Harish Shankar Interview on Mr. Bachchan: Ravi Teja will entertain you like never before

Mr. Bachchan, featuring Ravi Teja, will be released on August 15, 2024. Harish Shankar directs the film, and he speaks about remaking Raid, casting a new girl, his equation with Ravi Teja, and future projects. Here is the transcript.

Why did you choose Raid to remake in Telugu?

I love officers who are sincere. They have a unique attitude, which was showcased in Raid. When I decided to remake it with Ravi Teja, I felt there was a need to add entertainment to suit his persona. I did that and as we all know the film is about a real life incident which happened in the late 80s. The entire second half will run on the hero's attitude and woo the audience.

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Getting mass songs composed by a class musician like Micky J Meyer, how did this happen?

Mickey J. Meyer is a very underrated music director. All these years, the industry has used him only for class composition. Mickey is a gifted musician and can create any style of song. You will be shocked to know that we wrapped up the entire album in just one week. All four songs are smash hits and will be loved by the masses.

What is the major highlight of Mr. Bachchan?

I have a mass image in Telugu states. For that reason, my wish to make love stories is never satisfied. But in Mr. Bachchan, the entire first half has a solid love story. The way 90s music has been used and the way Ravi Teja romances Bhagyashri will be amazing to see on screen, and their chemistry is one of the highlights.

There is always an expectation when you direct Ravi Teja; what can we expect?

Fans have been missing vintage Ravi Teja for a long time now. I tapped into this aspect more in the first half of the film. His jokes, romance, and satires are showcased through songs, comedy, and mentions of so many super hit films and their dialogues. Ravi Teja will entertain you like never before. But in the second half, there is a shift, and he gives a very settled performance that will stand out.

Why did you choose a debutante as the heroine?

The film is set in the 90s, and we wanted a heroine who did not have any baggage. I came across Bhagyashri Borse's snaps and loved her look. Once we did her screen test, she suited the role superbly. The way she has danced, acted, and dubbed for herself in such a short span, Bhagya has become a sensation of sorts in Telugu states. Her casting has worked wonders for our film.

What made you use the name Mr. Bachchcan as the title?

Ravi Teja is a huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan and there is a lot of reference in the film as well. Also, there is a small story about why the hero is called Mr. Bachchan in the film. To know that you need to watch the movie only in theaters. Fans of Ravi Teja will love seeing him in Mr Bachchan's avatar.

Competition with Double iSmart?

We had no plans to release the film during the Independence Day weekend, but it was the call of the producer TG Vishwa Prasad. He felt that Mr. Bachchan was a film that would do well in the holiday season. Also, keeping the OTT platform's request in mind, we have opted for the date. Double iSmart is also a big film, and I hope it will do well at the box office.

Future Projects?

I have a film lined up with Ram Pothineni next. Also, the shooting of Ustad Bhagath Singh will start once Pawan Kalyan sir gives us the dates. There is also a film in discussion with Chiranjeevi, but it is too early to talk about it.

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