Director Harish Shankar: The excitement for “Mr. Bachchan ,” the upcoming film directed by Harish Shankar and starring Ravi Teja, is palpable. With its release scheduled for August 15, and premieres set for the evening of August 14, expectations are running high. In a recent media interaction, Shankar shared his insights into the film, its themes, and the creative process behind it.
A New Spin on Hope and Honesty
The tagline of “Mr. Bachchan ,” “The Only Hope,” reflects its central theme, which revolves around the hero’s integrity. Shankar explained that the film draws inspiration from a true story set in 1980s North India. “It’s about an officer who turned down bribes worth lakhs of rupees,” he said. Shankar found this story compelling and decided to use it as a foundation for the movie’s plot.
Mixing Entertainment with Serious Themes
Shankar discussed how Mr. Bachchan contrasts with his previous film, “Ride,” by incorporating elements of fun and romance into its serious narrative. He emphasized that while “Ride” was purely dramatic, Mr. Bachchan balances entertainment with authenticity. “Honest people live full lives with fun and romance, and that’s authentically portrayed in this film,” Shankar said. This approach ensures that the film remains engaging and true to Ravi Teja’s energetic persona.
Influences and Inspirations
Shankar attributed his passion for commercial cinema to his father, a fan of Amitabh Bachchan. “My father noticed my interest in films early on,” Shankar shared. He also cited significant influences from Telugu and Hindi cinema, mentioning writers and directors like Jandhyala, Bapu, Ramana, and EVV Satyanarayana as sources of inspiration for his own work.
Musical Collaborations and Lyrics
Music plays a crucial role in Shankar’s films, and Mr. Bachchan is no exception. He expressed his admiration for composer Mickey J Meyer, who delivered four hit songs in just a week. “Even when I face challenges as a director, my music remains strong,” Shankar noted. His attention to lyrics is also evident, reflecting his lifelong love for literature. The film’s soundtrack includes lyrics by Kasarla Shyam, Vanamali, Bhaskara Batla, and Sahithi, showcasing Shankar’s dedication to crafting memorable songs.
Visuals and Ravi Teja’s Performance
Shankar revealed that Mr. Bachchan pays homage to the era of cassette recording centers, with nostalgic elements like posters of Amitabh Bachchan and Chiranjeevi featured in the lyrical video. He also highlighted Ravi Teja’s performance, noting that viewers can expect something new and impactful in the film’s second half. “Ravi Teja’s portrayal will resonate deeply with the audience,” Shankar promised.
Production and Casting Choices
Shankar praised producer Vishwa Prasad for his unwavering support, stating, “Without Vishwa Prasad, this film wouldn’t have reached its full potential.” He also explained the decision to cast debutante Bhagyashree Borse, whose fresh presence was ideal for the film’s 90s setting. “She worked very hard and brought authenticity to the role,” Shankar said.
Action Sequences and Team Dynamics
Regarding the film’s action sequences, Shankar mentioned that the four key fights are designed to have a major impact. “These fights will resonate with both mass and family audiences,” he explained. He also spoke highly of his collaboration with DOP Ayananka Bose and editor Ujwal Kulkarni, noting that working with Bose has been a significant learning experience and that Kulkarni’s young talent impressed him greatly.
As Mr. Bachchan approached its premiere, Shankar encouraged audiences to watch the film, describing it as a movie that’s likely to attract repeat viewings. With its premiere set for the evening of August 14 and a worldwide release on August 15, Mr. Bachchan is shaping up to be a must-see film for fans of Ravi Teja and Harish Shankar.
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