Bhola Shankar

2023 film by Meher Ramesh

Bhola Shankar
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMeher Ramesh
Screenplay byMeher Ramesh
Dialogues by
  • Mamidala Thirupathi
Story by
  • Siva
  • Adi Narayana
Based on
  • Vedalam (2015)
  • by Siva
Produced by
Starring
  • Chiranjeevi
  • Tamannaah Bhatia
  • Keerthy Suresh
  • Sushanth
CinematographyDudley
Edited byMarthand K. Venkatesh
Music byMahati Swara Sagar
Production
companies
  • AK Entertainments
  • Creative Commercials
Distributed byZee Studios
Release date
  • 11 August 2023 (2023-08-11)
Running time
160 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹101 crore[2]
Box officeest.₹42.3 crore[3]

Bhola Shankar is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by Meher Ramesh.[4] It stars Chiranjeevi in the title role with Tamannaah Bhatia, Keerthy Suresh and Sushanth.[5][6] It is an official remake of the 2015 Tamil film Vedalam.

Released on 11 August 2023, Bhola Shankar was critically panned and underperformed at the box office, earning about ₹42 crore against a budget of ₹101 crore.[2]

Plot

In Kolkata, Alex, the head of a criminal syndicate, operates an extensive trafficking ring involving the kidnapping and sale of girls. Utilizing his brothers Bretlee and Charles, a corrupt port official, and a police informer, Alex traffics the girls to international buyers. When a CBI officer conducts a raid at the port, Alex murders him to evade capture.

Shankar and his sister, Mahalakshmi "Maha," relocate to Kolkata where Shankar quickly earns local admiration by rescuing children from an electrical accident. He secures a job with a taxi company owned by Vamsi and enrolls Maha in an arts college. Shankar’s first passenger is Lasya, a struggling lawyer desperate for a career breakthrough. Lasya persuades Shankar to act as a mute witness in her case. The plan initially appears successful until the judge overhears Shankar speaking to Maha, resulting in Lasya’s suspension from practice. Seeking revenge, Lasya confronts Shankar but is thwarted by Vamsi, who defends Shankar. In retaliation, Shankar exposes Vamsi’s infidelity, leading to Vamsi’s loss of his company.

The Kolkata DCP requests Shankar and other transportation workers to report any suspicious activities related to Alex’s syndicate. Shankar identifies several of Alex’s men from a list provided by the DCP. This leads to a successful raid that rescues three girls from trafficking. In response, Bretlee orders Shankar’s assassination. Shankar fights off and kills Bretlee and his men, discovering that the police informer had sent his photo to Alex’s gang. Shankar then stores the gun used in a locked drawer filled with weapons.

Shankar picks up Srikar from the airport, who is immediately attracted to Maha. Srikar, who is Lasya’s brother, reveals that his marriage to Maha is being arranged. Despite Maha’s initial rejection, Shankar encourages Srikar to be honest about his feelings. The engagement between Maha and Srikar proceeds, and Shankar and Lasya meet at the ceremony. Lasya attempts to disrupt the event but is ignored. In response, Lasya teams up with Vamsi to further her revenge. She tricks Shankar into thinking Maha has been kidnapped, but this was a ruse. Lasya’s actions eventually lead her to fall in love with Shankar.

Meanwhile, Charles, Alex’s brother, arrives in Kolkata to investigate his siblings’ deaths. Using footage from a nearby cruise ship, Charles traces Shankar. While Maha and Srikar are out shopping, Charles locates Shankar but is confronted and killed. Lasya witnesses Charles’s death and declares that she cannot allow her brother to marry a killer’s sister. Shankar clarifies that Maha is not his biological sister.

The film flashes back to a year earlier when Shankar, known as Bhola, was a ruthless thug in Hyderabad. After being stabbed by enemies, Shankar is saved by Maha. Later, Maha and her friend seek Bhola’s help when a builder threatens her family. Although Shankar initially exploits Maha’s family, he is moved by their gratitude when he rescues them. Shankar rescues Maha from Alex’s gang, who had kidnapped her, and her family is killed. Maha loses her memory from the injuries, and Shankar decides to protect her as his own sister.

In the present, Shankar reveals to Lasya that his motive for coming to Kolkata was to eliminate Alex and his gang. He agreed to Maha’s marriage to ensure her safety if he were killed. Lasya promises to proceed with the wedding.

Alex arrives in Kolkata seeking vengeance for his brothers’ deaths. He kills a port officer who refuses to aid him and uses a police informer to locate Shankar. When Maha unknowingly sketches Shankar’s face, she tries to mislead Alex but is saved by Shankar. Alex’s men confront Shankar, but the police informer threatens Alex. Later, Alex kills the informer, and Shankar warns Alex of future consequences.

During a shopping trip, Alex taunts Shankar by threatening to kidnap Maha. When Maha goes missing, Shankar discovers her in Alex’s warehouse. Alex manipulates Shankar into believing Maha is dead, but Shankar finds her alive in his car. Maha, regaining her memory, helps Shankar locate and rescue her. During a final confrontation at the port, Shankar defeats Alex’s men and kills Alex with a trident, fulfilling his quest for revenge.

The film concludes with the DCP announcing that all details of Alex’s syndicate have been exposed, and all trafficked girls have been safely returned to their homes.

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.[8] Keerthy Suresh was cast in her place.[9] Music director Mani Sharma's son Mahati Swara Sagar was signed onto this film as the composer.[10] Tamannaah Bhatia is cast opposite Chiranjeevi in their second collaboration after Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019).[11] An official launch was held on 11 November 2021. They started filming on 15 November 2021 and finished in May 2023.[12][13]

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) 		Prathinidhi 2
(2024)
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.[14] The second single titled "Jam Jam Jajjanaka" was released on 11 July 2023.[15] The third single titled "Milky Beauty" was released on 21 July 2023.[16] The fourth single titled "Rage of Bhola" was released on 5 August 2023.[17] The fifth single titled "Kottara Kottu Teenumaaru" was released on 7 August 2023.[18]

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.[19] The film was premiered on Netflix from 15 September 2023.[20]

Reception

Bhola Shankar was panned by critics.[21] 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."[22] 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."[23] 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".[24] 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."[25]

Box office

On its opening day, Bholaa Shankar collected approximately ₹20 crore worldwide and went on to gross ₹42.25 crore during its theatrical run.[26][3] It is considered one of the less successful films in Chiranjeevi's filmography.[27]

References

  1. ^ "BHOLA SHANKAR"". ecinepramaan.gov.in. Archived from the original on 19 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  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. ^ 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.
  8. ^ "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.
  9. ^ "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.
  10. ^ "'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.
  11. ^ "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.
  12. ^ "Chiranjeevi's film Bhola Shankar's mahurat on Nov 11, shoot starts on Nov 15". India Today. 27 October 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  13. ^ "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.
  14. ^ "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.
  15. ^ "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.
  16. ^ "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.
  17. ^ "AR Rahman Drops Mega Star Chiranjeevi's Rage of Bholaa". 5 August 2023. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  18. ^ "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.
  19. ^ "Official: Waltair Veerayya Seals OTT Partner". Mirchi9. 13 January 2023. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  20. ^ "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.
  21. ^ "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.
  22. ^ "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.
  23. ^ "Bholaa Shankar Review: Chiranjeevi's Vedalam remake is a film no one asked for". India Today. 11 August 2023. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  24. ^ "Bhola Shankar Movie Review: An insufferable and dispirited star vehicle". Cinema Express. 11 August 2023. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  25. ^ "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.
  26. ^ "'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.
  27. ^ 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.
  • Bhola Shankar at IMDb
  • v
  • t
  • e
Films directed by Meher Ramesh
  • Veera Kannadiga (2004) (Kannada)
  • Ajay (2006) (Kannada)
  • Kantri (2008)
  • Billa (2009)
  • Shakti (2011)
  • Shadow (2013)
  • Bhola Shankar (2023)