Led by a mysterious figure known only as the Professor, a group of 8 people with city names for aliases, take on the heist of a lifetime from inside the Royal Mint of Spain!
Movie Moxie absolutely adores shows like these – an incredibly clever central figure with a grudging axe to grind, who convinces a group of followers to enact a daring plan that would normally get laughed at for plausibility, something to stick it to The Man and win a victory (and a f*ck-ton of money) for the common people! A 5-part story told in three sectional seasons, the show features time-jumps, flashbacks, hidden character motives, an “unreliable narrator”, spans the entire gamut of human emotions and motivations, and will have you cheering for freedom by the end!
Known for their distinctive red jumpsuits and Salvador Dali masks, not to mention the rather large and real guns they’re packing, the robbers storm the Royal Mint of Spain and take hostages, but that’s the barest hint of a beginning, and only skates over the start of the Professor’s genius plan to smuggle out upwards of €900 million out under the very noses of the cops, the Spanish Central Nacional de Inteligencia or CNI (their equivalent of the FBI or similar intelligence agencies), and the common people who’ve come out to root for them!
We begin not with the Professor, but the unreliable narrator, the enticing and bugsh*t-crazy Tokyo, also rarely known as Silene Oliviera (Ursula Corbero). Recruited early as one of the very first of the Professor’s crew and particularly beloved by him, Tokyo acts unofficially as the heart of the group, quick to find words of comfort and violent encouragement when the sh*t hits the fan, she never shies away from cheerful destruction to bring her point across. Tokyo loves just as fiercely as she fights, and it’s actually her reluctance to suffer to be tamed in a life of domesticity that leads to a daring if necessary rescue plan that opens Season 2, Part 3 of Money Heist!
Nairobi, also occasionally known as Agata Jimenez (Alba Flores), is an expert of counterfeiting and forgery, personally overseeing the money printing and gold smelting, always loudly encouraging and determined to move things along at a breakneck pace. She acts as the hands of the gang, forever gesturing, pointing out, circling back together when it all seems to be falling apart.
Berlin, the older and terminally-ill brother of the Professor, is a former jewel thief with a past full of betrayal, and not always from Berlin himself. Rarely called Andres de Fonollosa (Pedro Alonso), Berlin is the mouthpiece of the gang, a smooth-talking, elegantly bisexual man who loves to steal the finer things in life, he is never without a quip just sharp enough with truth to hurt, even a little.
Denver (Jaime Lorente) is the guts of the gang, passionate and roiling and reluctant, young and hot-headed and prone to geyser-like outbursts of emotion, he wears his heart like armor and is perpetually ready to f*ck some sh*t up. Denver is almost always the would-be trigger man, the over-eager grunt tossed to the front lines, never in charge but never afraid to lead the charge, Denver has guts for days and can always be counted on to lift the rest of the gang when things are falling apart! It should also be noted that it’s because of Denvers various passions that we get a new member of the gang somewhere along the way, the more than mildly crazy Monica Gaztambide (Esther Acebo), who adopts the most appropriate gang moniker ever – Stockholm!
Moscow (Paco Tous), father to Denver and a former miner turned criminal with the rest of our gang, serves as the blood of our combined gang-body, a connection that flows below the surface between everyone, a calming influence that is no slouch in the brains department either.
Then there’s Rio, known eventually by the cops as Anibal Cortes (Miguel Herran), hacker and lover of Tokyo, the perpetual baby of the gang, always in need of saving. Rio is the thyroid gland of the entire gang, the entirely necessary computer hacker that’s generally ignored until desperately needed, or until it begins acting strangely, both of which happens to and not because-of Cortes.
Helsinki (Darko Peric) and his cousin Oslo (Roberto Garcia Ruiz) are of course the meat and muscle of the operation, both veteran Serbian soldiers always ready to utterly destroy the opposition with their intimidating sizes, explosives, and appetite for destruction!
We’ve saved the absolute best for last, because really, the Professor (Alvaro Morte) as the brains of the operation is like sex on toast for a sapiophile like Moxie! Hardly cutting any kind of striking figure, the Professor looks exactly as his moniker sounds – glasses, shirt-sleeves, adorably ruffled puppy-dog hair, skewed tie, harried, lovable expression. And yet somehow, the Prof is the whole of the entire heist, or series of heists, the soul of the group who drives with his passion and determination and ultimately, love, of not only years-long vengeance in the making, but the people he chose to surround himself with for this caper, who became family in the crucible of this trial. Stuck together in some Spanish villa in the countryside for months on end, planning and working and training together under the Professor’s calm, assured guidance, the gang unites under their patriarch and sets out to enact the most daring heist in history!
Plenty of bumbling cops, corrupt CNI officials, and other would-be credit-takers coalesce to try and get our robbers out of the Royal Mint by means fair or foul, but the most important of them is Inspector Raquel Murillo (Itziar Ituno), placed in charge of the original Mint heist. By Part 3, there is no more Raquel, she is now Lisbon and gleefully sporting a crimson jumpsuit and a Dali mask with the rest of them!
The love and care shown in each and every episode to the lost, the forgotten, the marginalized and the repressed – most especially in the LGBTQIA+ community – is truly impressive, and comes across in a beautifully haunting way. For a show fraught with the spectrum of human emotions, a daring plan pulled off by some incredibly zany characters, and the determination to seize justice with your own two hands, Money Heist is an incredible adventure worth repeated viewings!
As a devoted fan of South Indian action cinema and an entertainment journalist, I’ve come to admire the sheer charisma, talent, and screen presence of a few iconic actors who have redefined the genre. Here’s a list of my top five favorite Indian action heroes, along with a couple of must-watch movies from each of them that showcase their incredible prowess on screen.
- NTR Jr.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., known as NTR Jr., is an electrifying performer who blends action and emotion effortlessly. His dialogue delivery, intensity, and dance moves make him a powerhouse in South Indian cinema.
Must-Watch Movies:
RRR (2022): Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this epic action-drama showcases NTR Jr. as Komaram Bheem, a fierce and compassionate warrior.
Temper (2015): NTR Jr. delivers a riveting performance as a corrupt cop who embarks on a journey of redemption.
- Allu Arjun
The “Stylish Star” of Tollywood, Allu Arjun, is celebrated for his fluid dance moves, charismatic screen presence, and action-packed roles. His ability to transform into diverse characters has won him a massive fanbase.
Must-Watch Movies:
Pushpa: The Rise (2021): As Pushpa Raj, a smuggler with unyielding determination, Allu Arjun delivers a gritty and unforgettable performance.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020): While not strictly an action film, it features intense fight scenes and showcases Allu Arjun’s versatility.
- Prabhas
Known for his larger-than-life roles, Prabhas has become a global sensation. His dedication to his craft and ability to headline mega-budget films set him apart.
Must-Watch Movies:
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) & Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017): These iconic films, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, transformed Prabhas into a household name.
Saaho (2019): A high-octane action-thriller where Prabhas portrays an enigmatic cop.
- Yash
Yash’s meteoric rise to stardom is nothing short of inspirational. His raw energy, intense action sequences, and ability to connect with audiences have solidified his status as a South Indian action hero.
Must-Watch Movies:
KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) & KGF: Chapter 2 (2022): Yash as Rocky Bhai is a cinematic phenomenon, blending larger-than-life action with a gripping storyline.
Masterpiece (2015): A lesser-known gem that highlights Yash’s charisma and action chops.
- Ram Charan
Ram Charan, a dynamic performer, has mastered the art of blending action, drama, and dance in his roles. His nuanced performances and incredible screen presence make him a fan favorite.
Must-Watch Movies:
RRR (2022): His portrayal of Alluri Sitarama Raju, alongside NTR Jr., is a masterclass in action and emotion.
Magadheera (2009): A timeless classic that combines action, romance, and fantasy in a spellbinding narrative.
Why These Actors Shine
What makes these stars stand out in the realm of South Indian action movies is their ability to push boundaries, take on challenging roles, and deliver performances that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s NTR Jr.’s emotional depth, Allu Arjun’s stylish personas, Prabhas’s epic presence, Yash’s raw intensity, or Ram Charan’s versatility, these actors have set benchmarks in the industry.
So, if you’re an action movie enthusiast like me, dive into their filmographies—you won’t be disappointed!
When RRR stormed onto the global stage, it didn’t just captivate audiences—it redefined Indian cinema’s reach. Among the legion of admirers is none other than James Gunn, the mastermind behind Guardians of the Galaxy and the architect of DC Studios’ cinematic future. Gunn’s vocal admiration for the film, particularly its star NTR Jr., has sparked excitement in Hollywood and beyond. It’s a testament to NTR Jr.’s exceptional talent and a long-overdue recognition of his abilities as an actor of extraordinary caliber.
In interviews and social media posts, Gunn has repeatedly praised RRR for its storytelling, high-octane action, and emotionally charged performances. However, what truly stood out for the acclaimed filmmaker was NTR Jr.’s portrayal of Komaram Bheem. Gunn lauded NTR Jr.’s magnetic screen presence, noting how his nuanced performance struck the perfect balance between raw intensity and heartfelt vulnerability. For Gunn, this wasn’t just an appreciation of a great film—it was a call to collaborate with an actor who embodies the charisma and skill needed for global stardom.
As Gunn reshapes the DC Universe, the prospect of bringing NTR Jr. into the fold feels like a natural progression. With his eye for blending humor, heart, and heroism, Gunn’s creative vision would pair seamlessly with NTR Jr.’s dynamic acting range.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., affectionately known as Tarak, is no stranger to acclaim. Hailing from the illustrious Nandamuri family, his rise to stardom was marked by a series of standout performances in Telugu cinema. With each role, NTR Jr. has proven his versatility, effortlessly transitioning from emotionally driven characters in films like Yamadonga to action-packed blockbusters such as Temper and Janatha Garage. His role in RRR, however, elevated his craft to an international platform.
In RRR, NTR Jr. brought Komaram Bheem to life with an intensity that left audiences in awe. From the iconic jungle tiger scene to the emotionally wrenching friendship dynamic with Ram Charan’s Raju, he carried the weight of the film on his broad shoulders with effortless grace. His ability to portray strength, resilience, and vulnerability in equal measure cements him as one of Indian cinema’s greatest.
For years, Indian actors have slowly been making their mark on Hollywood, but NTR Jr. is poised to take it a step further. His universal appeal, combined with his dedication to his craft, makes him a natural choice for a crossover into global cinema. James Gunn’s interest in collaborating with him is not just a compliment—it’s a recognition of the talent that has long deserved a spotlight.
In a time when audiences are demanding more diverse stories and authentic representation, NTR Jr.’s inclusion in a major Hollywood franchise would be a game-changer. Whether as a DC superhero, a cosmic adventurer, or a complex antihero, Tarak has the range to bring any character to life.
Gunn’s admiration for RRR and NTR Jr. signifies more than just a potential collaboration. It’s a validation of Indian cinema’s ability to produce world-class talent and stories that resonate across cultures. As filmmakers like Gunn shine a light on stars like NTR Jr., the gap between Bollywood, Tollywood, and Hollywood continues to narrow, creating a truly global entertainment industry.
For NTR Jr., this could be the beginning of a journey that takes him from an Indian megastar to an international icon. As fans of cinema, we can only hope that James Gunn’s vision materializes, giving us the opportunity to see Tarak in a role that matches his immense potential. After all, it’s about time the world recognizes what Indian audiences have known for years—NTR Jr. is a force to be reckoned with.
Review By: Raja V. Deva
Genre: Political Action Thriller
Runtime: Approximately 165 minutes
Director: S. Shankar
Writer: Story by Karthik Subbaraj; Screenplay by S. Shankar, Vivek, and Venkatesan
Cast: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S. J. Suryah, Srikanth, Sunil, Jayaram, Samuthirakani
Music Composer: Thaman S
“Game Changer” marks S. Shankar’s foray into Telugu cinema with a political action thriller designed to be grand in scale and ambition. The film features Ram Charan in dual roles: Appanna, a shrewd political leader, and his son, Ram Nandan, an upright IAS officer determined to clean up a corrupt system. However, despite the actor’s valiant efforts, the story doesn’t fully work with Ram Charan in the lead.
Originally conceptualized for another actor, the film’s narrative feels like it was tailored for someone with real-life political aspirations. While Ram Charan brings his star power and intensity to the roles, the weighty political undertones and the narrative’s structure don’t align well with his on-screen persona. His dual performance showcases his range, but the emotional depth and conviction required to anchor such a politically charged film seem misaligned with his strengths.
The supporting cast provides decent performances, with Kiara Advani and Anjali making their presence felt, though their characters lack depth. S. J. Suryah stands out as a formidable antagonist, adding gravitas to the film. Thaman S’s background score enhances the mood, though the songs occasionally disrupt the flow of the narrative.
Visually, the film boasts stunning production values and large-scale set pieces, typical of Shankar’s style. However, even the grandeur and intricate action sequences can’t mask the disjointed storytelling. The screenplay struggles to balance its political commentary with its action-oriented approach, leaving neither element fully realized.
Ultimately, “Game Changer” feels like a project that missed its mark. The story might resonate with audiences interested in political drama or those with a penchant for larger-than-life narratives, but it doesn’t do justice to Ram Charan’s abilities or his established image.
Rating: 6/10
For fans of Ram Charan or political thrillers, it might be worth a watch, but “Game Changer” feels like an opportunity lost to deliver a truly compelling cinematic experience.
Top 5 Indian Action Movie Stars to Watch Out For
James Gunn’s Love for RRR: The Rise of NTR Jr. as a Global Phenomenon
Review: Game Changer
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