Game Changer movie review: Ram Charan delivers a compelling performance in this massy entertainer

Ram Charan, Kiara Advani starrer Game Changer is in the theatres today. Directed by S Shankar, the film is a political action drama. But is it worth your time, money and attention? Check out the Game Changer movie review.

Will Game Changer be the game changer for lead actor Ram Charan, female lead Kiara Advani and director S Shankar? This has been a question running on everyone’s minds ever since the film’s assets started coming out. The film is the first after the huge, global success of Ram’s last, RRR. Its success would further establish Ram Charan’s star power and his ability to appeal across genres.

The film is Shankar’s next after the disappointing Indian 2 and bouncing back with a socially relevant film that leaves a lasting impression on the audience is crucial. Game Changer is Kaira Advani’s third Telugu film and first Hindi film after a no-film 2024. The trailer got mixed reactions and the film is now finally released in theatres. But does it warrant your time, money and attention? Check out our Game Changer movie review before you make your decision.

Movie Review: Game Changer
Cast: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, SJ Suryah, Nassar

Director: S. Shankar

Release date: January 10, in theatres

Language: Telugu, Hindi (dubbed)

What’s Game Changer about?

Game Changer takes viewers on an exhilarating ride with Ram Nandan (Ram Charan) as he navigates his roles as an IPS officer, IAS officer, and ultimately the Electoral Commissioner. His mission? To ensure a fair election. However, he faces fierce opposition from Bobbili Mopidevi (SJ Suryah), who will stop at nothing to become the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Ram Nandan's quest to eradicate corruption gains personal significance when he discovers that his father, Appanna (also portrayed by Ram Charan), was murdered for standing up against those driven by greed and power.

What’s hot?

Shankar is known for making socially-relevant cinema and Game Changer is no different. It is a riveting political action drama that explores the depths of corruption in India's political landscape. The film marks Shankar’s Telugu debut and the grand production and narrative carry the mark of his style of storytelling. The film does rely on well-worn clichés but Karthik Subbaraj’s story masterfully blends action, drama, and social critique to keep you engaged.

Ram Charan's dual-role performance in this film is nothing short of extraordinary. He effortlessly embodies the principled Ram Nandan and the rustic Appanna, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He plays both the characters with ease and portrays their complexities effortlessly. He is stylish and charismatic in one and emotional and authentic in another.

SJ Suryah, known to bring quirky nuances to his characters, doesn’t disappoint as the main antagonist. The confrontations between him and Ram Charan, whether in their heated verbal exchanges or the intense climax fight, are truly worth every penny.

Kiara Advani effortlessly portrays Ram's love interest-turned-wife, bringing charm and grace to her role. Their on-screen chemistry is delightful, making their scenes together a joy to watch. Although the songs may not be particularly memorable (due to the lyrics in the Hindi dubbed version), Thaman's musical score is noteworthy and the choreography is visually stunning, especially for fans of Ram Charan's signature style. The film is packed with action sequences that, while occasionally over the top, remain true to the much-loved style of South Indian cinema.

Ram Charan's portrayal of the fiery young man is truly whistle-worthy, and his conviction in playing Ram Nandan makes his heroism feel authentic. It brings to mind a recent interview where Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty remarked that Bollywood lacks real men, stating, "You need to have an aura, an attitude that makes people believe when you alone take on five goons. Just building a body isn't enough." Ram Charan demonstrates that he possesses the star power and charisma to take on such larger-than-life roles without coming across as cringeworthy.

The background score complements the narrative and elevates Ram’s scenes. Cinematography by Tirru captures Shankar’s vision of a visually appealing big screen experience. Reuben's editing seamlessly transitions between sequences, instilling a sense of urgency and ensuring the audience remains fully engaged without any room for distraction.

What’s not?

The first half includes several scenes intended for comic relief that fail to contribute to the narrative and come across as quite juvenile. For example, there's a scene where Kiara's character is subjected to eve-teasing on her way home from college. Using such a sensitive and potentially triggering issue for comedy is something that writers and directors should avoid. The film also falls short in developing the love story between the main leads and fails to emphasize Kiara's significant influence on Ram Charan's character, Ram Nandan. If you're going to have a female lead, it's essential to utilize her full potential. Cutting one of the songs to give more depth to her character wouldn't have hurt.

BL Verdict

A trade expert once told me that South Indian filmmakers know how to make films, even their flops are good flops. Meaning, irrespective of how much the film makes as its box office collection or how it is received by the critics, it can still be watchable. And it stands absolutely true to Game Changer. The film is produced by Dil Raju, who knows how to get bang for his buck. This is a typical commercial big screen entertainer, with action, drama and a great performance by Ram Charan.