Game Changer pre-release event: Pawan Kalyan addresses cinema and politics

The pre-release event for Shankar’s first Telugu film, Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, was held in Rajahmundry on Saturday evening. Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan was the chief guest, delivering a nearly hour-long speech on cinema and politics.

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Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga praised Pawan’s speech, sharing a clip on X and endorsing the actor’s views. “Cinema should be treated as a separate entity & no politics should seep into cinema. Powerful lines by POWERSTAR. Thank you, sir,” Sandeep wrote.

https://t.co/vkL493uBKP
"CINEMA should be treated as a separate entity & No politics should seep into CINEMA"
Powerful lines by POWERSTAR 💥
Thank you sir 🙏@APDeputyCMO@PawanKalyan

— Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@imvangasandeep)

https://t.co/vkL493uBKP
"CINEMA should be treated as a separate entity & No politics should seep into CINEMA"
Powerful lines by POWERSTAR 💥
Thank you sir 🙏@APDeputyCMO@PawanKalyan

— Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@imvangasandeep) January 5, 2025

">January 5, 2025

In his address, Pawan expressed concern for fan safety during film events, urging audiences to treat movies as entertainment without risking harm. Discussing ticket pricing, he criticized the previous Andhra Pradesh government’s cap on ticket rates, which impacted his film Bheemla Nayak (2022). “If fans are willing to pay more for first-day tickets, that revenue benefits the government through GST. It's pure demand and supply,” he said, rejecting narratives against higher pricing.

Pawan emphasized separating cinema from politics. “Why should heroes beg to hike ticket prices? Cinema should remain independent. Don’t drag it into politics,” he asserted, calling for unity in Indian cinema rather than imitating Hollywood.

Game Changer releases on January 10 for Sankranthi, featuring an ensemble cast including Anjali, SJ Suryah, and Prakash Raj.