Pawan Kalyan and director Harish Shankar first teamed up for the blockbuster hit Gabbar Singh back in 2012. That film was a landmark commercial entertainer and remains popular with fans and general audiences alike. Fast forward to 2020, the duo announced another project under Mythri Movie Makers. After delays due to COVID-19 and Pawan Kalyan’s political commitments, Ustaad Bhagat Singh has finally hit the theatres.

But does this new film live up to the hype? Can Pawan Kalyan continue his winning streak after last year’s success with OG? How did Harish Shankar’s direction fare this time? And what about the supporting cast, including Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna? Plus, did Devi Sri Prasad and Thaman deliver on the music front? Let’s dive into the detailed review.

What’s the Story About?

The film follows a noble teacher (K. S. Ravikumar) dedicated to educating tribal children in Andhra Pradesh. He meets a courageous and intelligent tribal boy, whom he names Ustaad Bhagat Singh (played by Pawan Kalyan). The teacher mentors Bhagat to become a socially conscious youth, who later joins the police force. As Bhagat rises in his career, his mentor becomes the Chief Minister.

Trouble begins when a group plots to assassinate the Chief Minister. Bhagat must confront dangerous challenges while protecting the state. Along the way, we see his relationships with Geetha (Sreeleela), a lively radio jockey, and Shloka (Raashii Khanna), whose connection to Bhagat unfolds as the story progresses. The conflict with corrupt politician Chadala Marri Nalla Nagappa (R. Parthiban) and his family drives the intense action sequences.

Performances That Stand Out

Pawan Kalyan looks better than ever in this film, with his styling and screen presence impressing throughout. He brings back his signature comedy timing in light moments and delivers strong emotional and action scenes that fans love.

Veteran actors R. Parthiban and K. S. Ravikumar add depth in their roles. Parthiban’s portrayal of a ruthless politician is especially memorable, while Ravikumar’s mature performance as the teacher-turned-Chief Minister breaks away from his usual comic roles.

Sreeleela shines as the energetic radio jockey, and her chemistry with Pawan Kalyan feels natural and convincing. Raashii Khanna’s role is limited but she makes a noticeable impact with the screen time she has.

Other supporting actors like Ramki, Gautami, and L.B. Sriram deliver solid performances. However, some comedic sequences with Satyam Rajesh, Prabhas Sreenu, and Chammak Chandra feel like unnecessary fillers.

Music & Technical Highlights

Devi Sri Prasad has previously given Pawan Kalyan multiple chartbusters like Jalsa, Gabbar Singh, and Attarintiki Daredi. Unfortunately, for Ustaad Bhagat Singh, the soundtrack is underwhelming, with only one standout song, “Dekhlenge Saala.”

Thaman S scored the background music, which is standard and does not elevate the film, possibly due to his late involvement.

Cinematographer Ayananka Bose captures the lush forest landscapes and grand sets beautifully, complemented by consistent color grading. Editing by Karthika Srinivas feels slow, especially in the first half, which affects the film’s pacing. Production values from Mythri Movie Makers are top-notch, with the filmmakers sparing no expense to create a rich visual experience.

What Worked

Pawan Kalyan’s commanding screen presence
Three engaging action-packed sequences in the second half
Well-written dialogues that resonate with the audience

What Didn’t Work

Predictable, formulaic screenplay
Outdated execution in many scenes
Weak song lineup
Slow and dull first 30 minutes

Final Analysis

There was speculation that Ustaad Bhagat Singh might be a remake of the Tamil hit Theri, but thankfully, it isn’t. Still, the story feels familiar to fans of Telugu commercial cinema, borrowing heavily from past blockbusters.

Unlike Gabbar Singh, which won over audiences with its fresh characterisation and screenplay, this film leans too much on Pawan Kalyan’s real-life persona and political image. The numerous ‘vintage Pawan Kalyan’ references may appeal to die-hard fans but could feel repetitive to general viewers.

The film’s highlight is definitely the three well-crafted sequences in the second half — the old city chase, police station drama, and the climactic showdown. Harish Shankar’s dialogues stand out as well, adding weight to the narrative. The clever use of the classic song “Nee Manase” from Tholiprema in a romantic montage was a nice touch.

However, the initial hour drags with outdated comedy and an awkward dance sequence that disrupts the flow. There is also a noticeably lifted scene from Jr. NTR’s Temper, which might bother some viewers.

Conclusion

Overall, Ustaad Bhagat Singh offers enough for Pawan Kalyan fans and lovers of mass commercial entertainers. While it doesn’t match the magic of Gabbar Singh, Pawan Kalyan’s charisma, dance moves, and fight scenes will satisfy his loyal audience. For others, the film might feel like a safe, star-driven formula with less freshness.

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