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 was the first-ever pre-release event for an Indian film hosted in the USA. Thousands of fans attended, making it a spectacular success.
The event was graced by the film’s core team, including Ram Charan, director Shankar, producers Dil Raju and Sirish, music director Thaman, and actress Anjali. Acclaimed filmmakers Sukumar and Buchi Babu Sana, who are collaborating with Ram Charan on upcoming projects, attended as chief guests. The spectacular event was organized by Rajesh Kallepalli.
Speaking at the event, Global Star Ram Charan expressed his gratitude to Dallas fans for their overwhelming love and reception. He remarked, “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.”
Charan further 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.” He also thanked Sukumar for attending the event and congratulated him on the success of Pushpa 2.
Director Sukumar shared his joy in attending the event, stating, “The energy in the hall made me feel as though I was back in the Telugu states.” He appreciated the unwavering support of the NRI audience for Telugu cinema and expressed gratitude to producer Dil Raju, who trusted him with his first film Arya. Sukumar also praised Ram Charan’s performance, saying, “After watching the climax of Game Changer, I am confident he will win a National Award.”
Producer Dil Raju expressed his excitement about producing his 50th film on such a grand scale with stalwarts like Ram Charan and Shankar. He shared insights into how the collaboration began and highlighted the challenges and achievements during the film’s production. Dil Raju entertained the crowd with his trademark dialogue, “Song Venuma Song Irukku, Fight Venuma Fight Irukku, Sankranthiki Hit Venuma, Hit Irukku.”
Director Shankar expressed his gratitude to the Telugu audience for their love throughout his 30-year career. He remarked, “I always wanted to create a film that blended my style with a unique narrative. The result is Game Changer. Working with Ram Charan has been a special journey, and his portrayal of Appanna will be the film’s highlight.”
Music director Thaman described his experience of working with Shankar and Ram Charan as both exhilarating and daunting. He said, “I never imagined working with this dream combination. I hope Game Changer achieves great success alongside other Sankranthi releases.”
Event organizer Rajesh Kallepalli apologized to fans who couldn’t enter the packed venue, stating, “This is the first time we are hosting a huge event of this scale in America. It has been possible only with the support of Dil Raju garu and the entire team.”
Other notable attendees shared their excitement for the film. Director Buchi Babu Sana praised Shankar’s legendary filmmaking, producer Anil Sunkara highlighted the event’s significance for Telugu cinema in the US, and actor SJ Suryah described Ram Charan as “a king in behavior, dance, style, and acting.” Actress Anjali added, “The role I played in Game Changer will remain the best in my career. You will see a new dimension of Ram Charan in the movie.”
The film’s production team includes notable contributors like Karthik Subbaraj, Sai Madhav Burra, Prabhu Deva, Ganesh Acharya, and S Thaman. Produced by Sri Venkateswara Creations, Dil Raju Productions, and Zee Studios, Game Changer is set for a grand release in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi on January 10, 2025.
