Ram Charan, the global superstar, has joined forces with the famous director Shankar for the big-budget political action-drama, Game Changer. Kiara Advani stars as the female lead. The film is presented by Smt. Anita and produced by Dil Raju and Sirish under the banners of Sri Venkateshwara Creations, Dil Raju Productions, and Zee Studios.

Game Changer is set to hit theaters worldwide on January 10. Before its release, the team threw a lavish pre-release event in Rajahmundry on January 4, with Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan as the chief guest. The event also saw the attendance of the state's cinematography minister Kandula Durgesh, along with MLAs Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary, Adireddy Vasu, Bathula Balaram, Kolikapudi Srinivas, MLC Hari Prasad, and KUDA chairman Thummala Babu.

The cast and crew, including Ram Charan, director Shankar, producers Dil Raju and Sirish, music director Thaman, and lyricists Ramajogaiah Sastry, Ananta Sriram, and Kasarla Shyam, were all present. Dialogue writer Sai Madhav Burra and actors Naveen Chandra, Anjali, Srikanth, Pruthvi, and Racha Ravi also attended, along with director Sujeeth and producer Hanshitha.

At the event, Pawan Kalyan shared his thoughts, saying, "A big hello to everyone here at the Game Changer event! And a shoutout to all the folks tuning in from different platforms. Special greetings to my fans (smiles). We can’t overlook the legends of our film industry like Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu, Dadasaheb Phalke, Satyajit Ray, and Raj Kapoor. We also have to honor the pride of Telugu cinema—NT Rama Rao garu, ANR garu, BN Reddy garu, and Ramabrahmam garu. If you see Pawan Kalyan or Ram Charan today, it’s all thanks to Chiranjeevi garu. You can call me Kalyan Babu, OG, or even Deputy CM, but it’s Chiranjeevi garu who paved the way for us. We’re able to host this event thanks to the support of our honorable Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu garu. A big thank you to Home Minister Anita garu, the state DGP, and the entire district team who worked tirelessly over the last four days to make this happen. I also want to acknowledge the ministers and MLAs present here. I caught Shankar garu's Gentleman in Chennai and watched Premikudu with my grandmother. His films always carry a strong social message. Today, filmmakers like Ram Charan garu, Rajamouli garu, and Jr NTR garu have taken Indian cinema to new heights. Some Southern directors laid the groundwork for this success, and Shankar garu is definitely one of them. Telugu audiences have embraced his films, and I’ve always wanted to see him create a straight Telugu movie. I’m thrilled that he’s making his debut with Game Changer."

Dil Raju garu played a big role in my career by distributing my film Tholi Prema. When I faced some challenges, he stepped in and helped me with Vakeel Saab. Honestly, he was a key player in supporting the Jana Sena party. Our family has always been devoted to Lord Hanuman. When Chiranjeevi garu had a son, our dad put a lot of thought into naming him Ram Charan, which signifies someone who serves at the feet of Lord Rama, just like Lord Hanuman. No matter how powerful he is, Charan stays humble and loyal. To me, Chiranjeevi garu is like a father figure. I may not be Ram Charan's uncle, but he feels like a younger brother to me. I really thought he would snag an award for his role in Rangasthalam. Even though he wasn't born or raised in the Godavari area, he nailed that character perfectly. While his dad is the Mega Star, Charan has become a Global Star. With dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve Mega Star status. I owe a lot to Chiranjeevi garu for my success. I remember him coming home exhausted after shoots, and I would be there to help him out. I’d take off his shoes and socks and wash his feet. We were never the type to harbor ill feelings towards other actors. Our dad always taught us to embrace the idea of 'Sarvejana Sukhinobhavanthu,' wishing well for everyone. I do feel a bit envious of Charan's horse-riding skills since I can't ride at all. Even though I admitted that, I still had to do a horse-riding scene in Gabbar Singh. I approached the horse and fed it a carrot, and it ended up taking good care of me during the shoot. Charan, on the other hand, is a pro at horse riding. I recently watched the trailer for Game Changer, and I really liked it. The film carries a powerful social message.

Everyone who came to the event should make it home safely. It would really hurt us if anything happened to you. Ticket prices vary based on demand and supply. The standards of Telugu films have definitely gone up. There’s a GST on every ticket sold, which means the government benefits from ticket sales. People from all sectors are coming together to create films. Instead of just copying Hollywood, we should focus on making films that reflect our own culture. Even NT Rama Rao garu treated everyone fairly. Chandrababu Naidu garu has also been a big supporter of the film industry’s growth. I always feel fulfilled watching Shankar garu's movies like Oke Okkadu and Shivaji. Films have their right and wrong, and it’s up to the audience to decide what they take away from them. I hope we see more thought-provoking films alongside the entertaining ones. It would be great to have more films that teach values in the future. On behalf of Andhra Pradesh, I want to congratulate Ram Charan garu, Shankar garu, Dil Raju garu, and Sirish garu. SJ Suryah garu is an amazing director and a talented actor. He’s always expressed his passion for acting, and now he’s really impressing everyone with his performances. I wish all the best for Game Changer and hope it kicks off the New Year by smashing box office records. Ram Charan truly embodied his roles in Magadheera and Alluri Seetharama Raju. He’s a good friend to all the heroes in the industry. He practices Ayyappa Deeksha and Hanuman Deeksha for at least 100 days each year, saying it helps him stay humble. Even if he reaches the Oscars, he remains down-to-earth. When he dresses up, he might wear a suit, but otherwise, you’ll find him in an Ayyappa mala and barefoot. Ram Charan is like a treasure to me, almost like a younger brother. The more he achieves, the more humble he becomes. I bless him not just as an uncle but as an elder brother, wishing him incredible success.

Ram Charan, the main star of the film, shared, "I saw an ocean of fans when Pawan Kalyan garu held a rally on the Rajahmundry bridge for the first time. And here I am again, witnessing another massive crowd. Huge thanks to Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan garu for being part of this event. While I might be the Game Changer in the movie, he’s the true game-changer in Indian politics. I believe Shankar garu crafted this story inspired by leaders like Pawan Kalyan garu. I’ll share more later, so please excuse me for now."

Director Shankar expressed his gratitude, saying, "I appreciate Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan garu for joining us at this Game Changer event. I once met him to invite him to my daughter's wedding, and he welcomed me with such warmth. Just a few minutes into our conversation, I found myself admiring him. Despite never having made a straight Telugu film in my career, he made me feel so at home that I decided to create one. A big thank you to Dil Raju garu and Ram Charan garu for this chance. We filmed in beautiful Telugu locations, and the story revolves around a conflict between a minister and a collector. The hero's backstory is a standout part of the film. Ram Charan garu truly embodied that character. Every actor, including Kiara Advani garu, Anjali garu, Srikanth garu, Naveen Chandra garu, and SJ Suryah garu, delivered fantastic performances. Thaman’s music is top-notch. I’m grateful to the whole team for their support."

Producer Dil Raju expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for being here today. When Shankar shared this story with me, it brought back memories of various events in our state. Ram Charan showcased three distinct character shades in this film, and his performance is set to be legendary. Thaman has delivered fantastic music. I also appreciate the AP government for approving a GO to raise ticket prices for the Sankranthi releases. Our film is set to hit theaters on January 10, and I’m optimistic about its success."

AP Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh added, "I extend my warm regards to Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, a true champion for the people and a pivotal figure in forming the alliance government, Sri Pawan Kalyan. I also want to acknowledge Global Star Ram Charan, who has made a significant mark in the Telugu film industry. It’s a proud occasion for us to see both of them on the same stage in Rajahmundry. The government is gearing up to introduce a special cinema policy with the backing of Pawan Kalyan and Honorable Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Andhra Pradesh boasts stunning locations, and many films are already being shot here. On behalf of the CM and Deputy CM, I urge directors and producers to ensure basic facilities for the film industry. The government is eager to support the industry with a new policy, similar to those for tourism and other sectors. Game Changer, directed by Shankar, is expected to be a transformative film in Indian cinema. Congratulations to everyone involved in this project, and best wishes to Dil Raju!"

Actor Srikanth expressed his joy in reconnecting with Power Star and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan after quite some time. He congratulated him and thanked Shankar for giving him such an important role. Srikanth mentioned that he learned a lot while working with SJ Suryah and praised the contributions of Anjali, Samuthirakani, and others for their impressive performances. He also highlighted Thaman's fantastic music for the film. This marks his second collaboration with Ram Charan, following Govindudu Andarivaadele, and he noted the significant growth he’s seen in Charan over the years. Srikanth acknowledged Charan's remarkable performances in Rangasthalam and RRR, and he believes Charan will elevate his craft even further in Game Changer. He described working with Charan as akin to being with Annayya (Chiranjeevi), emphasizing that despite all the changes around him, Charan's humility and grounded nature remain unchanged. Srikanth sincerely hopes Charan wins a National Award for this film, having witnessed his outstanding performance up close.

SJ Suryah expressed his excitement, saying, "Happy New Year to everyone! I was at a loss for words when I finally caught up with my friend, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan garu, after such a long time. His presence truly made this event unforgettable. Two people who have really influenced my way of thinking are AR Rahman garu and Pawan Kalyan garu. When I shared the story of Kushi with Pawan Kalyan garu, he had some great suggestions, like adding a song and three action sequences. That’s how 'Yeh Mera Jahaan' came to life, and he still supports that song today. He’s taught me the value of keeping our promises. He’s a visionary who genuinely cares for his people and would go to great lengths for them. He’s not in it for power or titles, but for the community.

As for Game Changer, Ram Charan garu has given an outstanding performance as Ram Nandan and Appanna. What Pawan Kalyan garu is doing in real life mirrors what Ram Charan garu portrays in this film. I’ve seen the scenes, and the face-off moments between Charan garu and me turned out fantastic. Just like Sukumar garu mentioned, I really hope Ram Charan garu wins a National Award for this role. I have so much more to say, but I’m just overwhelmed by this amazing reception. Game Changer is set to release for Sankranthi, and I can’t wait for you all to see it!"

Game Changer is being produced by Dil Raju and Sirish under the banners of Sri Venkateshwara Creations, Dil Raju Productions, and Zee Studios. The film is also being produced in Tamil by SVC and Adityaram Movies, while AA Films, led by Anil Thadani, will handle the Hindi release.

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