I just walked out of the theater for 'Champion' and honestly, I'm feeling a bit conflicted. My popcorn is finished, the credits have rolled, but my mind is still stuck in that village. I went in expecting a sports drama, maybe a 'Bend It Like Beckham' meets Bollywood kind of vibe, but what I got was something much heavier. I'm sitting here in my car, replaying that final 30 minutes in my head. It was brutal, beautiful, and completely unexpected. I feel like I need to decompress—maybe get another coffee—because the shift from football dreams to a raw, bloody conflict really took me by surprise.
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What's Champion About?
The movie follows Roshan, a talented young footballer whose only goal is to make it to a famous club in England. His journey for a visa and funds takes a wild detour when he ends up in a remote village. What starts as a simple pitstop quickly spirals as he gets caught in the middle of a long-standing, violent feud between the villagers and a powerful local force. It's less about scoring goals and more about surviving one.
What Works in Champion
- ✓ The tonal shift halfway through was jarring but effective. I went from cheering at training montages to holding my breath during tense standoffs.
- ✓ Kay Kay Menon is, as always, phenomenal. His quiet, menacing presence in the village council scenes gave me chills.
- ✓ The cinematography in the village sequences was stunning. The contrast between the lush green fields and the sudden violence was visually powerful.
- ✓ Roshan Meka's physical transformation and commitment in the latter half felt authentic. You could see the desperation in his eyes.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The first hour felt a bit generic. The 'aspiring star' tropes were predictable and the romance subplot with Anaswara Rajan didn't add much.
- ✗ At 167 minutes, it's too long. They could have trimmed 20 minutes from the football setup without losing the impact.
- ✗ The plot connection between the football dream and the village conflict felt a bit forced, like two different movies stitched together.
Standout Moments & Performances
Two scenes won't leave me. First, the initial clash in the village market. It erupts out of nowhere—one minute it's bustling, the next it's chaos. The sound design made me jump in my seat. Second, a quieter moment where Roshan's character, battered and bruised, just stares at his football boots in the mud. That silent shot of his dream literally being buried hit me hard. It perfectly captured the death of his old life. Lastly, a confrontation in a rain-soaked field at night, lit only by tractor headlights. It was hauntingly beautiful and tense as hell.
Main Cast: Roshan Meka, Anaswara Rajan, Nandamuri Kalyana Chakravarthy, Santhosh Prathap, Kay Kay Menon
Direction, Music & Visuals
Director Pradeep Advaitham shows real skill in the second half, building a palpable sense of dread. The music is sparingly used, which works—the silence often speaks louder. The sound design during the conflict scenes is immersive and unsettling. Performances are the backbone. Roshan Meka carries the emotional weight well, especially post-interval. Nandamuri Kalyana Chakravarthy is solid as a village elder. But it's Kay Kay Menon who steals every scene he's in with just a look. The cinematography shifts from bright and hopeful in the city to gritty, earthy tones in the village, mirroring the protagonist's journey.
Director: Pradeep Advaitham
Who Should Watch Champion?
If you're a fan of gritty, grounded dramas that aren't afraid to get dark, you'll appreciate the second half of this film. It's also for viewers who enjoy Kay Kay Menon's craft or are interested in films that explore rural conflicts. Don't go in for a pure sports film—go in for a survival drama with a sports premise.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you're looking for a straightforward, uplifting sports movie or a family film, avoid this. The violence is graphic and the tone is bleak. It's also quite long, so if you have a low patience for slow-burn setups, you might struggle.
Final Verdict
Honestly, 'Champion' is a film of two halves. The first is forgettable, but the second is compelling enough to make the ticket price worthwhile. It's flawed and uneven, but the raw power of its best moments stuck with me. I wouldn't watch it again anytime soon—it's a bit of an emotional workout—but I don't regret seeing it. I'd recommend it with a clear warning: know what you're getting into. It's not the feel-good sports story the title might suggest.
