Game Changer is a film that was officially launched in 2021 and marks Shankar’s first straight Telugu film. Produced by Dil Raju, the production began on a grand scale but faced delays due to various issues, eventually making its way to audiences during Sankranthi 2025. Expectations for the film were muted, partly due to the lukewarm reception of Shankar’s previous film, Indian 2. So, what’s the status of Game Changer? Has Dil Raju’s massive ₹400 crore investment paid off? Read our review here.
Game Changer Story: Ram Nandan (Ram Charan), a district collector, takes a strong stance against wrongdoers, putting an end to their atrocities. Bobbili Mopidevi (SJ Suryah), a butcher’s son turned minister, is determined to rise to power after the death of his father, Bobbili Sathyamurthy (Srikanth). Conflict arises when Ram Nandan’s honesty clashes with Mopidevi’s ambitions, leading to his removal from office through a legal ploy. Unexpectedly, Ram Nandan becomes a central figure in the progressive political party. What follows is a battle of wits and willpower. Will Mopidevi succeed in becoming the Chief Minister? How does Ram Nandan resist his schemes? This forms the crux of Game Changer.
Performances: Ram Charan shines in dual roles as Ram Nandan and Appanna. His emotional depth as Appanna, especially in scenes where the character stutters, is captivating. The phone scene from the trailer stands out as a highlight of Charan’s acting prowess. While Ram Nandan impresses, it’s Appanna who steals the show with his nuanced portrayal.
SJ Suryah delivers a powerful performance, perfectly embodying Mopidevi’s obsession with power. His expressive eyes and body language effectively convey the character’s madness. Srikanth surprises with his role, showcasing a negative shade without overt negativity, which adds depth to the narrative.
Anjali gets a memorable role as Parvathy, with her performance in the song Konda Devara being a standout moment. Kiara Advani is underutilized, limited to romantic scenes and songs. Despite good chemistry with Charan, the love track feels uninspired and adds little value. Jayaram adds humor with his impeccable comic timing, although his character feels slightly overpowered by Mano’s dubbing.
Technical Aspects: The film’s songs are visually appealing but lack lasting impact. Notably, the song Nana Hairana, which had garnered massive anticipation, was inexplicably cut from the final release. Despite this, Thaman’s background score is a significant highlight, elevating key moments and enhancing the film’s commercial appeal. Cinematographer Thiru excels with innovative techniques, including extensive use of robotic and infrared cameras, particularly in the song Nana Hairana. His work adds a unique flair, making the visuals stand out.
Analysis: Shankar’s films are known for their grandeur, social messages, and thought-provoking narratives. While Game Changer ticks these boxes, it falters due to excessive commercial elements that dilute the emotional core. The film may resonate with those familiar with Andhra politics, especially the 2024 election events.
Despite its shortcomings, the performances of Ram Charan as Appanna, SJ Suryah as Mopidevi, Thaman’s music, and Thiru’s cinematography stand out. Game Changer might not be Shankar’s best work, but it offers enough to engage viewers during the festive season.
While Shankar’s grand vision is evident, the screenplay stumbles in certain areas. The love story and its associated episodes feel forced, disconnecting the audience at times. The story lacks the universal appeal required for a pan-Indian release, as it heavily references Andhra politics, making it more relatable to Telugu audiences.
Game Changer is a visually rich political drama with solid performances, but it doesn’t fully meet the high expectations associated with Shankar’s name. While it’s a step up from Indian 2, it falls short of being a true cinematic masterpiece.
Verdict: Overall, Game Changer has a familiar premise but is told predictably. The strong performance of Ram Charan stands out and he makes sure that the routine story and scenes become even more special with his solid performance.
Bottom Line: Ram Charan’s show all the way.
Game Changer Rating: 3/5
