Billa: Decoding why the Prabhas, Anushka and Krishnam Raju actioner is a fan-favourite even today

As pan-Indian star Prabhas turns a year older on October 23, fans are leaving no stone unturned to celebrate the special day. Commemorating the actor’s 43rd birthday, one of his biggest hits Billa, which hit screens in 2009, is all set for re-release across the Telugu states. Written and directed by Meher Ramesh, Billa is hailed as one of the most stylish action films of Prabhas’ career.

Though the film is an official remake of a Tamil original by the same name, the Telugu version still enjoyed an impressive following among movie buffs. Billa had a slick, smart screenplay that unleashed the potential of Prabhas in the pre-Baahubali era to the fullest. The film is special also because it brought together Prabhas and his uncle, superstar Krishnam Raju in the same frame. The story of a notorious criminal hunted by a dogged cop, who is then replaced by his look-alike, continues to leave audiences in awe even today.

Billa (Prabhas) is a Malaysia-based international gangster pursued by ACP Krishnamurthy (Krishnam Raju). Mid-way through the first half, Krishnam Raju shoots Billa and brings a look-alike Ranga (Prabhas in a dual role) in his place. The rest of the story is about how Ranga manages to bust the gang and win his love. Director Ramesh has weaves in a love story with Maya (Anushka) and Ranga. For the uninitiated, Maya was played by Priyanka Chopra in Shah Rukh’s version of Don. Anushka may not match Priyanka’s verve but still manages to hold her own. While Prabhas as Billa is more like a model on a ramp in the initial hour, he shines as Ranga and salvages the film.

Prabhas is indeed tailormade for action films – tall, intense, he has a magnificent physique unlike any mainstream Telugu cinema star. As Ranga, Prabhas is effortless in Billa and his scenes with Anushka are edgy and funny. And need we say more about the action sequences? The title song Billa and Bommali are the standout tracks in the Mani Sharma-composed album. The fights by Stun Siva are realistic and slick. Meher Ramesh’s directorial gathers some momentum in the second half and he ends the film on a high.

As much as it’s hard to digest, one needs to admit the Krishnam Raju as the ACP is a complete miscast. Namitha (as Billa’s girlfriend) makes a mark and Hansika is impactful in her blink-and-a-miss appearance. Kelly Dorjee’s Telugu pronunciation is an embarrassment. The first half is slow simply because the screenplay is all over the place. Despite a couple of chartbusters, one expected better songs from Mani Sharma’s album. Director Meher Ramesh’s characterisation of Billa has enough style but could’ve done with more substance.

Billa attained cult status among Prabhas’ fans for many reasons. Undoubtedly, it is the most stylish and action-packed avatar in his career. There are other highlights too - Prabhas in dual role, him sharing screen space with Krishnam Raju, the classy execution, lavish visuals, high production values, Mani Sharma’s solid background score, the action scenes, Anushka’s screen presence, Prabhas and Anushka’s on-screen chemistry and the one-liners. Are you all ready to experience the Billa mania tomorrow all over again?