Mr. Bachchan - The Only Hope Review

Bachchan (Ravi Teja), a fearless income tax officer, faces suspension after raiding a wealthy, politically connected figure. Retreating to his village, he showcases his singing talent, captivating audiences in a local orchestra. Amidst the music, he falls for Jikki (Bhagyashri Borse), a Marwadi-Telugu local. The romance blossoms, and both families agree to their marriage. But just as wedding preparations are underway, Bachchan is reinstated with a promotion and tasked with raiding Mutyam Jaggayya (Jagapathi Babu), a local MP suspected of hoarding wealth.

Mr. Bachchan is a loose remake of the critically acclaimed 2018 Hindi film Raid. While the original was a gripping drama squarely centred on one of India's longest income tax raids in the '80s, this adaptation diverges with a mix of nostalgia, romance and action, attempting to cater to the Telugu audience. Unfortunately, this blend muddles the narrative, diluting the intensity of the original story.

The first half of the movie indulges in retro references and romance, with Bachchan mimicking iconic figures like singer Kumar Sanu, and actors Amitabh and ANR, and his family parodying characters from Sholay. These sequences, while entertaining in isolation, drag the story and detract from the main plot. The comedic bits, especially those involving Satya and Chammak Chandra, feel routine and uninspired. The romance between Bachchan and Jikki, developed through song-and-dance numbers and cassette shop visits, lacks depth and fails to engage. The 30-year age gap between Borse and Teja is glaring, making their on-screen pairing less than convincing.

As the interval approaches, you expect the narrative to pick up with the promised tax raid. However, even after the break, the film's momentum remains flat. The raid sequences lack suspense, and the attempts to uncover the hidden wealth fall short of excitement. The raid team members, apart from Bachchan, appear more like caricatures than professionals, further diminishing the film's impact. Siddhu Jonnalagadda's cameo in the climax adds star power but little else.

Ravi Teja slips comfortably into the role of the tax officer, delivering a solid performance that plays to his strengths. Whether he's channelling ANR and Big B, or jamming to Kumar Sanu, Teja's charisma shines, though the repetitive nature of these scenes might lessen their impact.

Newcomer Bhagyashri Borse holds her own, acting and dancing competently. Jagapathi Babu starts strong as the menacing Mutyam Jaggayya, but his character gradually loses steam, devolving from a formidable villain to a mere clown. Satya's comedic moments offer some laughs but eventually wear thin.

The art direction is top-notch, transporting the audience back to the '80s with great authenticity. The songs and dances are well-crafted, echoing the style of yesteryear's Tollywood legends like Balakrishna, Venkatesh and Chiranjeevi. Tracks like Reppal Dappulu and Nallanchu Tellacheera are particularly standout, with vibrant visuals that light up the screen.

The action choreography is slick and polished, adding a layer of visual appeal to the film.

Mr. Bachchan is a classic case of the whole being less than the sum of its parts. While the retro elements, raid sequences and romance are individually well-executed, they fail to coalesce into a cohesive narrative. The film tries to throw in every ingredient to create a masala entertainer but ends up with a recipe that lacks balance. If you're a fan of the stars, you might enjoy it, but it's probably worth waiting for its OTT release.