Director Shankar’s maiden Telugu film, Game Changer, featuring Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, and SJ Suryah, is a visually grand narrative on electoral politics. Known for his penchant for socio-political themes since Gentleman (1993), Shankar sticks to his tried-and-tested formula here—a mix of grandeur, morality, and predictable storytelling.
The story revolves around Ram Nandan (Ram Charan), an IAS officer driven by integrity and anger issues, squaring off against a corrupt politician Mopidevi (SJ Suryah). While the film doesn’t break new ground, it succeeds in delivering an engaging, if familiar, experience. Shankar’s signature “masterclass moments” on corruption keep the narrative moving but lack the emotional pull to root for Ram truly.
Interestingly, the film’s soul lies in a smaller subplot featuring Ram as Appanna, an activist, and Anjali as his wife, Parvathy. This section, shot with warmer tones and backed by a moving score, showcases some of the film’s finest performances and emotional depth.
While Game Changer is entertaining and visually appealing, it is a rehash of Shankar’s past works, offering little innovation. It’s a film that delivers on its promise of political commentary but leaves you wishing for a touch of the magic the director once mastered.
