Ustaad Bhagat Singh, the latest film starring Pawan Kalyan and directed by Harish Shankar, has disappointed at the box office, appealing only to a section of die-hard fans. Despite the poor reception, Harish Shankar has maintained in interviews that the film has no flaws and that fans are enjoying it, which has drawn attention.
Released during the Ugadi festival, the film failed to generate strong collections. Netizens on social media have criticized Harish Shankar, pointing out logical errors and trolling specific scenes. One widely discussed moment is Pawan Kalyan’s entry, where he is shown getting out of a jeep twice in the same sequence. Fans questioned how such a mistake could happen in a film starring a major star.
Responding to the criticism, Harish Shankar explained that he intentionally kept both shots because he liked them. He admitted he doesn’t worry about logic when a shot looks good. In a podcast interview, he said: “I take creative freedom while shooting. In Ustaad Bhagat Singh, Pawan Kalyan first steps out of the jeep, and later we showed him jumping out again. Some ask how he could get out twice, but I don’t care about such logic. I liked both shots, so I kept them. If a shot looks good, I ignore the logic.”
Harish also addressed broader criticism that his interviews don’t match the quality of his films. He explained that cinema is not about showcasing his intellect but about entertaining audiences. He added: “I read English novels, watch Nolan films, listen to K-pop, and follow Korean dramas. But my audience includes auto drivers, truck drivers, and middle-class workers who come to theaters for relief. They want to enjoy songs, dialogues, and see the hero fight back. That’s what I focus on. With Ustaad Bhagat Singh, I showed my full potential without insecurity.”
However, many netizens argue that refusing to acknowledge flaws is not the right approach. They believe a good director should accept shortcomings and ensure they don’t repeat in future projects. By insisting there are no mistakes, critics say Harish risks alienating audiences further.
Harish Shankar’s defense of Ustaad Bhagat Singh has sparked debate. While he insists creative freedom matters more than logic, audiences feel acknowledging flaws and improving is the true mark of a great filmmaker.
