According to a leading distributor, the much-hyped Game Changer is struggling to maintain momentum in the Telugu states. Despite impressive day-one openings, the film reportedly earned only Rs 17 crore net on day two, taking its two-day collections in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to Rs 42 crore. However, advance bookings are reportedly dropping.
“Collections need to increase significantly during the upcoming holidays in the Telugu states,” the distributor stated. He praised Ram Charan’s performance, noting his ability to showcase varied shades but criticized the outdated political theme and excessive cinematic liberties taken by director Shankar. “Scenes like ballot boxes transported by drones and a caretaker Chief Minister (played by S.J. Suryah) smashing EVMs in a polling booth didn’t sit well with the audience,” he observed.
The distributor also pointed out that mass migration of people to their villages for weekend festivities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana led to jammed highways, further denting box-office figures in Hyderabad on Saturday.
Another distributor highlighted a controversy involving the film’s producer, Dil Raju. His comments about Telangana culture and dawat (feasts) reportedly offended a section of the audience in Telangana. “His remarks hurt public sentiment, and collections dropped on day two despite his subsequent apology, which many felt was too late and insufficient,” the distributor noted. Ironically, the comments were made during a promotional event for another film, Sankranthi Vasthunam, yet they seem to have impacted Game Changer.
In two days, Game Changer has reportedly earned Rs 55 crore net across all regions, including Rs 7 crore from the Hindi belt, Rs 3 crore in Tamil Nadu, and Rs 2 crore from Karnataka and Kerala. However, the film has a long way to go to break even.
Adding to the backlash, the makers of Game Changer released a poster claiming Rs 186 crore in day-one collections, which drew widespread trolling on social media. Critics and fans alike questioned the accuracy of these figures, with many calling the numbers exaggerated. Bollywood media also scrutinized the claims, given the film’s poor performance in the North Indian market.
Twitter has been flooded with trolls mocking the poster, with fans of other actors labeling it “next-level fake.” Some users predicted that Game Changer could become a significant loss for producer Dil Raju, while others criticized director Shankar for his lackluster storytelling.
The poster’s claims of surpassing the numbers of Devara and Kalki—both of which had significantly higher pre-release buzz and ticket frenzy—have only fueled debates. Many believe the inflated figures have now become the focal point of discussions around the film, overshadowing its actual box-office performance.
