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Game Changer Review: Ram Charan Shines in Shankar’s Political Drama

Game Changer Review: Ram Charan Shines in Shankar’s Political Drama

Sarkar Rating : 2.75/5                                              Release Date:January 10, 2025

Cast

Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, S.J. Suryah, Anjali, Srikanth, Sunil, Vennala Kishore etc.

Crew

Director : S. Shankar
Producers : Raju, Shirish, Zee Studios
Music Director : Thaman S
Cinematographer : S Thirunavukkarasu
Editor : Shameer Muhammed, Antony L. Ruben

“Game Changer” is a film that officially launched in 2021 and marks Shankar’s debut in straight Telugu cinema. Produced by Dil Raju, the film’s production began on a grand scale but encountered delays due to various issues. It finally reached audiences during Sankranthi 2025. Despite muted expectations, partly due to the lukewarm reception of Shankar’s previous film “Indian 2,” “Game Changer” generated curiosity. Let’s delve into whether Dil Raju’s massive ₹400 crore investment has paid off.

Story

“Game Changer” follows Ram Nandan (played by Ram Charan), a district collector who stands firmly against wrongdoers, confronting their atrocities head-on. Opposing him is Bobbili Mopidevi (SJ Suryah), a butcher’s son turned minister, who is driven by a desire for power following the death of his father, Bobbili Sathyamurthy (Srikanth). The narrative intensifies as Ram Nandan’s unwavering honesty clashes with Mopidevi’s ambitions, resulting in his removal from office through a legal maneuver. Unexpectedly, Ram Nandan becomes a key figure in a progressive political party. The film then unfolds a gripping battle of wits and willpower. Will Mopidevi succeed in his quest to become Chief Minister? How does Ram Nandan thwart his schemes? These questions form the crux of “Game Changer.”

Performances

Ram Charan excels in dual roles as Ram Nandan and Appanna. His portrayal of Appanna, especially in emotionally charged scenes where the character stutters, is captivating. The much-anticipated phone scene from the trailer showcases Charan’s acting prowess. While his role as Ram Nandan is impressive, it’s his performance as Appanna that truly stands out.

n-shankars-son-dinneshmahindra-to-make-directorial-debut
N. Shankar’s Son Dinneshmahindra to Make Directorial Debut

SJ Suryah delivers a compelling performance, embodying Mopidevi’s obsession with power. His expressive eyes and body language convincingly portray the character’s madness. Srikanth’s role adds depth to the narrative, presenting a negative shade without overt negativity, which enhances the storyline.

Anjali leaves a lasting impression as Parvathy, with her performance in the song “Konda Devara” being a highlight. However, Kiara Advani is underutilized, confined mostly to romantic scenes and songs. Despite good chemistry with Charan, the love track feels lackluster and contributes little to the overall plot. Jayaram provides comic relief with his impeccable timing, though his character’s impact is somewhat diminished by Mano’s dubbing.

Technical Aspects

The film’s songs, while visually stunning, lack enduring appeal. The much-hyped song “Nana Hairana” was inexplicably cut from the final release. Nevertheless, Thaman’s background score is a major highlight, enhancing key moments and boosting the film’s commercial appeal. Cinematographer Thiru’s innovative use of robotic and infrared cameras, particularly in the song “Nana Hairana,” adds a distinctive touch to the visuals, making them stand out.

Analysis

Shankar’s films are renowned for their grandeur, social messages, and thought-provoking narratives. “Game Changer” attempts to check these boxes but stumbles due to an overemphasis on commercial elements that dilute its emotional core. The film may resonate more with audiences familiar with Andhra politics, especially those aware of the 2024 election events.

Despite its flaws, the performances by Ram Charan as Appanna, SJ Suryah as Mopidevi, Thaman’s music, and Thiru’s cinematography are noteworthy. “Game Changer” might not be Shankar’s finest work, but it offers enough to entertain viewers during the festive season.

While Shankar’s grand vision is evident, the screenplay falters in areas. The love story and related episodes feel forced, creating a disconnect with the audience at times. The story’s heavy reliance on Andhra politics limits its universal appeal, making it more relatable to Telugu audiences.

thandel-movie-review-a-gripping-tale-with-strong-performances-but-uneven-execution
Thandel Movie Review: A Gripping Tale with Strong Performances but Uneven Execution

Conclusion

“Game Changer” is a visually rich political drama with strong performances, though it falls short of the high expectations associated with Shankar’s name. While it is an improvement over “Indian 2,” it does not achieve the status of a cinematic masterpiece.

Verdict

“Game Changer” presents a familiar premise with predictable execution. However, Ram Charan’s stellar performance elevates the routine story and scenes, making them more impactful.

Bottom Line: A showcase of Ram Charan’s talent all the way.

Read Also: Pottel Review : A Village Drama That Misses the Mark

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