A non-resident Indian becomes the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh after the sudden death of his father, who tries to change the corrupt political system. This is all Bharat Ane Nenu is all about. The outline of the film sounds quite similar to Rana Daggubati's Leader but the treatment is more commercial and entertaining.
Koratala Siva has carved a niche for himself in a very short span. After three successful outright commercial films, he picks a political film for his fourth outing. Of course, this movie also has all the trademark heroisms that you find in Siva’s other films.
Bharat Ane Nenu starts off in a slow fashion and the screenplay builds momentum gradually and picks up pace when Mahesh Babu becomes the CM. How he tackles his opposition and the reforms he does for the people are quite interesting to watch. Siva has masterfully entwined a serious political drama with highly enthralling commercial elements, which form the USP of Bharat Ane Nenu.
It is unnecessary to mention about Mahesh Babu’s screen presence but this script has everything that helps him show what he is capable of. His style, charm and diction are impeccable. Action scenes are a real treat for 'Prince' fans. Pre-interval and press meet sequence will be a delight to fans.
When you make a political film, you cannot stay away from comparisons. Few scenes do remind us of Leader and Oke Okkadu (Mudhalvan) but that is majorly because of the genre. In fact, the director has tried hard to make BAN seem different from other political films avoiding few obvious cliches.
The film introduces Kiara Advani to Telugu cinema, albeit in a limited scope, she has given what the role has demanded. Her dance moves and glossy outlook give a breath of fresh air when the going gets intense.
Few political moves may sound force-fitted and the opposition could have been a little stronger as they are no match to Mahesh Babu, however, these are just minor setbacks which don't hinder the film much.
Devi Sri Prasad has constantly been giving hits one after another but he reserves his best for directors like Siva. More than the songs, the BGM here works big time and it is quite fresh and we can see DSP in a different dimension. When people like Tirru and Ravi K Chandran are in charge of cinematography, you know the outcome is going to be nothing short of great.
On the whole, Mahesh Babu and Koratala Siva have hit the bull's eye once again after Srimanthudu.