Champion Review:
Rating: 3/5
By anrwriting | Senior Film Critic
Set against the backdrop of the Byranpally incident of 1948, Champion attempts to blend history, sport, and personal aspiration into a single narrative. Featuring Roshan Meka in his first full-fledged lead role and introducing Malayalam actress Anaswara Rajan to Telugu cinema, the film is mounted on a grand scale by Swapna Cinema. Directed by Pradeep Advaitham, Champion raises an important question does the film do justice to the historical tragedy it draws from?
Story:
Michael (Roshan Meka) dreams of traveling to England to pursue football professionally. However, his father’s legacy of courage and resistance stands in stark contrast to Michael’s personal ambitions. Circumstances force Michael into an illegal arms delivery to Bidar, and fate leads him to the village of Byranpally. What unfolds thereafter amid rising tensions and violence forms the core of Champion.
Performances:
Roshan Meka delivers a confident and controlled performance, displaying noticeable growth as an actor. His screen presence, dialogue delivery, and physicality work well, though there are moments where emotional modulation could have been sharper. With finer control over emotional peaks, Roshan shows promise for a strong future.
A major surprise is Racha Ravi, who finally breaks free from stereotypical comic roles. His character is well-written and effectively elevated, allowing the actor to showcase his dramatic range. This performance should ideally open doors to more substantial roles for him.
Anaswara Rajan, who dubs for herself, deserves appreciation for the effort. While her voice occasionally evokes familiarity, her portrayal of Chandrakala is subtle and sincere. She blends into the narrative effortlessly.
Veteran actor Nandamuri Kalyan Chakravarthy returns to the screen after many years. Though his presence adds gravitas, his Telangana dialect and dialogue delivery fail to leave a strong impact.
Supporting actors including Balagam Sanjay, Archana, Kay Kay Menon, and Murali Sharma contribute effectively, lending credibility to their respective roles.
Technical Aspects:
Mickey J. Meyer’s music is one of the film’s strongest assets. The song Gira Gira plays a significant role in drawing audiences to the theatres, while the background score enhances emotional beats.
The cinematography is visually appealing in parts, but inconsistent CGI undermines the visual impact in several scenes. While the camerawork itself is competent, poor VFX support results in an uneven output.
Production design and costumes succeed in recreating the period convincingly. However, the graphics and action sequences feel underwhelming, especially considering the reported budget of ₹40 crore, which does not fully reflect on screen.
Director Pradeep Advaitham chooses a compelling premise by integrating football into a historical massacre. While the idea works on paper, the execution lacks emotional depth and historical intensity. When dealing with a tragedy of such magnitude, cinematic dramatization is inevitable but the film falls short of conveying the true gravity and legacy of the Byranpally incident.
The opportunity to elevate heroism while simultaneously honoring the collective sacrifice of the villagers remains only partially realized. As both writer and director, Pradeep settles for a middling effort where greater sincerity in writing could have significantly elevated the film.
Analysis:
Films based on real incidents demand strong emotional engagement and immersive world-building. Champion struggles on both fronts. However, commendable performances, evocative music, and competent cinematography serve as saving graces. Though the film does not present history with complete authenticity, it manages to convey portions of the tragedy’s emotional weight.
Better care with CGI and a stronger narrative focus could have made Champion far more impactful. Still, the film is worth watching for Roshan Meka’s performance and select emotionally resonant moments.
Verdict:
Champion is an earnest attempt that doesn’t fully realize its ambitious vision but remains watchable for its performances and music.
Rating: 3/5
— Team NewsMinute24 Review
