Sri Venkateswara Creations’ Game Changer (dubbed from the Telugu film of the same name; UA) is the story of an upright IAS officer who wants to wipe out corruption.
Ram Nandan (Ram Charan) is a very honest IAS officer who is appointed Collector in a city of Andhra Pradesh. He has anger issues but they are now in control because of his girlfriend, Deepika (Kiara Advani). Andhra Pradesh chief minister Bobbili Satyamurthy (Srikanth) has been very corrupt but decides to change over a new leaf because of a near-death experience. However, his sons, Bobbili Mopidevi (S.J. Suryah) and Bobbili Munimanikyam (Jayaram), would rather have him dead because they want to take over the CM’s chair. The two are also corrupt. What happens after the demise of the chief minister? Does the deceased CM’s son become the chief minister? Is Ram Nandan able to wipe out corruption?
Karthik Subbaraj’s story is quite interesting. S. Shankar’s screenplay is exciting and has plenty of twists and turns. The first half moves at its own leisurely pace but the interval point is so wonderful that it gives the audience a jolt. The post-interval drama is very fast-paced and offers many thrilling and enjoyable moments to the viewers. The game of one-upmanship between Ram Nandan and Bobbili Mopidevi is pretty entertaining. The dash of emotions between Ram Nandan and his mother is extraordinary. Likewise, the sequence of the killing of Ram Nandan’s father tugs at the heart strings. Rajendra Sapre’s dialogues are weighty and effective.
Ram Charan shines. If he is outstanding in dramatic and emotional scenes, he breathes fire in action sequences and is grace personified in dance sequences. He has looked extremely handsome. Kiara Advani may have a relatively small role but she gives a very fine account of herself as Deepika. S.J. Suryah is outstanding as Bobbili Mopidevi. His dubbing in the South Indian accent adds to his character. He entertains as well as terrifies. In short, his performance is first-rate. Srikanth lends terrific support as chief minister Bobbili Satyamurthy. Jayaram is very good in the role of Bobbili Munimanikyam. Anjali is fantastic as Ram Nandan’s mother, Parvathy. Sunil is lovely as Side Satyam. Samuthirakani impresses as Sabapathy. Dr. Brahmanandam makes his presence felt in a brief role as Collector. Rajeev Kanakala leaves a wonderful mark as Appanna’s friend, Mukund. Vijaya Krishna Naresh stands his own as Ram Nandan’s foster father. Naveen Chandra leaves a fine impression as Simha. Kancarapalem Kishore has his moments as Appanna’s friend. All the other actors lend tremendous support.
S. Shankar’s directoin is brilliant. His masterly directorial touches show his mastery over the medium. Thaman S.’s music is good. Although none of the songs are popular in Hindi, they entertain when they come on the screen. Lyrics (by Swanand Kirkire, Kumaar, Kausar Munir and Raqueeb Alam) are appropriate. Song picturisations (by Ganesh Acharya, Prem Rakshith, Bosco Leslie Martis, Jani Master, Sandy and Prabhu Deva) are supremely eye-filling. The dance steps are a treat to watch. Thaman S.’s background music is phenomenal. S. Thirunavukkarasu’s cinematography is extraordinary and deserves distinction marks. Anbariv’s action and stunt scenes are breathtaking and hence afford a lot of thrill. Production designing (by Avinash Kolla, Ramakrishna-Monica Nigotre and Sabu Cyril) is superb. Ruben and Shameer Muhammed’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is excellent.
On the whole, Game Changer is a good entertainer and has the merits to do well, but lack of promotion (of the Hindi dubbed version) will come in the way of realisation of its business potential.
Released on 10-1-’25 at Inox (daily 5 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity: below the mark. Opening: so-so. …….Also released all over. Opening was average at most of the places.