Game Changer

I went to this movie with no expectations and it is not outright bad as his previous movie, Indian 2. The flashback episode is decent, the cat and mouse game between Ram and Mopidevi is engaging to some extent, interval block was interesting.

The movie starts with a hint in the beginning that it's a commercial entertainer supposed to be out 30 years ago. I hate having a mass fight sequence followed by an introduction song. Shankar could have used this time to establish the plot line.

Dance numbers are untimely. Can't even mention about the counless physics defying fight sequences and brainless cringe scenes. It is silly that Ram had to address his anger issues so that he can channel anger to become IPS officer.

It's worth watching once in OTT when it's available.

One thing's clear, this isn't a torture like Indian 2, but also nowhere near the standards Shankar has set It's just like a passable routine Telugu commercial movie

Ram Charan shines as Appanna, that's the lifeline of the movie, otherwise, it's an average outing for him. SJ Suryah tries hard, but writing doesn't offer him much. Why Kiara? Anjali, just okay, rest of all, nothing.

Technically, Thaman is the only one who breathes life into the proceedings, but Villain and "UNPREDICTABLE" BGM were terribly overused. Songs were average, but surprisingly, even the picturisation was the same, much hyped "JARAGANDI" was a farce.

Camera work by Thiru was subpar TBH, never thought I'd say that in a Shankar movie, literally mocobot everywhere. Editing by Ruben and Shameer was fine.

Coming to Shankar, man, it's frustrating and gut-wrenching to see his standards going down, he redefined the commercial genre, but here, despite political thriller being his strong suite, the writing and direction, both were below average.

BOTTOMLINE : Comeback Shankar wait continues.......

I am a fan of the director and even I couldn't bear the poorly made movie. Looks like they sat together the night before the shooting started and put together a story and script in a rush. No comedy and music was also not something we get in a Shankar movie. It also felt like watching a few of Shankar's old movies like Mudhalvan, Indian and Anniyan. Ram Charan is the only saving grace. It's a shocker that they wasted Sunil. The volume was too loud and jarring and that part I am unsure if it was specific to my theater or the recording itself but was such. Also the scenes felt so disconnected. First movie where I didn't have a single laugh or didn't get emotional in any scene.

The story is decent, but the narration drags and feels messy. Some scenes hit the mark, some miss, and most are just "meh".

Ramcharan pulls off his two roles well, but his performance doesn't blow you away. His beardless look? Let's just say it's not his best. Anjali shines in her limited role, while Kiara adds glamour but not much else. SJ Suryah steals the show as the villain but it feels very monotonous and the rest of the cast does their job.

The production is lavish-maybe too lavish, like they burned cash just for songs and fights to look grand. Music is nice, and the cinematography is impressive. Shankar's direction is okay, but it's not his prime-level magic.

Overall? It's not worth watching.

'Game Changer' is a very ordinary political commercial entertainer that is carried completely by Ram Charan's performance and Thaman's BGM at times.

The first half is pretty mediocre with a boring love track and ineffective comedy but gets interesting leading up to the interval. The second half starts on superb note with a 20 minute flashback that reminds us of Vintage Shankar. However, after this portion, it again turns back into a run of the mill political movie that turns melodramatic and tiring towards the end.

The film uses similar tropes to many political movies in the past which gives it an outdated and tiring feel at times. The heart and soul of the film is a 20 minute flashback. RC is absolutely superb as Appana in this flash back and will remain as another feather in his cap. The rest of RCs character is a regular IAS role that is a cakewalk for him. Thaman's music is an asset for the film whenever it doesn't enter the overly loud mode. The production values are good especially in the songs.

This is easily better than Indian 2, however, it can't be considered as a comeback for Shankar as his writing and taking is below par and is completely carried by the music and Charan. Just Ok!

Rating: 5/10.