Game Changer director Shankar is ‘not completely satisfied’ with film's output, says, "Many good scenes have been trimmed "

Game Changer

S Shankar’s latest Telugu directorial, Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, has sparked considerable interest at the box office, performing well despite facing a series of negative reviews. The film, which released on January 10, has crossed ₹1,000 crore in domestic earnings, indicating its popularity among audiences.

However, Shankar himself has expressed dissatisfaction with the final product, opening about his concerns in a recent conversation with Behindwoods TV.

The renowned filmmaker, known for his ambitious projects, admitted that he wasn’t completely happy with Game Changer's outcome, acknowledging that the film could have been better.

He explained that much of his dissatisfaction stemmed from the trimming of several impactful scenes during the editing process. "I am not completely satisfied with the output of Game Changer. I should have done better. Many good scenes have been trimmed due to time constraints. Total duration came down to more than five hours. We have cut down a few things to acquire a sculpture," Shankar stated in Tamil during the interview. These comments shed light on the challenges filmmakers often face, especially when balancing the storytelling with time constraints.

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Shankar’s inclination for long narratives is well known, especially considering his previous works. In fact, his approach to expansive storytelling was a key reason behind his decision to split his highly anticipated sequel, Indian 2, into two parts. The original Indian (1996), which featured Kamal Haasan in the lead, was a critical and commercial success, and its sequel has been awaited eagerly by fans. However, Shankar found it difficult to fit the sprawling story of Indian 2 into a three-hour runtime, leading to his decision to release the film in two parts. The first part, Indian 2, released last year, while Indian 3 is slated for release later this year. Shankar’s penchant for creating longer films has always been a defining aspect of his career, which is why the trimming of scenes in Game Changer must have been tough for the director.

Despite his dissatisfaction with Game Changer, Shankar’s vision and intent behind the film are noteworthy. His earlier comments about tailoring the film for modern audiences, particularly those accustomed to short, engaging content like Instagram Reels, sparked a debate within the film industry.

This topic was later addressed by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who weighed in on Shankar's comment. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kashyap stated that while Shankar may not be in his best form recently, he would bounce back, much like other iconic Tamil directors such as Mani Ratnam. He also made a point about Shankar's remark, suggesting that the director’s shift from being a “chef” to a “caterer” reflected the industry's evolution and the changing preferences of contemporary audiences.

Shankar, however, was quick to clarify that Kashyap had misinterpreted his statement. The director emphasized that he had never intended to equate filmmaking with the creation of Instagram Reels. Instead, he was referring to the evolving tastes of modern viewers, who often prefer quicker, bite-sized entertainment, and how filmmakers must adapt to these changing preferences without compromising on quality.

In Game Changer, Ram Charan portrays a double role, that of a father and son, which adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The film also stars SJ Suryah, Jayaram, and Vennela Kishore, all contributing to its dynamic performances. Produced by Sri Venkateswara Creations, Game Changer is built on a story by Karthik Subbaraj, whose unique vision has also helped shape the film. Despite the trimming of certain scenes, Shankar’s direction has resonated with audiences, as reflected in the film’s financial success.