Review: Champion: Sincere But Tedious

 

Movie: Champion
Rating: 2.5/5

Cast: Roshan Meka, Anaswara Rajan, Nandamuri Kalyan Chakravarthy, Kay Kay Menon, Ranvir Shorey,Murali Sharma, Harshavardhan, Santosh Pratap, Ravindra Vijay, Abhay (of Pelli Choopulu fame), Racha Ravi and others

Director: Pradeep Advaitham

Produced By: Swapan Cinema

Release Date: 25-12-2025

Story:

Set in 1948, after India’s Independence, the film follows Michael Williams (Roshan), an aspiring football player from Secunderabad in the Hyderabad state ruled by the Nizams. Working in a bakery, his only dream is to go to England and become a successful football star. When he finally gets a chance to join the Manchester football club in London, his father’s past prevents him from entering the country. Desperate to reach England, Michael agrees to deliver illegal guns for a pilot. This journey takes him to Bairanpally, a village where locals are fighting against the Nizams and the Razakars.

Performances:

Roshan Meka is sincere and tries to add life to his role, though stronger writing could have made his character more impactful. Anaswara Rajan looks charming and performs well within her scope. Nandamuri Kalyan Chakravarthy appears dull in a lengthy but weak role. Kay Kay Menon and Ranvir Shorey are wasted in routine villain parts. On the other hand, Murali Sharma, Harshavardhan, Santosh Pratap, Ravindra Vijay, Abhay (of Pelli Choopulu fame), Racha Ravi, and the actors playing villagers fit their roles well.

What Works:

The opening episodes are decent, with the director setting up the backdrop effectively. The first football match is engaging, while the heroine’s introduction and the “Gira Gira” song add freshness. The last half hour stands out, especially the massacre and fightback sequence in Bairanpally, which finally brings some emotional weight. The film’s visual quality is impressive, and the music complements the mood.

What Doesn’t:

The major drawback of Champion is its weak emotional impact. The screenplay fails to capture the pain and intensity of the villagers’ struggle. The hero’s character lacks a proper arc and feels inconsistent. The antagonists, instead of being threatening, come across as filmy and caricature-like, reducing the overall effect.

Champion Review and Verdict:

Pradeep Advaitham’s Champion is a sincere attempt to bring to life the dreaded Bhairanpally massacre from Telangana’s history. But the film makes a strong impact only in a few places, especially in the last half hour. The remainder of the film struggles with a screenplay that lacks consistency and emotion.