The film features Roshan in the lead role, and while he appears confident on screen and puts in sincere effort, the casting feels premature. His age and physical build do not fully align with the intensity demanded by the character, making it difficult for the audience to accept him as a commanding protagonist. Throughout the film, he comes across more as a boy navigating events rather than a leading man driving them. However, the performance does suggest potential, and with more age-appropriate roles in the future, Roshan could establish a stronger screen presence.
Anaswara Rajan, playing the female lead, delivers a serviceable performance, though her dubbing stands out as awkward from her very first appearance. The role itself is limited in scope and does not demand significant emotional or dramatic weight, which restricts her ability to make a lasting impact. As a result, her character remains largely functional, contributing little to the film’s overall momentum.
Champion opens against a historical backdrop, referencing post-independence Hyderabad and the conflict involving the Indian government and the Razakars. While this setup initially suggests depth and political tension, the narrative quickly shifts into flat and uneventful territory. The first half struggles to maintain engagement, even up to the interval. Once Roshan’s character is introduced, the story briefly hints at intrigue through his secret involvement in delivering weapons while aspiring to travel to London to pursue football. However, this conflict is treated superficially, failing to generate suspense or emotional investment.
Interactions between the lead pair, along with intermittent stage play sequences, do little to advance the plot or develop characters. Apart from one notable song, the first half remains largely uneventful. The interval, typically a turning point, offers no meaningful narrative hook, leaving expectations resting heavily on the second half.
Unfortunately, the latter half further exposes weaknesses in direction and screenplay. While a handful of scenes are handled competently, most of the film, including the climax, lacks conviction. The director attempts to deliver a message-driven conclusion, but it culminates in a routine and uninspiring finish. The core issue remains the absence of strong emotional grounding, credible conflicts, and narrative urgency.
Despite being visually appealing and technically sound, Champion ends up feeling hollow. Beyond a couple of songs and a few isolated scenes, the film struggles to hold interest, resulting in a lifeless viewing experience. The gap between ambition and execution ultimately undermines what could have been a far more engaging film.
In the end, Champion stands as a reminder that strong visuals and earnest performances cannot compensate for weak storytelling. The film’s failure to fully develop its themes and characters renders it a dull watch, wasting the promise suggested by its title and premise.
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