The release of “Indian 2” has cast a cloud of uncertainty over S. Shankar’s upcoming project, “Game Changer,” starring Ram Charan. While Kamal Haasan fans eagerly awaited “Indian 2,” it was Ram Charan’s fanbase that had a vested interest in Shankar’s ability to manage two pan-Indian projects simultaneously. Further fueling the concern was Shankar’s recent box-office slump, prompting questions about whether the director’s magic touch had faded.
“Indian 2” received a lukewarm reception from critics, with many deeming it Shankar’s weakest film to date. While the director has had previous misses like “Boys” and “I,” and “2.0” fell short of expectations, these films still exhibited Shankar’s signature style and flashes of brilliance. However, “Indian 2” reportedly lacked that spark, leaving longtime fans bewildered and questioning the director’s creative direction.
Another source of concern for Ram Charan’s fans is Shankar’s apparent reliance on a recurring trope – the protagonist eliminating villains in increasingly elaborate ways. This pattern, observed in “Aparichitudu,” “I,” and “2.0,” raises anxieties about the originality of “Game Changer’s” plot. Given Ram Charan’s immense dedication to the project, especially following the phenomenal success of “RRR,” the potential for “Rajamouli’s curse” coupled with Shankar’s recent form has created a sense of unease among fans.
Some Tamil film enthusiasts attribute Shankar’s creative slump to the passing of his trusted writer, Sujatha. They believe that Shankar’s foray into writing his own stories has resulted in a decline in quality. However, it’s important to note that “Game Changer” is penned by Karthik Subbaraj, a talented writer-director known for his unique narratives in films like “Jigarthanda,” “Petta,” and “Mahaan.” Shankar’s undeniable filmmaking prowess, combined with Subbaraj’s fresh storytelling perspective, offers a glimmer of hope for “Game Changer’s” success.
Only time will tell if “Game Changer” can recapture the magic that has been associated with Shankar’s past works. While the recent criticism of “Indian 2” has undoubtedly dampened enthusiasm, Ram Charan’s commitment and Karthik Subbaraj’s acclaimed writing hold the potential to deliver a successful film. Fans eagerly await “Game Changer,” hoping that it will mark Shankar’s triumphant return to form.
