Shankar Admits He’s ‘Not Completely Satisfied’ with Game Changer, Says Film Was Originally 5 Hours Long
S Shankar, the celebrated filmmaker, has opened up about his dissatisfaction with the final version of his Telugu debut, Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani. While the film has crossed Rs.1,000 crore at the domestic box office, it has faced criticism for its pacing and editing.
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Shankar on Trimming the Film
In a conversation with Behindwoods TV, Shankar shared that Game Changer was originally over five hours long, but numerous scenes had to be cut to make it theater-friendly.
"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. The total duration came down to over five hours. We have cut down a few things to acquire a sculpture," Shankar explained in Tamil.
Known for his ambitious projects, Shankar faced similar challenges with Indian 2, which he split into two parts due to its extensive runtime.
Anurag Kashyap’s Comments
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap also weighed in on Shankar’s recent work during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India. Kashyap commented that while Shankar is a talented director, his recent films suggest a shift from being a “chef” to a “caterer,” as he allegedly tailored Game Changer for audiences who consume Instagram Reels.
Shankar later clarified that his comments about Instagram Reels were misinterpreted and that he never meant to compare filmmaking to social media trends.
About Game Changer
Game Changer features Ram Charan in a double role as a father and son, alongside SJ Suryah, Jayaram, and Kiara Advani. Written by Karthik Subbaraj and produced by Sri Venkateswara Creations, the film combines action, drama, and Shankar’s signature visual grandeur. Despite mixed reviews, it has made an impressive box office collection.
Shankar remains hopeful about improving audience perceptions and promises to bounce back with his upcoming projects, including Indian 3, slated for release later this year.
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