‘Game Changer’ review: A deafening and dated vigilante thriller

Cleaning up systemic corruption has been Shankar’s pet theme, whether in Indian, Mudhalvan or Anniyan. He also has a larger-than-life style and the ability to make the absurd palatable. But Game Changer has no new ideas, only a star in a double role who will bring in fans.

The Telugu film, which has been dubbed into Hindi, takes a few seconds to establish that a chief minister (Srikanth) is dying and his clownish finger-snapping son Mopidev (SJ Suryah) wants to grab the post. Ram Nandan (Ram Charan) enters in a black tank top and lungi, beats up some baddies and then lands in a helicopter amidst a dancing throng dressed like they were getting ready for the Republic Day float.

Ram is the new collector of Vizag, with more powers than the prime minister – which he lists out in case nobody believes him. Ram clashes with Mopidev over the chief ministership. The action shifts to a tribal dance number and a flashback to Ram’s principled father (also Ram Charan).

Ram’s girlfriend Deepika (Kiara Advani) disapproves of his anger and tendency to beat up anybody in sight. Deepika is around for a couple of songs and forgotten until it’s time for another big song-and-dance number.

Because Ram Charan is the “global superstar” (the...

Read more