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Bhola Shankar

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Not to be confused with Bhole Shankar.

Bhola Shankar
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMeher Ramesh
Screenplay byMeher Ramesh
Dialogues by
  • Mamidala Thirupathi
Story by
Based on
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyDudley
Edited byMarthand K. Venkatesh
Music byMahati Swara Sagar
Production
companies
Distributed byZee Studios
Release date
  • 11 August 2023 (2023-08-11)
Running time
160 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹101 crore[2]
Box office₹42.25 crore[3]

Bhola Shankar is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language action film directed by Meher Ramesh.[4] A remake of the 2015 Tamil film Vedalam, it stars Chiranjeevi as the titular character with Tamannaah Bhatia, Keerthy Suresh and Sushanth.[5][6]

Released on 11 August 2023, Bhola Shankar received generally negative reviews from critics. Despite recovering over one-third of its production budget, the film was a box-office bomb, grossing ₹42.25 crore[3] against a ₹101 crore[2] budget. It is considered one of the least successful films in Chiranjeevi's filmography.[7]

Plot

In Kolkata, Alex's crime syndicate kidnaps several girls. Using his brothers, Bretlee and Charles, a police informer, and a corrupt port official, Alex sells the girls to businessmen around the world. When a CBI officer raids the port, Alex kills the officer.

Meanwhile, Shankar and his sister, Mahalakshmi "Maha", move to Kolkata. Shankar makes a good impression on the colony folk after he saves many children from getting electrocuted. After settling down in an apartment, Shankar enrolls Maha in an arts college. Shankar also gets employed at a taxi company owned by Vamsi.

Shankar's first passenger is Lasya, an unimpressive lawyer who lost every case she undertook. Desperate for a win, Lasya convinces Shankar to act as a mute witness. With the judge believing Shankar, it looks like Lasya is going to win her first case until the judge overhears Shankar speaking to Maha. With that judge suspends Lasya who vows revenge on Shankar. When Shankar is driving Vamsi in his taxi, Lasya appears with her two subordinates to enact revenge, but Vamsi saves an innocent Shankar from Lasya. However, Shankar exposes Vamsi's adultery to Vamsi's wife, leading Vamsi to lose his company.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata DCP calls Shankar and other transportation workers to report any suspicious activity by Alex's crime syndicate. When Shankar sees four members of the list the DCP provided, he informs the DCP who orders a raid and saves three girls from being trafficked. With this setback, Bretlee orders his men to kidnap and kill Shankar. However, Shankar kills all of them and Bretlee, revealing that he had his man sent Shankar's photo via the police informer's phone. When he returns home, Shankar puts the gun he used in a locked drawer filled with guns and bullets.

During his routine work, Shankar picks up Srikar at the airport. At the same time, Maha calls Shankar to be picked up. When they reach Maha's college, Srikar is instantly smitten with Maha. When Shankar drops Srikar off to his home, it is revealed that Srikar is Lasya's brother and their parents are arranging Srikar's marriage. Srikar attempts to make Maha fall in love, but Maha rejects his advances; however, Shankar encourages Srikar to admit his love for her directly and respect her opinion. Then, Maha and Srikar's marriage is arranged. At the engagement ceremony, Shankar and Lasya meet, finally realizing that their siblings are getting married to each other. Lasya tries to stop the ceremony but is ignored. That's when Lasya and Vamsi team up. When seeing Maha and Srikar off on a river cruise, Lasya tricks Shankar into thinking someone kidnapped Maha. When Shankar realizes that this wasn't the case, Lasya revealed she got payback. When Shankar says that he can't bear anything bad happening to Maha, Lasya falls in love with him.

Meanwhile, Charles arrives in Kolkata to find out who killed his brother. When a nearby cruise ship records Shankar making a phone call before he kills Bretley, Charles uses that as a clue to finding out Shankar. Charles becomes obsessed with Shankar. While Maha and Srikar are jewelry shopping, Charles finds Shankar's location. However, they realize that Shankar is heading towards them. Shankar kills them all. Before killing Charles, Shankar taunts Alex in a call. Lasya witnesses Shankar killing Charles. Horrified, Lasya says she would not let her brother marry a killer's sister. That's when Shankar tells her that Maha isn't his sister.

Past: A year ago, Shankar was a ruthless thug-for-hire called Bhola in Hyderabad. When he is stabbed by his enemies, Maha comes to save him. Two months later, Maha and her friend approach Bhola when a builder threatens her parents into selling their home. When the builder promises Bhola more money, he dupes Maha's family, and he and his men start living in her house. Bhola gets annoyed when his men are involved with Maha's family's activities, mistaking them for antics. Maha's friends try to get the house documents back, but Bhola is always a step ahead of her. When Shankar needs Maha's signature for the transfer of the property, Shankar goes to Maha's college to pick her up. At the college, when Maha misses her bus, Alex's gang kidnaps her which Bhola notices. Bhola thrashes the men and rescues all the girls in the warehouse. Maha's parents' gratitude to him changes Shankar's heart. He goes to the builder and tells him that nothing should happen to their house. Meanwhile, Bretlee and Charles come to the warehouse where they find out that Maha stole their hardware containing all the details of their criminal activities. At night, Alex's gang enters Maha's house to retrieve the hard drive. They kill Maha's parents and stab Maha who loses her memory. When Bhola notices Maha, he admits to a hospital when he learns that she saved him a few months ago. With a change of heart, Shankar decides to look after Maha as her brother when the doctor tells him that Maha lost her memory.

Present: In the present, Shankar tells Lasya that he came to Kolkata to kill Alex and his gang. He also agreed to Maha and Srikar's marriage as Maha would be safe even if Shankar gets killed during his mission. Lasya promises him that the wedding will go on.

Meanwhile, Alex arrives in Kolkata to find out who killed his brothers. With such a risky mission, the port officer is killed when he refuses to help Alex. The police informer tells Alex that one of the men was in a hospital trying to recuperate. When that man wakes up, the police informer goes to Maha's college to get someone to sketch Shankar's features. When Maha realizes that she drew Shankar, she tries to make Alex think that she drew Shankar by accident as Shankar called her. Shankar arrives in the nick of time to save Maha. When Alex's men try to kill Shankar, the police informer threatens Alex. When leaving, Shankar warns Alex. It is revealed that Shankar threatened the police informer's wife to which Alex kills the police informer.

When the family is shopping, Alex taunts Shankar by saying he will kidnap Maha in front of him. When Lasya realizes that Maha is missing, Shankar goes to Alex's warehouse. Alex tricks Shankar into believing Maha is dead to make him understand Alex's pain. Alex reveals that Maha was in the trunk of Shankar's car. When Maha wakes up in the car going to the port, she calls Shankar who advises her to keep him note of all the landmarks and pull the wires to know where she is. At the port, Shankar tries to save Maha but Alex injures them both. Maha regains her memory back. Alex taunts Shankar again saying that he would start his business all over again with Maha. That's when a procession stops Alex's plan. When Maha calls out for Bhola, Shankar thrashes all the men. Maha urges Shankar to kill Alex. She throws a trident which Shankar uses to kill Alex. Eventually, Alex gets killed by Shankar, thereby completing his revenge.

The film ends with DCP announcing to press reporters that all the details of Alex's syndicate have been revealed and all the girls trafficked have been returned safely home.

Cast

Cameo appearance

Production

Initially, Sai Pallavi was approached for Chiranjeevi's sister's role in the film but she rejected the offer as she was not interested in remakes.[9] Keerthy Suresh was cast in her place.[10] Music director Mani Sharma's son Mahati Swara Sagar was signed onto this film as the composer.[11] Tamannaah Bhatia is cast opposite Chiranjeevi in their second collaboration after Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019).[12] An official launch was held on 11 November 2021. They started filming on 15 November 2021 and finished in May 2023.[13][14]

Music

Bholaa Shankar
Soundtrack album by
Mahati Swara Sagar
Released2023 (2023)
GenreFilm soundtrack
Length18:12
LanguageTelugu
LabelAditya Music
Mahati Swara Sagar chronology
Paayum Oli Nee Yenakku
(2023) 		Bholaa Shankar
(2023)
External audio
audio icon Bholaa Shankar(Official Audio Jukebox) on YouTube
Singles from Bhola Shankar
  1. "Bholaa Mania"
    Released: 4 June 2023
  2. "Jam Jam Jajjanaka"
    Released: 11 July 2023
  3. "Milky Beauty"
    Released: 21 July 2023
  4. "Rage of Bhola"
    Released: 5 August 2023
  5. "Kottara Kottu Teenumaaru"
    Released: 7 August 2023

The music is composed by Mahati Swara Sagar. Lyrics are written by Ramajogayya Sastry, Sri Mani, and Kasarala Shyam. The first single titled "Bholaa Mania" was released on 4 June 2023.[15] The second single titled "Jam Jam Jajjanaka" was released on 11 July 2023.[16] The third single titled "Milky Beauty" was released on 21 July 2023.[17] The fourth single titled "Rage of Bhola" was released on 5 August 2023.[18] The fifth single titled "Kottara Kottu Teenumaaru" was released on 7 August 2023.[19]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Bholaa Mania"Ramajogayya SastryMahati Swara Sagar, L. V. Revanth3:55
2."Jam Jam Jajjanaka"Kasarla ShyamAnurag Kulkarni, Mangli3:23
3."Milky Beauty"Ramajogayya SastryVijay Prakash, Sanjana Kalmanje, Mahati Swara Sagar3:35
4."Rage of Bhola"Meher Ramesh, Feroz IsraelAsura, Feroz Israel3:00
5."Kottara Kottu Teenumaaru"Kasarla ShyamRahul Sipligunj3:35

Release

Theatrical

Bhola Shankar was theatrically released on 11 August 2023.

Home media

The digital rights of the film were acquired by Netflix.[20] The film was premiered on Netflix from 15 September 2023.[21]

Reception

Bhola Shankar received negative reviews from critics.[22] Neeshita Nyayapati of The Times of India gave the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Bholaa Shankar suffers because the shift between the various portions of the film is jarring, not to mention, the writing needed a deft hand. Not even Chiranjeevi and Keerthy are enough to save the day."[23] Janani K of India Today gave the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Bholaa Shankar is a remake that no one asked for or a remake that could have had a better adaptation. If only."[24] Abhilasha Cherukuri of Cinema Express rated the film 1.5 out of 5 stars and termed the film as "hollow and distasteful homage to the mass legacy of Chiranjeevi".[25] Raisa Nasreen of Zoom TV gave the film 1.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "A remake of the Tamil film Vedalam, and directed by Meher Ramesh, Bhola Shankar has been altered to suit the sentiments of the Telugu audience."[26]

Box office

On its opening day, Bholaa Shankar collected around ₹20 crore (US$2.4 million) worldwide.[27]

References

  1. ^ "'Bholaa Shankar': Chiranjeevi's film locks run-time". Twitter. 4 August 2023. Archived from the original on 6 August 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Andhra Pradesh: Suspense continues over ticket price hike for Bhola Shankar". The Hans India. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Sunny Deol's Gadar 2 To Rajnikanth's Jailer, Check Box Office Collections Of August Releases". News 18. 29 August 2023. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  4. ^ "Director Meher Ramesh Gets a Whopping Remuneration For Chiranjeevi's Bhola Shankar". News18. 28 September 2021. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  5. ^ "Megastar Chiranjeevi's First Look in Bhola Shankar on Mahashivaratri". Sakshi Post. 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 21 March 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  6. ^ "'Vedalam' Telugu remake: Chiranjeevi-starrer to be shot in Kolkata?". Deccan Herald. 4 October 2020. Archived from the original on 8 May 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  7. ^ Athimuthu, Soundarya (18 August 2023). "Decoding Megastar Chiranjeevi's 'Bhola Shankar' Box Office Failure". TheQuint. Archived from the original on 28 January 2024. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  8. ^ Bandi, Raghu (11 August 2023). "Bhola Shankar movie review: Chiranjeevi shines in a lackluster remake". Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  9. ^ "Chiranjeevi reveals why he was happy when Sai Pallavi declined offer to star in Bhola Shankar". Zoom. 20 September 2021. Archived from the original on 25 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  10. ^ "Keerthy Suresh to play Chiranjeevi's sister in Bhola Shankar. First look out on Raksha Bandhan". India Today. 22 August 2021. Archived from the original on 25 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  11. ^ "'Bhola Shankar' first single date locked; promo on 2nd June". The Hans India. 1 June 2023. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  12. ^ "Tamannaah Bhatia and Chiranjeevi begin shooting for Bhola Shankar's next schedule in Kolkata". Bollywood Hungama. 5 May 2023. Archived from the original on 25 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  13. ^ "Chiranjeevi's film Bhola Shankar's mahurat on Nov 11, shoot starts on Nov 15". India Today. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  14. ^ "Chiranjeevi to shoot 'Bhola Shankar' in Kolkata, deets inside". The Times of India. 3 May 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  15. ^ "Lyrical video of first song from Bhola Shankar out: Chiranjeevi exudes a stylish, powerful aura". The Indian Express. 4 June 2023. Archived from the original on 3 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  16. ^ "Bholaa Shankar song Jam Jam Jajjanaka: Chiranjeevi dances with Keerthy Suresh, Tamannaah in the vibrant number". The Indian Express. 11 July 2023. Archived from the original on 3 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  17. ^ "Bholaa Shankar's new song Milky Beauty is a peppy duet shot in scenic locations". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 3 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  18. ^ "AR Rahman Drops Mega Star Chiranjeevi's Rage of Bholaa". Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  19. ^ "Megastar Chiranjeevi's 'Bholaa Shankar' brings a festive vibe with 'Kottara Kottu Teenumaaru' song". The Times of India. 7 August 2023. Archived from the original on 15 November 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  20. ^ "Official: Waltair Veerayya Seals OTT Partner". Mirchi9. 13 January 2023. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  21. ^ "Bhola Shankar OTT release: When, where to watch Chiranjeevi film online". HT Tech. 11 September 2023. Archived from the original on 6 October 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  22. ^ "Bholaa Shankar Twitter Review: Chiranjeevi At The Peak Of His Prowess; Fans Screech 'Megastar Mania' Returns With Predictable Plotline". English Jagran. 11 August 2023. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  23. ^ "Bhola Shankar Movie Review : An outdated mess that tests your patience". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  24. ^ "Bholaa Shankar Review: Chiranjeevi's Vedalam remake is a film no one asked for". India Today. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  25. ^ "Bhola Shankar Movie Review: An insufferable and dispirited star vehicle". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  26. ^ "Bholaa Shankar Review: Chiranjeevi Film Is A Brother-Sister Tale With Drama, Action". Zoom TV. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  27. ^ "'Jailer' vs 'Bhola Shankar' box office collection: Rajinikanth's film earns over Rs 75 cr; Chiranjeevi-starrer collects Rs 20 cr on day 1". 12 August 2023. Archived from the original on 13 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
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