Game Changer Movie Review & Rating: 2.75/5
Cast: Ram Charan, Anjali, Kiara Advani, SJ Suryah, Jayaram, Srikanth, Samuthirakani, Brahmanandam, Sunil, Rajeev Kanakala, and others.
Director: S. Shankar
Producer: Dil Raju
Music: Thaman S
Game Changer” Review: A Grand Political Action Drama
This Sankranthi, Tollywood has delivered its first Pan-India film of the season, Game Changer. Directed by the maverick filmmaker S. Shankar and featuring global star Ram Charan in the lead, this film was released amidst sky-high expectations. Let’s find out if the movie lives up to the hype.
Story: The film revolves around the Abhyudayam Party, where Bobbili Sathya Murthy (Srikanth) serves as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. However, his son and minister, Bobbili Mopidevi (SJ Suryah), harbors ambitions to take over the CM’s chair.
Amidst this political tension, Ram Nandan (Ram Charan) arrives as the new district collector. Why does Sathya Murthy eventually announce Ram Nandan as his successor for the CM position? How does Mopidevi respond to being sidelined? And what is the connection between Ram Nandan and Appanna (another role played by Ram Charan), the original founder of the Abhyudayam Party? These questions form the crux of the film’s political drama.
Highlights:
Ram Charan’s Stellar Performance: Ram Charan is undoubtedly the heart of the film. His portrayal of Appanna and Ram Nandan showcases his range as an actor. As Appanna, his innocence and emotional depth steal the show, while as Ram Nandan, his stylish looks and commanding presence captivate the audience. This is another career-defining performance for Ram Charan, akin to his role as Chitti Babu in Rangasthalam.
S. Shankar’s Vision: Shankar delivers a screenplay packed with mass elements and gripping twists. His signature style of blending powerful emotions with hard-hitting political drama is evident throughout.
Supporting Cast: Anjali shines in a role that’s bound to be remembered as one of her best performances.
SJ Suryah delivers a solid performance as the antagonist, with his mannerisms and intense confrontations with Ram Charan being major highlights.
Kiara Advani not only adds glamour but also plays a pivotal role with finesse.
Srikanth, Sunil, Brahmanandam, and Jayaram add value to the narrative with their respective roles.
Technical Excellence:
The grandeur of Dil Raju’s production is visible in every frame.
Thirru’s cinematography beautifully captures the film’s rich visuals, while Thaman’s background score and songs elevate the emotions.
The emotional Pillanagrovi bit stands out as a heart-touching moment.
Massive Political Drama: The film boasts several whistle-worthy moments, especially in the political battles between Ram Nandan and Mopidevi. Shankar brings his unique touch to showcase the powers and struggles of an IAS officer in the political arena.
Drawbacks: Predictable Elements:
The storyline feels familiar, with shades of Republic (starring Sai Dharam Tej) in certain scenes.
The first 10–15 minutes of the film are slightly underwhelming and could have been more engaging.
Visuals in “Jaragandi” Song: While hyped before the release, the visuals and VFX in the Jaragandi song fall short of expectations.
Limited Screen Time for Appanna: Appanna’s character, despite being a highlight, could have had more screen time.
Shankar’s Trademark Style Missing in Parts: Certain action sequences lack Shankar’s usual stylish execution, which may disappoint his fans.
Technical Team:
Music: Thaman delivers a solid soundtrack, with all songs except Jaragandi meeting the high standards expected from a Shankar film.
Editing: Ruben and Shameer have done a commendable job, ensuring a crisp narrative.
Cinematography: Thirru captures the grandeur effectively, although a few scenes could have benefited from better VFX.
Direction: Shankar successfully balances powerful emotions and political drama, delivering an engaging film that resonates with audiences.
Verdict:
Game Changer is a solid political action drama with a mix of predictable and unpredictable elements. Ram Charan delivers yet another iconic performance, leaving a lasting impact as Appanna and Ram Nandan. While the story treads familiar territory, Shankar’s direction, coupled with powerful emotions and mass appeal, keeps the audience engaged. Despite minor flaws, the film is a feast for fans and families alike.
Watch it for Ram Charan’s exceptional performance and Shankar’s gripping storytelling.