Movie Name : Game Changer
Release Date : January 10, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, S.J. Suryah, Anjali, Srikanth, Sunil, Vennala Kishore etc.
Director : S. Shankar
Producers : Raju, Shirish, Zee Studios
Music Director : Thaman S
Cinematographer : S Thirunavukkarasu
Editor : Shameer Muhammed, Antony L. Ruben
Related Links : Trailer
Global star Ram Charan’s latest film, Game Changer, marks his first collaboration with India’s renowned director Shankar Shanmugam. It also marks Shankar’s debut in Telugu cinema and serves as producer Dil Raju’s 50th milestone project. Nearly four years after its announcement, the film has finally hit theaters worldwide today, riding high on expectations. Let’s dive into the review to see if it matches the hype.
Story:
Ram Nandan IAS (Ram Charan), a newly appointed collector in Visakhapatnam, is known for his uncompromising integrity and dedication. His relentless pursuit of justice puts him at odds with Bobbili Mopidevi (SJ Suryah), the son of Chief Minister Sathyamurthy (Srikanth), who is deeply involved in illegal activities. Frustrated by Ram’s interference, Mopidevi plots his downfall and gets him suspended on false charges. However, when things seem to favor Mopidevi, an unexpected twist shakes the political landscape – CM Sathyamurthy proposes Ram as his successor for the Chief Minister’s chair. What follows is a high-stakes battle of wits and power. Will Ram rise to the challenge and become CM? How far will Mopidevi go to achieve his ambitions? The answers lie in this gripping political drama that one must watch to uncover.
Plus Points:
Ram Charan delivers an exceptional performance in two distinct roles. As an honest and authoritative IAS officer, he intensely commands the screen. His confrontational scenes with antagonist SJ Suryah are among the film’s highlights, executed precisely. On the other hand, Ram Charan effortlessly steps into the role of Appanna, a man with a stutter driven by his vision of a money-less political system. His portrayal feels sincere and impactful.
SJ Suryah is equally impressive as the antagonist, a man determined to become the next Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. His commanding screen presence, effective dialogue delivery, and subtle expressions enhance the narrative, particularly in his interactions with Ram Charan.
Despite her limited screen time, Anjali leaves a strong impression. Her emotional scenes, especially the conclusion of her arc, are handled effectively.
Kiara Advani does a decent job as Ram Charan’s love interest, while Sunil makes the most of his brief appearances. Jayaram, playing SJ Suryah’s brother, provides a touch of humor and performs his role adequately.
One of the most engaging aspects of the film is the intense cat-and-mouse dynamic between Ram Charan’s Ram Nandan and SJ Suryah’s Mooidevi. Their confrontations, especially in the second half, are among the film’s standout moments.
Thaman’s background score significantly supports Shankar’s vision, enhancing the film’s emotional and dramatic weight. The supporting cast also performs well in their respective roles.
Minus Points:
While Ram Charan excels in both roles, the second character could have been explored further, particularly in the film’s latter half. The emotional depth in the second half feels underdeveloped, leaving certain key moments less impactful.
The story, though engaging, is not particularly groundbreaking. Certain scenes in the first half could have been executed with more finesse, and the inclusion of random romantic sequences disrupts the otherwise serious tone of the narrative. Additionally, a few moments rely heavily on cinematic liberties, which may not sit well with all viewers.
The “Jaragandi” song may not meet the expectations of fans looking for Shankar’s trademark grandeur. The omission of the “Naanaa Hyraanaa” song is another drawback, especially for those anticipating its visual appeal on the big screen.
Technical Aspects:
Shankar demonstrates his ability to craft a decent political drama, though a few scenes in both halves could have been executed more effectively.
Thaman’s music is a significant asset to the film, adding intensity and emotional depth. Tirru’s cinematography captures the narrative beautifully, while Shameer and Ruben’s editing ensures the film maintains a brisk pace. The production values are rich and meet expectations.
Verdict:
On the whole, Game Changer is a decent political drama that benefits from stellar performances. Ram Charan excels in both roles, while SJ Suryah matches his intensity with a compelling performance. Their confrontations are a highlight of the film. However, the lack of emotional depth in the second half and a few unnecessary scenes diminish the overall impact. Despite these shortcomings, the film is watchable, especially for fans of political dramas.
123telugu.com Rating: 3/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team