Karthik Subbaraj reveals how Shankar changed his original ‘Game Changer’ story

NewsentertainmenttamilmoviesKarthik Subbaraj reveals how Shankar changed his original ‘Game Changer’ story for Ram Charan: 'It had a gangster element' Karthik Subbaraj reveals how Shankar changed his original ‘Game Changer’ story for Ram Charan: 'It had a gangster element' TOI Entertainment Desk / etimes.in / Oct 29, 2026, 19:55 IST Ram Charan and Shankar’s ‘Game Changer’ hit theatres amid considerable expectations, but the political action drama received a mixed response and underperformed at the box office.

The film was based on a story by filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj, who had shared his original idea with Shankar. Now, Karthik has revealed how his initial concept differed from the version that eventually reached the big screen, including a Madurai-based gangster angle that was part of his original narrative.Karthik Subbaraj reveals his original ‘Game Changer’ story Speaking about the film’s origins in a video shared by Cine Chitraalu on X, Karthik Subbaraj revealed that Shankar had initially asked him to develop the screenplay as well.

However, the filmmaker was occupied with the pre-production of ‘Mahaan’ at the time and could only share the story.“I had a story and I gave the story to Shankar sir. He asked if I could also write a screenplay and give it to him, but at that time, I was in the pre-production of ‘Mahaan.’ So, I told him I would just give him the story,” he said.Karthik explained that his original idea centred on an officer attempting to change the system from within.

While the story had a political backdrop, he envisioned a narrative that combined the subject with action and a local gangster track. Karthik Subbaraj also revealed that his original story drew some inspiration from the Hindi film ‘Newton’, which follows an election officer navigating a challenging political environment.

However, he wanted to bring more action into the narrative and give it a distinctly Tamil setting through a gangster character from Madurai.“It is a little bit like 'Newton,' but with more action. It also had a gangster element in it.

I wrote it in Tamil, and the story was about a person from Madurai, so there would be a Madurai gangster angle as well,” he said.The filmmaker indicated that the story evolved as it was developed into a large-scale commercial project starring Ram Charan and directed by Shankar.

He added that he understood the extent of the changes only after watching the finished film. Despite the differences between his original idea and the final version, Karthik expressed happiness that a filmmaker of Shankar’s stature had taken his story forward.About ‘Game Changer’ Directed by Shankar and starring Ram Charan in the lead role, ‘Game Changer’ is a political action drama that follows an IAS officer who takes on corruption and attempts to reform the system.

The film also features Kiara Advani, Anjali, SJ Suryah, Srikanth and Samuthirakani in key roles. Its story was written by Karthik Subbaraj, while the screenplay was developed by Shankar and his collaborators.Karthik’s latest comments offer a glimpse into how a filmmaker’s original idea can evolve during the process of adapting it for a major commercial production, particularly when the story is shaped around a leading star and a director’s vision.

Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app. Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today! The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India.

No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold.

Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture.

We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life. Qazi Touqeer Comeback: Abhijeet Sawant recalls ‘one-show wonder’ taunts; praises Qazi-Arijit Friendship Recalled: singer shares Fame Gurukul memories Bigg Boss 20: Love Gill confronts ScoutOP over Kaashvi row; recalls unverified Ghuggi saga From Kanika Mann, ScoutOP to Amrapali Dubey, Arishfa Khan and more: Estimated net worth of popular Bigg Boss 20 contestants Bigg Boss 20: Kaashvi Hiranandani apologises after facing backlash over remarks against Love Bigg Boss 20 Weekend Ka Vaar: Kaashvi confronts ScoutOP on Love Gill bond; calls it ‘vulgar’ Weekend Ka Vaar Episode: Rohit Shetty backs YUNG DSA; urges him to play solo