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Game Changer (soundtrack)

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Game Changer
Soundtrack album cover
Soundtrack album by
Thaman S
Released4 January 2025
Recorded2021–2024
Studio
GenreFilm soundtrack
Length29:44
LanguageTelugu
LabelSaregama
ProducerThaman S
Thaman S chronology
Baby John
(2024) 		Game Changer
(2025) 		Daaku Maharaaj
(2025)
Singles from Game Changer
  1. "Jaragandi"
    Released: 27 March 2024
  2. "Raa Macha Macha"
    Released: 30 September 2024
  3. "NaaNaa Hyraanaa"
    Released: 28 November 2024
  4. "Dhop"
    Released: 22 December 2024
Jukebox
Game Changer – Jukebox on YouTube

Game Changer is the soundtrack album composed by Thaman S to the 2025 Indian Telugu-language action drama film of the same name directed by S. Shankar and starring Ram Charan. The film marked Thaman's first collaboration with Shankar, and its soundtrack featured seven songs with lyrics written by Ramajogayya Sastry, Anantha Sriram, Kasarla Shyam and Roll Rida. The soundtrack was released under the Saregama label on 4 January 2025.

Background and development

[edit]

When the project was announced under the tentative title RC15,[a] it was initially speculated that Anirudh Ravichander would compose music for the film after he previously associated with Shankar on Indian 2 (2024).[1] Later, on that March, Shankar's norm collaborator A. R. Rahman was also considered to score music for the film.[2] This was also speculated, when Rahman replied to a fan through X (formerly Twitter), anticipating his return to Telugu cinema.[3] On July 2021, it was announced that Thaman S would compose the music for the film.[4]

The film is Thaman's first collaboration, with Shankar and third collaboration with Charan after Naayak (2013) and Bruce Lee: The Fighter (2015).[5] Shankar has been in touch with Thaman, ever since the latter's acting debut with his directorial Boys (2003). Speaking to Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu, Thaman recalled "Rahman sir told me on April 1, last year, that Shankar sir wants me to compose for his new film; I thought it was a joke."[6] However, the producer Dil Raju called Thaman to meet Shankar at his residence on Chennai; Thaman who was re-recording the score for Vakeel Saab (2021) eventually met Shankar who asked him to compose a tune for the film. After finishing the tune, Shankar eventually impressed with it and confirmed his part in the film.[6] Shankar's insistence on Thaman being involved in the project, was attributed to his liking on Thaman's compositions on Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020).[6]

Production

[edit]

Game Changer's soundtrack featured around eight songs.[7] Thaman composed three songs each at specific intervals on March, April and July 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.[6] The latter, being an introductory song which was recorded on 14–15 July 2021 in Hyderabad, with the help of 135 musicians.[8] By April 2022, he had composed around five songs for the film, which he called it as the fastest music composition for any of his films.[6] As he designed the album exclusively for Shankar, Thaman had to change the sonic treatment of his music, making it different from his previous films.[6] While composing "NaaNaa Hyraanaa", he came up with a unique programming technique that can produce different sounds with a lot of monotones.[9] On 19 September 2024, Thaman took to X (formerly Twitter) that the recording of the film's background score would commence from 1 October 2024.[10]

Music videos

[edit]

The songs were choreographed by Jani Master,[11] Prabhu Deva,[12] Ganesh Acharya,[13] Bosco Martis[9] and Prem Rakshith.[9] According to producer Dil Raju, around ₹90 crore (US$10 million) had been invested on filming the songs.[14] However, it was later revealed that the final amount for filming the songs were ₹75 crore (US$8.7 million).[9]

The song "Jaragandi" was reportedly made on a budget of ₹15–20 (US$1.8–24 million) becoming one of the most-expensive songs ever produced.[15][16] It featured Charan and Advani, and over 600 dancers with choreography by Deva. The song was shot for 8 days at a specially erected 70-feet hill-vilage set at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.[16] The lead pair and the dancers worn eco-friendly costumes made from jute designed by the duo Ashwin–Rajesh.[17]

The song "Raa Macha Macha", under Acharya's choreography, was shot at various locations in and around Visakhapatnam which includes: Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, Simhachalam Hill Range and RK Beach.[13] Described as a tribute to Indian dance forms and folklore from various regions, the song featured more than 1000 folk dancers.[18] In an interaction with Thaman, Shankar revealed that Charan had danced for an entire piece of the song's bit in a single shot.[19][20] Charan also recreated Chiranjeevi's veena step from the song "Dayi Dayi Damma" featured in Indra (2002).[21][22]

"NaaNaa Hyraanaa" which featured the lead pair under Martis' choreography was filmed at New Zealand which costed ₹15 crore (US$1.7 million).[23][24] Cinematographer Tirru shot the song using infrared camera, which has ability to bring out various colours.[25] The song was not included in the initial release due to the technical difficulties in processing the infrared images to the theatrical version.[26][27][28] Though, the producers ensured that the song would be included in the theatrical cut by 14 January, the song was eventually added to theatres within two days.[29][30]

The song "Dhop" was filmed at the Ramoji Film City, which was picturized on the lead pair and with choreography by Jani, featured around 100 dancers from Russia.[18]

Marketing and release

[edit]

The audio rights for the film were acquired by Saregama.[31] Prior to its release, the song "Jaragandi" was leaked online on 16 September 2023,[32][15] which led to the arrest of two individuals for leaking the footage and prompting the makers to take action against such incidents. On the occasion of Dusshera (23 October 2023), it was announced that the song would be released as a single on Diwali (12 November 2023).[33] But, the song was postponed indefinitely, a day prior to its release.[34] The delay was attributed to audio documentation issues, as the leaked version of the song received negative response prompting Thaman to change the singers.[35] The leaked version initially had vocals by Anurag Kulkarni and Sunidhi Chauhan, before Daler Mehndi replaced Kulkarni's vocals in the Telugu version.[15] It was released on 27 March 2024, on the occasion of Charan's 39th birthday.[36]

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi (7 September 2024), the makers released a poster indicating that the second single from the film will be released later this month.[37][38] On 25 September, the song's title was revealed as "Raa Macha Macha",[39] and the promo was released on 28 September.[40][41] Two three-minute videos titled Sounds of Game Changer—an interaction between Shankar and Thaman, and Raju and lyricist Anantha Sriram, describing the making of the song—was released.[42][43] The full song was then released on 30 September 2024.[44] Its release coincided with a launch event held at St. Martin's Engineering College in Hyderabad with Shankar, Raju, Thaman, Sriram, S. J. Suryah and Srikanth in attendance.[45]

On 23 November, the third single was announced.[46][47] A romantic number pictured on Charan and Advani, it was titled "Naa Naa Hyraanaa" and promoted with two behind-the-scenes interaction videos: one with Shankar and Thaman,[48] and the other, regarding the making of the song with the singers Karthik and Shreya Ghoshal.[49] The song was officially released on 28 November, in three languages.[50] The fourth song was announced on 18 December, being titled as "Dhop"[51] and was launched at the pre-release event held in Dallas, Texas on 21 December at 9:00 p.m. CST, and in India on 22 December at 8:30 a.m. IST.[52]

The remaining songs—"Arugu Meedha", "Konda Devara" and "Koparap"— were released with the soundtrack album on 4 January 2025.[53] Later, the song "Unpredictable", which featured vocals by Blaaze, and lyrics written by Blaaze and Adviteeya Vojjala was released as an additional track on 9 January 2025.[54]

Track listing

[edit]
Telugu
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Jaragandi"Anantha SriramDaler Mehndi, Sunidhi Chauhan4:20
2."Raa Macha Macha"Anantha SriramNakash Aziz4:32
3."NaaNaa Hyraanaa"Ramajogayya SastryKarthik, Shreya Ghoshal4:34
4."Dhop"Ramajogayya SastryThaman S, Roshini, Prudhvi Chandra, Sruthi Ranjani Modumudi4:51
5."Arugu Meedha"Kasarla ShyamThaman S, Roshini5:46
6."Konda Devara"Kasarla ShyamThaman S, Sravana Bhargavi2:55
7."Koparap"Roll RidaThaman S, Roll Rida2:44
Total length:29:44
Extended soundtrack
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
8."Unpredictable"Blaaze, Adviteeya VojjalaThaman S, Blaaze2:54
Total length:32:38

All lyrics are written by Vivek

Tamil
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Jaragandi"VivekDaler Mehndi, Pooja Venkat4:20
2."Raa Macha Macha"VivekNakash Aziz4:32
3."Lyraanaa"VivekKarthik, Shreya Ghoshal4:34
4."Dhop"VivekAditi Shankar, Shruthi Ranjani4:51
Hindi
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Jaragandi"KumaarDaler Mehndi, Sahithi Chaganti4:20
2."Dam Tu Dikhaja"KumaarNakash Aziz4:32
3."Jaana Hairaan Sa"Kausar MunirKarthik, Shreya Ghoshal4:34
4."Dhop"Raqueeb AlamRaja Kumari, Shruthi Ranjani4:51

Reception

[edit]

Avinash Ramachandran of The Indian Express mentioned Thaman as one of "the striking aspects" of the film where he ensures that "there is never a moment where we are not invested in the proceedings".[55] Paul Nicodemus of The Times of India mentioned that "Thaman's musical score elevates the film, with a soundtrack that compliments its themes" and also described "Jaragandi" as one of the highlights in terms of picturization.[56] Sashidhar Adivi of Times Now wrote "Thaman's score elevates the cinematic experience complementing the visual brilliance achieved by the technical team."[57] Arjun Menon of Rediff.com wrote "Thaman's songs have a experimental, percussion-based folk sounding to it that adds some flavour."[58] Balakrishna Ganeshan of The News Minute added that Thaman's "high-octane music amplify the style and narrative".[59]

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu added that "Thaman’s music and the background score are in tandem with the mood of the narrative" but felt that the songs did not stand out despite the grandeur and picturization.[60] Janani K. of India Today wrote "While the songs, composed by S Thaman, are mounted in eyebrow-raising set pieces, they hardly make you feel wow, like they did in the 90s. The songs hardly made any impact or were worth humming."[61] Deepa Gahlot of Scroll.in stated "The songs are instantly forgettable. The loud, insistent background score could wake up the dead on the next planet."[62]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Ram Charan's 15th film as a leading actor

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Anirudh Ravichander to compose music for Ram Charan-Shankar film?". The Times of India. 25 February 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  2. ^ Balachandran, Logesh (10 March 2021). "AR Rahman to team up with Shankar for his period drama with Ram Charan?". India Today. Archived from the original on 11 March 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  3. ^ "AR Rahman to compose for Ram Charan-Shankar film?". Cinema Express. 10 March 2021. Archived from the original on 14 April 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Music director Thaman joins Shankar-RamCharan's #RC15". The Times of India. 19 July 2021. Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  5. ^ "Thaman S reunites with Boys director Shankar for Ram Charan starrer #RC15". The Times of India. 19 July 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (2 April 2022). "Composer Thaman S discusses his musical evolution, composing for Shankar's next film, and more". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 15 April 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  7. ^ "Game Changer: Thaman shares new updates on the film's music and release plans". The Times of India. 24 July 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 1 August 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  8. ^ "Composer Thaman is excited to be on board for 'brother' Ram Charan's RC15". The Indian Express. 19 July 2021. Archived from the original on 20 June 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d "Ram Charan and Kiara Advani's 'Game Changer' makers spend A Whopping Rs 75 Crores On Five Songs". Firstpost. 29 December 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  10. ^ "Thaman shares update on Ram Charan starrer 'Game Changer' music, details inside". The Times of India. 19 September 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  11. ^ "#RC15: Choreographer Jani brought on-board Shankar and Ram Charan's film". The Times of India. 19 July 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 17 September 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  12. ^ Arya, Bhawna (19 March 2023). "RC 15 Team, Prabhu Deva Welcome Ram Charan on Film's Sets With Naatu Naatu Dance; Watch Video". News18. Archived from the original on 25 May 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Bollywood dance director Ganesh Acharya to choreograph an introductory song on Ram Charan in Vizag for #RC15". The Times of India. 15 February 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 18 February 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  14. ^ Nasreen, Raisa (7 August 2023). "90 Crore! Ram Charan, Kiara Advani's Game Changer To Feature Most Expensive Songs As Makers Invest A Whopping Amount". Times Now. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  15. ^ a b c "Game Changer Song Made on Whopping Budget Leaked, Makers Furious". Deccan Chronicle. 16 September 2023. Archived from the original on 2 January 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Did you know Game Changer's first single was made with a budget of Rs 20 crore?". The Times of India. 28 October 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  17. ^ Adivi, Sashidhar (29 December 2024). "Ram Charan's Filmmakers Spent Rs 75 Crore On 'Game Changer' Songs". Times Now. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  18. ^ a b "Wondering why Game Changer team spent Rs 75 crore on four songs? Russian dancers, shooting in New Zealand, thousands of extras". The Indian Express. 3 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  19. ^ "'Ram Charan danced to entire piece of background music in a single shot for Raa Macha Macha': Game Changer director Shankar". The Indian Express. 26 September 2024. Archived from the original on 27 September 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  20. ^ "S Shankar reveals Ram Charan danced to a lengthy BGM in a single shot for the 'Game Changer' song 'Raa Macha Macha'". The Times of India. 27 September 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  21. ^ "Ram Charan recreates Chiranjeevi's dance moves in 'Game Changer' song, 'Ram Macha Macha'". The Times of India. 1 October 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  22. ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita (30 September 2024). "Game Changer song Raa Macha Macha: Ram Charan recreates Chiranjeevi's famous veena step. Watch". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 30 September 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  23. ^ "RC15: Is director Shankar picturing a song worth Rs 15 crores on Ram Charan?". The Times of India. 17 November 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 20 November 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  24. ^ "Ram Charan And Kiara Advani's RC15 To Have 'Special Song' With Rs 15 Crore Budget". News18. 17 November 2022. Archived from the original on 19 August 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  25. ^ Adivi, Sashidhar (26 November 2024). "'Naa Naa Hyraanaa' From 'Game Changer' Is The First Indian Song To Be Shot On 'Infrared Camera'". Times Now. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  26. ^ "Game Changer's NaaNaa Hyraanaa removed temporarily, to return on this date". India Today. 10 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  27. ^ "'Game Changer': Song 'NaaNaa Hyraanaa' from Shankar-Ram Charan film edited out temporarily due to technical issues". The Hindu. 10 January 2025. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  28. ^ George, Aradhana (10 January 2025). "'NaaNaa Hyraanaa' song from 'Game Changer' removed; audiences disappointed". The Week. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  29. ^ "Game Changer: 'Naanaa Hyraanaa' featuring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani to be added in the film from today". Firstpost. 12 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  30. ^ "'Naanaa Hyraanaa' from Ram Charan and Kiara Advani's 'Game Changer' added in theatres". The Times of India. 12 January 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  31. ^ "Saregama Secures The Audio Rights Of Ram Charan-starrer Game Changer". News18. 8 November 2023. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  32. ^ "Ram Charan's song from Shankar's 'Game Changer' leaked: Reports". India Today. 16 September 2023. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  33. ^ "'Game Changer': First track 'Jaragandi' from Ram Charan-Kiara Advani starrer to be out on this date". The Times of India. 24 October 2023. Archived from the original on 2 January 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  34. ^ "Ram Charan's 'Game Changer' 1st song 'Jaragandi' postponed. Here's why". India Today. 11 November 2023. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  35. ^ "The first single Jargandi from Ram Charan's 'Game Changer' has been postponed!". The Times of India. 11 November 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  36. ^ Mohammad, Avad (28 March 2024). "Ram Charan's birthday - From mixed response for Jaragandi to key updates on his next films, the global star had an eventual day". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 12 April 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  37. ^ Adivi, Sashidhar (8 September 2024). "Game Changer's Second Single To Strike In September: Filmmakers Release Ram Charan's New Poster". Times Now. Archived from the original on 8 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  38. ^ "Second single from Ram Charan's Game Changer gets a release window". Cinema Express. 8 September 2024. Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  39. ^ "Ram Charan starrer 'Game Changer' second track "Raa Macha Macha" to release soon!". The Times of India. 25 September 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 27 September 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  40. ^ "'Raa Macha Macha' song promo out; full single to be out on Monday". Cinema Express. 28 September 2024. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  41. ^ "Raa Macha Macha Promo: Ram Charan Burns The Dance Floor In This Game Changer Song". News18. 28 September 2024. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  42. ^ The Sounds of Game Changer | Interview with Shankar & Thaman S | Ram Charan | Raa Macha Macha. Saregama Telugu. 26 September 2024. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024 – via YouTube.
  43. ^ The Sounds of Game Changer - Vol 2 | Dil Raju X Anantha Sriram | Ram Charan | Thaman S. Saregama Telugu. 30 September 2024. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024 – via YouTube.
  44. ^ "Game Changer song Raa Macha Macha OUT: Ram Charan's dance steps and Thaman's music in the folk-style number are a banger". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  45. ^ "Game Changer song Raa Macha Macha: Ram Charan, Shankar boost the hype with Thaman's high-energy track". The Indian Express. 30 September 2024. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  46. ^ "Ram Charan's Game Changer Third Single Release Date Locked". Deccan Chronicle. 24 November 2024. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  47. ^ "'Game Changer' third song starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani in a romantic purple setting to release on THIS date". The Times of India. 23 November 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  48. ^ Game Changer | Behind The Song - #NaaNaaHyraanaa | Thaman X Shankar | Ram Charan | Kiara Advani. Dil Raju. 25 November 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024 – via YouTube.
  49. ^ Game Changer | Behind The Song - BTS #NaanaaHyraanaa | Ram Charan | Shankar | Thaman S. Saregama Telugu. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 20 December 2024 – via YouTube.
  50. ^ "Game Changer: ట్రెండింగ్‌లో గేమ్ ఛేంజర్ మెలోడి..యూట్యూబ్ ను ఊపేస్తున్న నానా హైరానా." TV9 Telugu (in Telugu). 29 November 2024. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  51. ^ "Makers share promo of fourth single 'Dhop' from Ram Charan and Kiara Advani starrer 'Game Changer'". The Times of India. 19 December 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  52. ^ Bharat, E. T. V. (18 December 2024). "Game Changer Fourth Single Dhop Promo: Ram Charan And Kiara Advani Ready To Electrify Fans With High-Octane Track". ETV Bharat News. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  53. ^ "Game Changer (Telugu)". Spotify. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  54. ^ "Unpredictable (From "Game Changer") – Single". Apple Music. 9 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  55. ^ Ramachandran, Avinash (10 January 2025). "Game Changer movie review: A riveting Ram Charan anchors a middling Shankar showreel that needed more upgrades". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 10 January 2025. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  56. ^ Nicodemus, Paul (10 January 2025). "Game Changer Movie Review: Ram Charan and Shankar deliver a grand political drama". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  57. ^ Adivi, Sashidhar (10 January 2025). "Game Changer Movie Review: Ram Charan Film Is Visually Beautiful But Lacks Emotional Depth". Times Now. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  58. ^ Menon, Arjun (10 January 2025). "Game Changer Review". Rediff. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  59. ^ Ganeshan, Balakrishna (10 January 2025). "Game Changer review: Ram Charan & SJ Suryah shine in Shankar's engaging political drama". The News Minute. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  60. ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (10 January 2025). "'Game Changer' movie review: This Shankar, Ram Charan, SJ Suryah film chooses instant gratification over emotional heft". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  61. ^ K., Janani (10 January 2025). "Game Changer review: Ram Charan excels, Shankar settles for mediocrity". India Today. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  62. ^ Gahlot, Deepa (10 January 2025). "'Game Changer' review: A deafening and dated vigilante thriller". Scroll.in. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
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