Movie Name : Game Changer
Release Date : January 10, 2025
Cast : Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, SJ Suryah, Srikanth, Anjali, Sunil, Samuthirakani, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Jayaram etc.
Director : S. Shankar
Music Director : S. Thaman
Telugumopo.com Rating : 2.25/5
Story:
Ram Nandan (Ram Charan), a principled officer, transitions from IPS to IAS and takes charge as the District Collector of Vizag. Committed to eradicating corruption and maintaining law and order, he enforces strict measures, earning the wrath of Minister Bobbili Mopidevi (SJ Suryah). Mopidevi, who is scheming to take over as Chief Minister after his father, CM Bobbili Satyamurthy (Srikanth), sees Ram Nandan as a major obstacle to his ambitions.
In the midst of his professional challenges, Ram Nandan crosses paths with Deepika (Kiara Advani), his college love who had left him years ago. As they rekindle their romance, a new layer of complexity is added to his life. During this time, Deepika introduces Parvatham (Anjali), an ashram resident, at a public event attended by the CM. To everyone’s shock, Parvatham publicly accuses the CM and Mopidevi of corruption, sparking a major controversy. Amid the chaos, Ram Nandan confronts Mopidevi, leading to his suspension.
Seizing the opportunity, Mopidevi murders his father and declares himself the new CM. However, before his death, CM Satyamurthy records a crucial video naming Ram Nandan as his rightful successor and urging him to take over the leadership.
Will Ram Nandan become the Chief Minister? Can he expose Mopidevi’s sinister schemes? Why did CM Satyamurthy choose Ram Nandan as his heir? What is the connection between Parvatham and Appanna (Ram Charan)? Why did Deepika leave Ram, and will their love story have a happy ending? How far will the rivalry between Mopidevi and Ram Nandan escalate?
Unravel all these mysteries and witness an action-packed tale on the big screen!
Review:
Ram Charan delivers a remarkable performance, expertly balancing two contrasting roles with depth and authenticity. As a determined and authoritative IAS officer, he commands attention with his intensity, particularly in his riveting confrontations with the antagonist, SJ Suryah, which become standout moments in the film.
In contrast, Ram Charan takes on the role of Appanna, a man with a stutter and a vision for a world where politics is free from money’s influence. His portrayal is heartfelt, capturing the character’s vulnerability, ideals, and inner strength in a sincere and impactful way. This dual-role performance showcases Ram Charan’s versatility, adding both emotional weight and complexity to the film.
S.J. Suryah stands out as Mopidevi, bringing a perfect blend of intensity and entertainment to the second half. His confrontations with Ram Charan and his unique mannerisms add significant weight to his role.
Anjali shines as Parvathy, delivering an emotionally charged performance that elevates the flashback sequences. Her character adds a poignant layer to the story, resonating deeply with the audience.
Kiara Advani, playing Deepika, exudes charm and grace, especially in the lively ‘Dhop’ song alongside Ram Charan. However, her character is let down by outdated writing, with scenes and dialogues that feel formulaic and unconvincing.
Jayaram as Muni Manikyam and Sunil as Side Satyam provide moments of humor, particularly in the second half. Srikanth as Bobbili Satyamurthy and Rajeev Kanakala as Mukunda deliver competent performances in key roles.
Unfortunately, comedic stalwarts Brahmanandam and Vennela Kishore are underused in brief roles, leaving their potential untapped and the audience wanting more.
While Ram Charan delivers commendable performances in both roles, the second character could have benefited from further exploration, particularly in the latter half of the film. The emotional weight of this segment feels underdeveloped, which reduces the impact of some pivotal moments.
Although the story is engaging, it does not introduce particularly new or innovative elements. Some scenes in the first half could have been executed with more attention to detail, and the inclusion of sporadic romantic sequences disrupts the otherwise serious tone of the film. Furthermore, certain moments rely on cinematic liberties, which may not appeal to all viewers and could detract from the narrative’s overall credibility.
Shankar proves his skill in creating an engaging political drama, though some scenes in both halves of the film could have been handled more effectively. While Thaman’s music is visually grand, it lacks the memorable quality that would make the tracks stand out. Fans were disappointed by the removal of the slow song “Hyraaana” from the final cut. On the plus side, Thaman’s background score elevates the emotional intensity, enhancing the overall political atmosphere of the film. The production values are strong, adding to the film’s polished and high-quality presentation.
Game Changer is a captivating political drama that stands out due to its powerful performances. Ram Charan impresses in both of his roles, while SJ Suryah brings equal intensity, particularly in their intense confrontations that are among the film’s most memorable moments. Despite these strengths, the second half of the film lacks emotional depth, and some unnecessary scenes take away from its overall impact. However, the film remains engaging throughout, driven by strong performances and a compelling storyline that keeps the audience hooked.
