S. Shankar, known for his grandiose storytelling and visual spectacle, tries to bring his signature style back with Gamechanger, a masala potboiler reminiscent of his classics like Nayak (2001) and Sivaji: The Boss (2007). However, the result feels more like a blast from the past than a groundbreaking reinvention.
The Premise
Ram Charan stars as Ram, a no-nonsense IAS officer with a troubled temper who takes on the unscrupulous Bobbili (SJ Suryah), a power-hungry politician aiming to become the Chief Minister. The film packs every staple ingredient of a commercial entertainer—flashbacks, a double role, larger-than-life action sequences, and exaggerated melodrama. Unfortunately, this predictable mix lacks the freshness it promises.
Hits and Misses
Hits:
- Ram Charan’s Star Power: Charan shines in his role with effortless dance moves, charming screen presence, and energetic action sequences, often elevating otherwise mundane scenes. His ability to carry the film is undeniable.
- Entertaining First Half: While chaotic and old-fashioned, the first half manages to maintain a fun and quirky vibe, thanks to humorous moments and nostalgia-inducing “masala” elements.
- Kiara Advani’s Screen Presence: Though her role is limited to being a visual delight and dance partner, Kiara executes it with grace and charisma.
Misses:
- Predictable Plot: The film feels like a patchwork of Shankar’s past hits, offering nothing new or innovative. With shades of Nayak and Sivaji: The Boss, it plays more like a tribute to the director’s previous works than a standalone story.
- Over-the-Top Execution: Scenes like ministers flying in the air after being dismissed or a flashcard suggesting anger management with a rubber band go beyond the threshold of absurdity.
- Unremarkable Music: Except for the track Jaragandi, the soundtrack fails to leave an impression, a surprising shortfall in a Shankar film.
- Lack of Focus: The narrative lacks coherence and clarity, particularly in the sluggish and repetitive second half, making the film unnecessarily long and exasperating.
Verdict
Despite the star power of Ram Charan and the nostalgia of a typical Shankar visual fest, Gamechanger struggles to stand out. It’s entertaining in parts, but its excessive reliance on outdated tropes and lack of innovation make it a fairly average watch. For fans of Shankar’s earlier works or Ram Charan’s charisma, it may provide brief enjoyment, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impact.
Rating: ⭐⭐½
Best Watched For: Ram Charan’s performance and moments of nostalgic Shankar-style masala.
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