The grand pre-release event of Global Star Ram Charan’s Game Changer was held at the Curtis Culwell Center on Saturday. Marking a historic moment, this is the first-ever pre-release event for an Indian film hosted in the USA. Thousands of fans attended the event, making it a spectacular success.
The core team of the film, including Ram Charan, director Shankar, producers Dil Raju and Sirish, music director Thaman, and actress Anjali, graced the occasion. Acclaimed filmmakers Sukumar and Buchi Babu Sana, who are collaborating with Ram Charan on upcoming projects, attended as chief guests. This spectacular event was organized by Rajesh Kallepalli.
Speaking at the event, Global Star Ram Charan thanked Dallas fans for their overwhelming love and reception. “It feels as if we never left India. Maybe that’s why Dallas is now called Dallas Puram. I can’t believe I acted in Shankar garu’s film. I always dreamed of asking him to direct a Telugu film, but I never imagined I’d get to work with him. It’s been a beautiful three-year journey of learning and growth.”
He added, “To me, Shankar sir is to Indian cinema what Sachin is to cricket. He is the No. 1 commercial filmmaker. This is my first solo film in five years, and it’s special. To say it in Dil Raju sir’s style, “Meeku enni Venumo, Anni Irrukinga.’ Working with Raju garu was a pleasure.” Charan also thanked Sukumar for gracing the event and congratulated him for the success of Pushpa 2.
Director Sukumar remarked that the energy in the hall made him feel as though he was back in the Telugu states. He expressed gratitude to the NRI audience for their unwavering support of Telugu cinema even while living abroad. He said, “I cannot thank Dil Raju garu enough in my life. In an era where producers hesitated to give opportunities to new directors, he trusted me with Arya. I received my first Filmfare Award from Shankar sir. Being a Chiranjeevi fan, I always wondered why he hadn’t worked with Shankar sir, but I felt immense joy when Charan shared that he was collaborating with him. I also like SJ Suryah sir a lot. Before becoming the director, I kept Kushi as one of my reference movies.”
About Ram Charan, Sukumar added, “Charan is like my brother, and working with him is always a delight. After watching the film with Chiranjeevi garu, I can confidently say: first half – awesome, interval – blockbuster, and the flashback episode in the second half will give you goosebumps. After the likes of Shankar sir’s Gentleman and Bharateeyudu, I enjoyed this film a lot. I thought Charan would win a National Award for Rangasthalam, but after watching this film’s climax, I am certain he will win it this time.”
Producer Dil Raju shared his excitement about producing his 50th film on such a grand scale with stalwarts like Ram Charan and Shankar. He said, “My journey with Shankar garu began in 1999 with Oke Okkadu. I first met him during that film’s 100-day celebration. Later, he trusted me to release his production venture Eeram as Vaishali in Telugu. Now, I thank him for believing in me to produce his first straight Telugu film Game Changer. Through our banner’s co-director, I came to know that Shankar garu wanted to make a Telugu film under our production house. Ram Charan was shooting RRR at that time. I met him and told about Shankar sir’s idea and he liked it. That’s how this journey was started. This was the 50th film in our banner and we never made a film of this budget. The production was delayed due to COVID-19. I watched the ‘Dhop’ song on mobile and tears rolled in my eyes with joy.”
On his bond with Ram Charan, Raju said, “When I think of Charan, I am reminded of Kalyan garu. My journey with the Mega family began when I distributed films like Tholi Prema, Kushi, and Gabbar Singh. I previously made Yevadu with Charan, which was released during Sankranthi. Now, after 11 years, we’re back with Game Changer for Sankranthi. This film showcases current incidents reflective of our Telugu states, all penned by Shankar sir four years ago. The Game Changer event in Dallas will indeed be a game-changer for Telugu cinema. Finally, I can tell you one thing—‘Koduthunnam.’”
Dil Raju entertained the crowd with his trademark viral dialogue: “Song Venuma Song Irukku, Fight Venuma Fight Irukku, Sankranthiki Hit Venuma, Hit Irukku.” He thanked Rajesh Kallepalli for organising the event on such a large scale and making it a huge success. “
Director Shankar expressed gratitude for the love he has received from the Telugu audience in his 30-year career. He said, “I always wanted to create a film that blended my style with a unique narrative. The result is Game Changer. Although I haven’t made a Telugu film in the past three decades, Telugu audiences have always supported me. I previously considered working with other heroes but finally, I am happy to make my Telugu debut with Ram Charan. He will be seen in three getups in the movie. His portrayal of Appanna will be the film’s highlight.”
Music director Thaman shared his privilege of working with Shankar and Ram Charan. He said, “Some projects make you feel exhilarated yet terrified. That’s how I felt about Game Changer. I never imagined working with this dream combination of Ram Charan garu and Shankar garu. Alongside Game Changer, Balayya babu’s Daaku Maharaj and Raju garu’s Sankranthiki Vasthunnam are arriving. I hope all three films achieve great success at the box office.”
Event organiser Rajesh Kallepalli said, “Many people are waiting outside. I apologise to them. This is the first time we are hosting a huge event of this scale in America. It has been possible only with Dil Raju garu’s support. Ram Charan garu, Shankar garu and all stalwarts came here for us. We need to make the movie a big hit.”
Director Buchi Babu Sana said that he grew up watching Shankar’s films from childhood. “I watched Bharateeyudu film in Pithapuram’s Poorna Theatre. Shankar sir is a legend in making films in commercial angles. No one can match him. I have seen four scenes from Game Changer and they were amazing. Ram Charan garu understands me a lot. Dil Raju garu made my guru a director. I wish their movie Game Changer becomes a huge success.”
Noted producer Anil Sunkara said that this is the first time where a Telugu film’s event is being held in Dallas. “Ram Charan garu visiting Dallas shows his love and affection towards fans here. From now on, we will see many film events in Dallas. This event will start the trend. Sukumar garu made us proud with Pushpa 2. I hope Ram Charan garu will make us proud once again. We all are fans of Shankar garu. He is an inspiration. I hope Game Changer becomes a Game Changing moment for everyone,” stated Anil Sunkara.
Versatile actor SJ Suryah, who played a key role in the movie, said, “I came to Hyderabad for the first time to narrate a story to Pawan Kalyan garu. Ram Charan is a very genuine soul. I saved his number as ‘RC – The King’. He is the real king. He is a king in behaviour, dance, style and acting. Game Changer will entertain everyone for sure.”
Actress Anjali, who played a pivotal role in the movie expressed her excitement by stating that Dallas was the perfect choice to host the first-ever pre-release event of a Telugu film in America. She said, “The role I played in Game Changer will remain the best in my career. It will be ‘before Game Changer and after Game Changer’ for me. You will see a new dimension of Ram Charan in the movie, and everyone will thoroughly enjoy his Appanna character. I feel SVC is my home banner. I did Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu and Vakeel Saab for them. Both were special movies. Now, I am coming with Game Changer.”
SVC and Aditya Movies are releasing Game Changer in Tamil while AA Films Anil Tadani is releasing it in Hindi. Saregama is the Music Partner of this much-awaited political action drama.
Game Changer features Ram Charan in a dual role, alongside Kiara Advani, Anjali, SJ Suryah, Srikanth, Sunil, Samuthirakani, and Jayaram. Karthik Subbaraj penned the story of it. SU Venkatesan and Vivek worked as writers. Harshith is the co-producer of the film. Sai Madhav Burra penned the dialogues, S Thaman composed the music and S Thirunavukkarasu handled the cinematography. N. Narasimha Rao and SK Jabeer worked as line producers. Avinash Kolla served as the action choreographer and Anbirav composed the fights. Prabhu Deva, Ganesh Acharya, Prem Rakshit, Bosco Martin, Jani and Sandy worked as choreographers. Produced by Sri Venkateswara Creations, Dil Raju Productions, and Zee Studios, the film is set for a grand release in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi on January 10, 2025.
