Game Changer (film)

Game Changer is a 2025 Indian Telugu-language political action film directed by Shankar, in his Telugu debut, and produced by Dil Raju under Sri Venkateswara Creations. The film stars Ram Charan in dual roles, alongside Kiara Advani, Anjali, S. J. Suryah, Srikanth, Sunil, Jayaram and Samuthirakani. The film featured original score and soundtrack was composed by Thaman S. While cinematography and editing were handled by Tirru and Shameer Muhammed and Ruben respectively.

The film was officially announced in February 2021, with its title revealed in March 2023. Principal photography began in October 2021 and wrapped in July 2024, following multiple production delays. Filming took place across various locations in India, as well as international destinations including Japan, China, Malaysia, Cambodia and New Zealand.

Game Changer was released on 10 January 2025, coinciding with the festival of Sankranthi. The film received generally mixed reviews from critics, criticizing its screenplay, editing and direction. Despite the biggest opening day collection, it emerged as Shankar's second major box-office bomb, following Indian 2 (2024).

Ram Nandan successfully clears the UPSC exam to become a District Magistrate and is posted to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. However, on his way to his posting, he is attacked by a gang sent by his former college rival, "Sand" Simha, who is involved in illegal sand mining under the protection of Minister Bobbili Mopidevi. Mopidevi is the son of Chief Minister Bobbili Sathyamoorthy and the younger brother of Home Minister Bobbili Munimanikyam. Though Mopidevi aspires to become the Chief Minister, he fears that the position will go to his elder brother due to seniority.

Upon assuming office, Ram summons the district's wrongdoers for a meeting and pleads with them to stop their illegal activities. When they mock him, he takes action by raiding their bases of operations, a rice trading factory, exposing the adulteration of rice. He subsequently seals the factory and demolishes a mall built on illegal land by one of the wrongdoers.

Years ago, Ram was initially pursuing an MBBS degree but had severe anger issues, particularly when witnessing injustice. His love interest, Deepika, disapproved of his aggressive nature and encouraged him to pursue civil services through the UPSC exam, specifically advising against joining the Indian Police Service, due to his violent nature. Unfortunately, Ram misses the IAS cutoff by six marks and becomes an IPS officer, leading Deepika to leave him. Eventually, he reappears for the exam, qualifies as an IAS officer, and begins searching for Deepika.

After years apart, Ram finally finds Deepika living in an old-age home, and they rekindle their love. During a political rally for the CM's party, a mentally challenged elderly resident, Parvathy, unexpectedly interrupts the event and begins revealing Sathyamoorthy's past crimes. As she speaks, Sathyamoorthy is shocked to see her and suffers a fatal heart attack, but not before forgiving her for exposing his misdeeds. When Mopidevi attempts to attack Parvathy, Ram defends her and humiliates Mopidevi in front of the crowd by slapping him, causing a major political scandal.

Furious at his father's betrayal after he dismisses him for corruption, Mopidevi murders Sathyamoorthy and uses public sympathy to become the next Chief Minister. Meanwhile, Ram is suspended for attacking Mopidevi and is later arrested on fabricated charges just before his wedding with Deepika. As Sathyamoorthy's funeral pyre is about to be lit, the media airs his final statement, in which he publicly endorses Ram as the next Chief Minister. Shocked by the revelation, the people rally behind Ram. Around the same time, Sabha, a veteran political figure, reveals to Ram that he is the biological son of Appanna, the original founder of Abhyudhyam Party, Sathyamoorthy's political party, and a revered leader.