichéd.
Mickey J. Meyer’s musical score supports the film’s mood well, and Ayananka Bose’s cinematography enhances the retro vibe with vivid visuals. However, the editing could have been crisper in the second half, where the narrative starts to drag.
In summary, Mr. Bachchan succeeds in offering a fun and entertaining first half but struggles with pacing in the latter part. Despite this, Ravi Teja’s presence and the film’s nostalgic elements make it a worthwhile watch, especially for fans of the Mass Maharaja.
