Release Date: January 10, 2025
Cast: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, S.J. Suryah, Anjali, Srikanth, Sunil, Vennala Kishore
Director: S. Shankar
Producers: Dil Raju, Shirish, Zee Studios
Music Director: Thaman S
Cinematographer: S. Thirunavukkarasu
Editors: Shameer Muhammed, Antony L. Ruben
Ram Charan’s latest movie, Game Changer, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Shankar Shanmugam, has finally arrived after nearly four years of anticipation. The movie marks Shankar’s debut in Telugu cinema and is a milestone for producer Dil Raju, celebrating his 50th project. Let’s see how the movie fares.
Story
The film follows Ram Nandan (Ram Charan), a principled IAS officer in Visakhapatnam, whose dedication to justice pits him against Bobbili Mopidevi (S.J. Suryah), the ambitious son of Chief Minister Sathyamurthy (Srikanth). When Ram threatens to expose Mopidevi’s illegal activities, he faces retaliation and gets falsely suspended. However, the political landscape takes an unexpected turn when CM Sathyamurthy nominates Ram as his successor. The rest of the story unfolds as a gripping battle of power and strategy, testing Ram’s mettle against Mopidevi’s ambitions.
Highlights
Ram Charan shines in dual roles, delivering a compelling performance as both the steadfast IAS officer Ram Nandan and Appanna, a stuttering visionary advocating for a money-less political system. His confrontations with S.J. Suryah are intense and are among the movie’s standout moments.
S.J. Suryah delivers an equally powerful performance as the antagonist, bringing depth to his character through commanding dialogue delivery and subtle expressions. Anjali makes a strong impression with her emotionally charged scenes, and Kiara Advani plays her role as Ram Charan’s love interest convincingly.
The interplay between Ram Charan and S.J. Suryah elevates the film, especially in the second half. Thaman’s background score enhances the drama, and the supporting cast, including Sunil and Jayaram, adds value to the narrative.
Shortcomings
Despite its strengths, the movie falters in a few areas. The emotional arc of the second half feels underexplored, particularly concerning Ram Charan’s second role. Some romantic sequences seem unnecessary and disrupt the film’s serious tone.
The story, though engaging, lacks novelty, with a few predictable elements. Fans of Shankar’s grand cinematic style may find the “Jaragandi” song underwhelming, and the omission of the much-anticipated “Naanaa Hyraanaa” song is a missed opportunity.
Technical Excellence
Shankar’s direction effectively brings the political drama to life, though certain scenes could have been executed better. Thaman’s music and background score are significant highlights, while S. Thirunavukkarasu’s cinematography beautifully captures the narrative. Editing by Shameer Muhammed and Antony L. Ruben ensures the film moves at a brisk pace.
Conclusion
Game Changer is a well-made political drama with stellar performances from Ram Charan and S.J. Suryah. While the film has its shortcomings, particularly in emotional depth and pacing, it remains engaging for fans of the genre. For those who enjoy political dramas and power-packed performances, this movie is worth a watch.