IASల కేటాయింపుపై డీఓపీటీకి నిర్ణయం తీసుకునే అధికారం ఉంది : క్యాట్ l AP & TG IAS l CAT l

Ever since Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh was announced, speculation has been rife that director Harish Shankar was once again attempting a remake, similar to their blockbuster collaboration Gabbar Singh. Industry buzz suggested the film was inspired by Thalapathy Vijay’s Theri, while its prolonged delay was widely attributed to Pawan Kalyan’s political commitments and packed film schedule.

Putting an end to all rumours, Harish Shankar clarified during the launch of the film’s first single on Thursday evening that Ustaad Bhagat Singh is not a remake. He firmly stated that Pawan Kalyan was never the reason for the delay and instead credited the actor for his extraordinary dedication to the project.

The director revealed that Pawan Kalyan often shot for 18–20 hours a day, even while handling his political responsibilities. He added that the actor fully supported the film’s progress and ensured the shoot moved at a brisk pace once it resumed.

Harish Shankar also opened up about the film’s creative journey. Initially, he planned a classy college-based film, unlike the mass entertainer Gabbar Singh. However, considering Pawan Kalyan’s evolving lineup, he later attempted a remake project, which eventually fell through due to multiple issues, leading to the film being shelved indefinitely.

The COVID-19 pandemic further affected him mentally, the director admitted, pushing him into a phase of depression. It was during this period that he decided to abandon the remake idea and develop a completely fresh script tailored to Pawan Kalyan’s mass appeal.

Once the new script was locked, the film finally went on floors and was completed in a short span, largely due to Pawan Kalyan’s commitment. Harish Shankar noted that even after cabinet meetings and official duties as Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan would travel to Hyderabad, shoot till early morning hours, and return to work with minimal rest.