Game Changer Movie Review Rating:
Star Cast: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, SJ Suryah, Anjali, Sunil, Srikanth, Jayaram
Director: S Shankar
What’s Good: Ram Charan’s performance, background score, action sequences, entertainment value
What’s Bad: Caricaturish performances of the antagonists, lack of chemistry between Kiara Advani and Ram Charan, too many jumbled up sub-plots, and the flashback sequences not striking a chord, underwhelming music.
Loo Break: You can take one in any of the never-ending and monotonous soundtracks. You won’t miss a thing.
Watch or Not?: Ram Charan’s fans will inevitably enjoy this one and it overall makes for an entertaining one-time watch.
Language: Telugu
Available On: Theatrical Release
Runtime: 165 minutes
User Rating:
The plot of Game Changer revolves around a dutiful and righteous IAS officer, Ram Nandan (Ram Charan), who is a nightmare for all the corrupt politicians, businessmen, and gangsters. He opted for this line of work as a promise to his estranged lover, Deepika (Kiara Advani), who wanted him to channel his anger in the right direction. However, his life turns upside down when he learns that his parentage has a connection with the political conspiracies for the seat of the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He gets embroiled in this web of politics, conspiracies, and power play. Ram finds his arch-nemesis in the shrewd and corrupt politician Mopi Devi (SJ Suryah). How Ram will break this corruption cycle and fulfill his father’s dreams forms the main crux of the story.
Game Changer Movie Review: Script Analysis
In his first Telugu film, Director S Shankar tried to weave a political drama with emotions, action, romance, and some mass value. He successfully manages to do so, but the film goes haywire in some parts. The film’s highlight is, however, the entertainment quotient regarding the dialogues and the character development of Ram Charan’s character. Be it as the angry young man in his college days or the righteous IAS officer, the character does not lose the swag yet holds onto a vulnerability. This itself compensates for the rest of the shortcomings.
However, we wish that the flashback sequence of the father with a speech problem and a tragic storyline had a more emotional connection. Game Changer tried to abide by the age-old formula of a son trying to fulfill his father’s wish and having a reunion with his estranged mother in the process. Still, we don’t exactly feel the emotions flesh out effectively. The political power play sub-plots appear over-the-top and add to the film’s pace. Nor does the chemistry between Ram Charan and Kiara Advani blossom effectively. However, the twists and turns of Ram Nandan time and again outsmarting the corrupt Mopi Devi as the election commission officer and a high-intensity showdown amid the elections keep you on the edge of your seat.
Game Changer Movie Review: Star Performance
Ram Charan proves why his star power, mass appeal, and swag remain unparalleled. Right from his entry to the action sequences, the emotional sequences strike a chord with you. His energy during the dance sequences is whistle-worthy. The superstar shines in both of his roles as father and son, and it can be safely said that he is the sole anchor of this one. SJ Suryah delivers a strong performance, but that hand-clicking and the over-the-top accent and expressions sometimes come across as caricaturish. Kiara Advani looks pretty but is reduced to being a supportive love interest for Ram Nandan. She could have had more opportunity to shine in the second half. However, it is Anjali as, Ram Nandan’s mother, who manages to make a strong impact in her brief appearance.
Sunil as Side Satyam is entertaining to watch, but his entire side posture gag could have been avoided as it did not provide any additional comedic aspect in the plot. Jayaram’s performance again threatens to become extremely caricaturish at times. However, the performances more or less have a strong impact on the storyline despite appearing exaggerated on several occasions.
Srikanth Movie Review Rating:
Star Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Jyotika, Alaya F, Sharad Kelkar, Jameel Khan
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
What’s Good: Rajkummar Rao & Jyothika’s performances, the storytelling
What’s Bad: The second half gets a bit lost
Loo Break: Can take it during the romantic song in the first half
Watch or Not?: If you want more such feel-good and inspiring stories, yes!
Language: Hindi
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 2 hours
User Rating:
In the heart of Andhra Pradesh’s Machilipatnam, a visually impaired boy was born, and his father named him ‘Srikanth’, after the renowned Indian cricketer. Initially, his parents struggled with the news of their son’s disability. But Srikanth never allows his condition to break his spirit. Tushar Hiranandani’s film portrays Srikanth’s journey from a small village boy to a symbol of strength and achievement, based on the real-life story of Srikanth Bolla.
Srikanth Movie Review: Script Analysis
Jagdeep Siddhu and Sumit Purohit penned the story. The first half excels in its narrative, tracing Srikanth’s journey from rural life to pursuing higher studies abroad. While maintaining a light tone, the film sensitively addresses the challenges Srikanth faces, from bullying due to his disability to fighting against the unfair rules of the Indian education system to pursue his passion.
The film’s intent is not merely to inspire us, but also to shed light on the struggles faced by individuals like Srikanth in society. The profound portrayal of his heartbreak upon failing to secure admission to IIT resonates deeply, highlighting how there’s only more struggle his way in everything he does. What I liked is how the movie doesn’t make you feel gloomy consistently with Bolla’s challenges. So, the makers added several humorous moments that made the narrative fun.
In the second half, the story delves into the harsh realities of the job market, where, despite his qualifications, Srikanth is dealing with unemployment. He is discouraged, but as the movie says: “People like him cannot run; they can only fight back.” So, he embarks on the entrepreneurial path, facing initial setbacks. Furthermore, the plot gets complicated with a political twist. I understand it’s inspired by real events, but the whole sequence somehow dulls the excitement that was built right from the start. While the pacing slows down during the political drama, the narrative regains momentum in the final act, offering glimpses of hope amidst hardships.
Srikanth Movie Review: Star Performance
Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal of Srikanth Bolla is nothing short of brilliant, capturing every nuance of the character with authenticity and depth. His performance, from subtle gestures that resemble Srikanth Bolla’s body language to mastering the subtle dialect, embodies Srikanth’s determination and passion. Rao brings a certain charm and wit in his portrayal, which leaves you in awe.
Jyothika shines as Devika, Srikanth’s mentor. She infuses the character with warmth and strength and keeps him grounded. Srikanth’s journey would’ve been incomplete without Devika, and the movie’s beauty would’ve fallen short without Jyothika’s exceptional performance. Alaya F, as Swathi, Srikanth’s love interest, adds a touch of tenderness to the narrative. Sharad Kelkar delivers a solid performance as Ravi Mantha, the investor in Srikanth’s venture.