Winner

Winner is a high-octane Telugu-language movie released in 2017, featuring Sai Dharam Tej, Rakul Preet Singh, and Jagapathi Babu in key roles. The film is directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Nallamalupu Bujji under the banner of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Productions. S. Thaman showcased his extraordinary musical prowess by creating a remarkable soundtrack that leaves a lasting impression.

Winner is essentially a sports drama that revolves around horse racing, a relatively underexplored theme in Indian cinema. The movie begins with Mahendra (Jagapathi Babu), a professional horse trainer, who desperately hopes that his son will follow in his footsteps, cementing the family legacy in the horse racing field. However, things take an unexpected turn, drawing a wedge between father and son when the son, Siddhartha (Sai Dharam Tej), afraid of the high-risk stakes involved in horse racing, leaves home to find a fresh lease of life.

Living with his loving, adamant uncle, Siddhartha, now grown-up, finds great success in the advertising industry. He thrives in this new world, far from the pressures of his father's expectations and the bitter memories of his past. He meets Sitara (Rakul Preet Singh), an engaging up-and-coming athlete, and is instantly smitten.

Their burgeoning romance adds flavor to the narrative, cementing the movie’s appeal to a wider audience beyond those attracted purely by the focal theme of sports. The film beautifully explores this bond with polished dialogue, expressive performances, and memorable songs, all while retaining its overall focus on horse racing.

Without delving into too much detail to avoid spoilers, the story takes on a twist where Siddhartha is faced with a formidable challenge that gives him no choice but to confront his past fears and once again, step into the world he once left out of fear – horse racing. The narrative showcases the transformation of Siddharth from a fearful kid to a brave man ready to face his fears head-on.

Sai Dharam Tej delivers a sterling performance with his dynamic portrayal of Siddhartha. He brilliantly embodies his character's nuances and emotional depth through various stages, capturing the essence of a man who’s unwillingly thrust into a world he fled from, but later accepts with courage. Rakul Preet Singh shines brightly in her role as Sitara, bringing an irresistible exuberance and charm. Jagapathi Babu’s mature performance as the stern and ambitious father seals the trifecta of superb acting that undoubtedly contributes to the film’s appeal.

The film continues to emphasize the adversarial relationship between Siddhartha and his father, offering a sense of the looming danger and tense anticipation for the impending horse race. It also emphasizes the emotional growth of its characters which is key to the progression of the story, thereby ensuring the audience is engaged throughout.

Winner has all the elements to be an exhilarating watch – the tense drama, the emotional arcs, the high-stakes sports context, and a romance that blossoms amidst it all. The cinematography is able to bring alive the excitement of the racetrack making the audience engrossed in the energy. The dialogues are punchy and the music by S. Thaman resonates with the overall tone of the film.

Taking the path less traveled, Winner is a commendable effort highlighting a unique sport not often seen in Indian cinema. It is a compelling amalgamation of emotional growth, sporting thrill, familial dynamics, and a hint of romance. For those who have an attraction for sports dramas, or simply an audience that enjoys a well-crafted cinematic experience, Winner provides a worthwhile encounter.