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Game Changer is a highly anticipated political action film with Ram Charan that has finally made its way into theaters. While there was great enthusiasm the overall responses to the movie are very mixed.
Ram Charan stars in dual roles, as a diligent IAS officer and an impactful activist, taking on a corrupt political system with themes of social justice. This mix allows the viewer to have many questions as to each role in the storyline.
Ram Charan embodies both an activist Appanna and an IAS officer Ram Nandan. These dual personalities show unique sides of the characters that need different forms of thinking and a complex delivery. This double role allowed viewers to be taken into all sides of a dynamic storyline.
The narrative is a fight against injustice with all the many methods for achieving it. He works in multiple forms to fight back at injustices through the political landscape in India.
“Game Changer” had a large opening earning over 70 crores in two days but initial responses are split between praise and heavy criticism which means the movie is performing steadily. While Ram’s performance is getting praise the movie is being called out as outdated in its delivery and method.
The debut made less in sales than Shankar’s previous film, “Indian 2” however that does not signify the overall outcome of how the movie will play out at theaters as time passes. Both did mark a unique story line from the director which has a signature visual and story line style of delivery for each project.
The movie got mixed responses with views that it lacks a true and unified direction as there was too many areas focused on which took away from the plot. Those that noted this pointed out its inconsistent plot and focus.
All roles had high praise however some characters like those of Anjali and Kiara while appreciated for performances were not shown enough focus to properly execute fully their impact on the lead character's journey.
While Ram has been noted as "earnest" he is described to need more layering in his performances for a full effect to be delivered. Even though many had specific elements of what made the actors successful the writing did not highlight their skills making for more missed moments. However, Thaman’s musical score and Tirru’s visuals are highlighted as standout elements adding high quality for viewers to engage with.
The film features both Kiara Advani as Deepika, and Anjali as Parvathy but viewers have stated that these actors have very impactful scenes. They are underserved by their characters losing relevance at various times during the film. Despite what they had to work with these actors made sure they made great performances.
Shankar has been noted for a visual spectacle in their style. Shankar’s directing choices often have the hero placed above the system even without logic being applied. His vision provides for unique qualities which add a new twist to the stories told and often creates a "one person changing everything." type of persona which comes as a solo warrior as the central plot.
"Game Changer" does not waver from this with the same style and emphasis given in his prior work while also incorporating commentary about late stage capitalism along with the role of corporations. His films explore characters in this structure that try to fix the wrong doing with their style of thinking through actions and speaking. The question of utopia vs. the reality in which everyone lives remains as they push forth a message for the viewers to connect to through a large production and display of quality.
Critics say that although Shankar provides a clear visual structure to elevate the characters. He is also called out for lacking cohesiveness when trying to deliver different points which impacts the entire message of the film. It also struggles to balance the story with its visual flare often times making it over the top. Also in his writing it shows that he does not utilize his acting talents which often make the secondary characters bland despite their best efforts.
Some found the film had elements which were outdated in nature while other saw it as impressive even while highlighting the core problems with society in India. Many also claimed the lead characters where sometimes “outlandish” even for Shankar’s style while others praise his attempt at something different. These diverse set of opinions show that there is not one way for a movie to be received and it can affect an individual audience member differently from one another.
"Game Changer" showcases visual appeal and solid performances from the cast members however the movie had moments where it fell into disjointed writing which also lead to incoherencies within the plot line. There is a clear push in delivering Shankar’s vision however it also shows his biggest weakness may come when he does not follow what he feels in the writing. All in all his dedication and overall impact of the film created a discussion with those who have experienced the final product.