“Champion” is a period drama set against the backdrop of the Razakar uprising in post-independence Hyderabad. Roshan plays Michael, a talented footballer with a distaste for conflict, whose path crosses with a village targeted by the Razakars and a theatre artist named Chandrakala (Anaswara Rajan). This Telugu film attempts to weave a love story into a turbulent historical setting. Read our full Champion Movie Review to see if it scores.
‘Champion’ is a Telugu film starring Roshan, introducing Malayalam star Anaswara Rajan to the industry. Directed by Pradeep Advaitham, the film generated interest as Roshan’s project after the hit ‘Pelli Sandadi’ and marked Anaswara Rajan’s Tollywood debut. The film hit theatres today.
Plot: Though India gained independence, Kasim Razvi refuses the integration of the Hyderabad State. To achieve its aims through force, the Nizam’s autocratic regime unleashes the Razakars. While many villages tremble in fear, the people of villages like Bairanpalli courageously resist. Into this setting arrives Michael C. Williams (Roshan) with his friend Shabbir.
Michael is a skilled footballer who earns a chance to play for a Manchester club in England. However, to secure this opportunity, he is forced to illegally transport weapons. During this, he nearly gets caught by the men of Patwari Rangarao (Harshvardhan) and helps free Bhikshapathi, a youth from Bairanpalli, who was held captive. On his suggestion, Michael heads to that village.
Bairanpalli is largely influenced by Rajareddy (Kalyan Chakravarthy). Michael realizes the village is a target of the Razakars. Disliking war, he wants to leave quickly, but decides to lay low in the village for a few days to evade the police searching for him.
Chandrakala (Anaswara Rajan), who performs plays with her father, also lives in the same village. Michael’s acquaintance with her blossoms into love. It is amidst these circumstances that the Razakars descend upon the village. What will Michael, who abhors conflict, do? What is the reason for his aversion to war? Will he abandon his love for his ambition, or change his heart for her? This forms the rest of the story.
Analysis: This is Roshan’s film after a long gap and Anaswara Rajan’s first Telugu movie. These three key elements—a post-hit hero, a fresh face, and a love story set in the Razakar era—built significant interest in the Champion movie. For audiences expecting a village-backdrop love story from that turbulent time, the narrative might bring some disappointment.
The premise of a conflict-averse hero being forced into a position where he must fight is engaging. The director sets up intriguing questions: Will he leave the village that sheltered him and the girl he loves to pursue his dream, or will he stand and fight for them? However, the execution doesn’t fully live up to this setup.
The hero’s introduction and the following scenes lack a gripping pace, testing patience. The meeting between the hero and heroine takes considerable time, and the sequences in between aren’t particularly effective. Spending a long runtime to reach the core conflict proves disappointing.
Performances & Technical Aspects: Roshan and Anaswara Rajan do justice to their roles. Kalyan Chakravarthy and Archana add strength to the backdrop. The production values are good. Micky J. Meyer’s background score is impactful, and his songs like ‘Gira Gira’ and ‘Sallagundale’ are melodious. Maahi’s cinematography and Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao’s editing are competent.
Verdict: The Telangana backdrop and the Razakar era feel somewhat disconnected from the central theme of football. Even the title ‘Champion’ doesn’t seem to fit seamlessly with this period story. One can’t help but feel that if the love story had been given as much weight as the historical backdrop, the content might have connected more powerfully.
The Champion web series review sentiment (for a detailed narrative) is stronger than what this film delivers as a cinematic experience. This Champion review finds it to be a film with promising elements that doesn’t quite champion its own potential.
FAQs: Champion Movie Review
Q: What is the story of the Champion movie?
A: Set in post-independence Hyderabad, it follows Michael, a footballer who detests war, as he gets entangled with a village targeted by Razakars and falls in love with a local artist, Chandrakala.
Q: Who are the lead actors in Champion?
A: The film stars Roshan as Michael and Malayalam actress Anaswara Rajan (making her Telugu debut) as Chandrakala.
Q: Who directed the film Champion?
A: The film is directed by Pradeep Advaitham.
Q: Is Champion based on a true story?
A: While set against the real historical backdrop of the Razakar movement in Hyderabad State, the central characters and their love story are fictional.
Q: How is the music in the Champion movie?
A: The music is composed by Micky J. Meyer, and the background score is noted as impactful, with songs like ‘Gira Gira’ being highlights.
Disclaimer: Champion Movie Review
This Champion movie review reflects the subjective views and opinions of the reviewer. It is based on a single viewing and is intended for informational purposes. Box office performance, audience reception, and individual preferences may vary. Readers are encouraged to watch the film to form their own opinions.
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