Peddi
2026 Indian film by Buchi Babu Sana
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Peddi is a 2026 Indian Telugu-language sports action drama film[10][11] written and directed by Buchi Babu Sana. Produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru under Vriddhi Cinemas and co-produced by Ishan Saksena under IVY Entertainment and presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings, it stars Ram Charan in the titular role, alongside Shiva Rajkumar, Janhvi Kapoor and Jagapathi Babu.
| Peddi | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Buchi Babu Sana |
| Written by | Buchi Babu Sana |
| Produced by | Venkata Satish Kilaru |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | R. Rathnavelu |
| Edited by | Naveen Nooli |
| Music by | A. R. Rahman |
Production company | Vriddhi Cinemas |
| Distributed by | see below |
Release date |
|
Running time | 189 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Budget | ₹300−350 crore[a] |
| Box office | ₹330–400 crore[b] |
The film was announced under the working title of RC16 in March 2024, with the official title being announced as Peddi in March 2025. Principal photography commenced in Mysuru on 22 November 2024, with filming taking place in Hyderabad, Colombo, Kanyakumari, and Pune. Filming concluded by the end of April 2026. The original score and soundtrack are composed by A. R. Rahman.
The film was released theatrically on 4 June 2026 in standard, IMAX, 4DX, D-Box, ScreenX, ICE, PXL, MX4D, Dolby Cinema, and EPIQ formats to mixed reviews, with praise for Ram Charan, Shiva Rajkumar, and Jagapathi Babu's performances and criticism for some scenes featuring Janhvi Kapoor, the screenplay, and the film's runtime.[12][13]
After its theatrical release in June 2026, Peddi drew widespread criticism over the portrayal of its female lead, Achiyyamma (played by Janhvi Kapoor). Viewers, critics, and several members of the film industry objected to certain scenes, camera angles, and close-up shots, arguing that they objectified the character and undermined her role in the story. The backlash triggered broader discussions on the representation of women in Indian cinema.[14]
In response, director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology, stating that the filmmakers had no intention of disrespecting women and acknowledging that some scenes had caused discomfort. He announced that the controversial portions would be modified or removed, emphasizing that "every woman deserves to be portrayed with dignity."[15]
Plot
In 2016, a National Sports Ministry Official is reprimanded by the minister following India's poor performance at the Olympic Games. While touring a town in Andhra Pradesh, the official observes local youth demonstrating an exceptional dedication to athletics, all attributing their inspiration to an individual named Peddi. Intrigued, the official embarks on an arduous trek through forests and hills to reach a remote, nameless hilltop village to uncover Peddi's history.
The narrative shifts to 1994 in a marginalized and undocumented tribal hamlet in the Vizianagaram region. The villagers face systemic social discrimination, economic exploitation, and violence from neighboring upper-caste landlords. Appalasoori, a resident of the hamlet, has spent three decades petitioning the government to have the village legally recognized, named, and granted a railway station to establish connectivity with the outside world. Peddi, another villager and Appalasoori's companion, works as an aata coolie (sports laborer) possessing unmatched cricketing skills. He participates in regional tournaments for wages and maintains an undefeated record. During this period, he develops a romantic relationship with Achiyamma, the daughter of a local politician. When Rambujji, the nephew of her father's political rival, attempts to publicly humiliate Achiyamma by disrobing her skirt, Peddi intervenes, leading to a violent altercation. In retaliation, Rambujji orchestrates Peddi's public humiliation during a local tournament, ensuring his defeat. Despite the loss, Peddi retains the admiration of the local public. Gournaidu, a veteran wrestler seeking to revive Vizianagaram's endangered traditional wrestling, recognizes Peddi's athletic potential and offers to train him, though Peddi initially declines.
The village suffers a severe setback when a child dies in the forest while the community is trekking back to work. A devastated Appalasoori presents his petitions to the local minister, only to be harshly rebuffed and humiliated. Driven to despair, Appalasoori commits suicide by stepping in front of a speeding train. Outraged by his death, Peddi and the villagers vandalize the railway tracks by setting them on fire, resulting in a brutal police intervention. Recognizing the systemic helplessness of his community, Peddi resolves to secure a legal identity for the village and approaches Gournaidu for training. Undergoing rigorous preparation, Peddi successfully advances through local and state-level wrestling competitions.
As he positions himself for a national victory, an envious rival inflicts a severe, career-threatening leg injury upon him. Despite the impairment, Peddi wins the tournament semi-finals before collapsing into unconsciousness. Upon awakening, he learns that the injury has rendered him permanently unfit for wrestling. Refusing a compensatory government desk job, Peddi separates from Achiyamma and travels to Delhi to meet the National Railways Minister. The minister dismisses his appeals, mocking his physical condition and labeling his injury an excuse.
Desperate to force a bureaucratic resolution, Peddi deliberately amputates his damaged leg, acquires a running blade prosthetic, and undergoes a grueling physical transition into a para-track athlete. In 1996, He enters and wins a national track race, using his post-match victory speech to publicize his village's lack of legal recognition and the ongoing hardships of his people. The broadcast is watched tearfully by his villagers, Achiyamma - who has publicly proclaimed herself his wife - and a reformed Rambujji, who was moved by Peddi's determination.
Confronted with widespread public pressure, the central government officially recognizes the village and commissions a railway station. Although the government offers to name the station after him, Peddi requests that the village be renamed "Appalavalasa" in honor of Appalasoori. He returns home to a celebratory welcome, reconciling with his mother and Achiyamma. In the present day, the inspired government official resolves to implement a national initiative to identify and nurture grassroots sports talent in remote villages across India.
Cast
- Ram Charan as Peddi
- Shiva Rajkumar as Gournaidu, Peddi's wrestling coach and mentor
- Janhvi Kapoor as Achiyamma, Peddi's love interest later wife
- Jagapathi Babu as Appalasoori
- Rao Ramesh as Subhadra Raju, Achiyamma's father
- Tinnu Anand as Vishnukant Tiwari, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister
- Boman Irani as Kiran Singh Baiswal, a National Sports Ministry Official
- Ravi Kishan as Ranadheer Sisodia, Gournaidu's rival
- Divyenndu as Ram Bujji
- Upendra Limaye as Phirangi, Villager Coolie
- John Vijay as Ammathalli
- Sooraj Pops as Kurumaiah, Peddi's friend
- Rajatava Dutta as a Police officer
- Zakir Hussain as Alok Kumar Mehta, Union Railway minister
- Rajesh Sharma as Indian Government Official
- Hareesh Peradi as MLA
- VTV Ganesh as a Station master
- Satya as Thulam, Peddi's friend
- Chitram Seenu as Ranga, Gournaidu's assistant
- Tarak Ponnappa as Veerabhadra, Gournaidu’s Wrestling player
- Rajeev Pillai as Ratan Sisodia, Randheer Sisodia's Son
- Viji Chandrasekhar as Gangamma, Peddi's mother
- Srikanth Iyengar as Bhaskar Rao, Ram Bujji's uncle
- Ajay Ghosh as Paidappa
- Chammak Chandra as Ailu, Achiyamma's assistant
- Prabhas Sreenu as Cricket Commentator
- Kishore Kumar Poliemera as Wrestling Commentator
- Shibin Raghav as Thalari Ambrose, Fast bowler
- Naveen Neni as Loud Sesh, Photographer
- Mahesh Achanta as locomotive pilot
- Nandagopal as locomotive pilot
- Srinivas Vadlamani as Betting Man
- Balagam Sanjay as Keshava, Paidappa’s Wrestling player
- Viva Raghav as Achiyamma’s match
- Vishu Reddy as Bobbili, Ram bujji’s rival
- Trinadh Varma as Ram bujji’s gang member
- Yash Puri as Vimanam, Bobbili’s gang member
- Gopi Gavireddy as Bobbili’s gang member
- Giridhar Vajja as Selection Officer
- Prashanth Natana
- Shruti Haasan as Bella Adilakshmi, in item number the song "Hellallallo" (special appearance)
Production
Development
In late-November 2022, Ram Charan confirmed his collaboration with Buchi Babu Sana for his next film.[16] It was produced by Vriddhi Cinemas and Sukumar Writings, with Mythri Movie Makers serving as distributors.[17] The film's crew and actors who were playing pivotal characters in the film were announced through individual publicity posters.[18] Accordingly, R. Rathnavelu was announced as the cinematographer.[19] In January 2024, A. R. Rahman was brought on board to compose the background score and music to the film.[20] The production house scheduled auditions across Vizianagaram, Salur, Srikakulam, and Visakhapatnam to rope in additional talent.[21] The project was officially launched by Chiranjeevi on 20 March 2024 under the working title RC16, described as a "rural, emotional and rustic journey."[22] Charan underwent a physical transformation under fitness coach Shivoham Bhatt,[23] and learned the Vizianagaram dialect for his role.[24]
Casting
Ram Charan was announced as the main lead.[16] Shiva Rajkumar confirmed joining the film in January 2024.[25] Janhvi Kapoor was announced as the female lead on 6 March 2024.[26] Jagapathi Babu and Divyenndu joined the cast in November 2024.[27][28] Vijay Sethupathi was offered a role but declined it, choosing to pivot away from father-figure roles similar to his character in Sana's Uppena (2021).[29] Boman Irani joined the cast in December 2025,[30] and Shruti Haasan was roped in for a special song appearance in April 2026.[31]
Filming
Principal photography commenced in Mysuru on 22 November 2024.[32] The director posted his picture with the film's script in front of the Chamundeshwari Temple.[32] Aalim Hakim was brought in to design multiple looks for Charan.[33] Kapoor prepared for her character in Hyderabad through December 2024.[34] Filming occurred at the Bhoot Bungalow in Hyderabad for ten days, and an intense action sequence was filmed near Moula Ali across five days in April 2025.[35]
In May 2025, production designer Avinash Kolla and his team constructed a massive set replicating a 1980s coastal town in the outskirts of Hyderabad.[36][37] By October 2025, around 60% of filming was done, including a romantic song shot in Sri Lanka. Additionally, a track titled "Chikiri" choreographed by Jani Master was filmed in Savalya Ghat near Pune.[38][39] In December 2025, a crucial fight sequence choreographed by Sham Kaushal was executed at a steel factory in Hyderabad.[40] Following a minor injury sustained by Charan during an action scene in March 2026, principal photography formally concluded at the end of April 2026.[41]
Music
| Peddi | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |
| Released | 28 May 2026 |
| Recorded | 2024–2025 |
| Studio | Annapurna Studios |
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack |
| Length | 16:30 |
| Language | Telugu |
| Label | T-Series |
| Producer | A. R. Rahman |
The soundtrack and original score were composed by A. R. Rahman, who finished three tracks by March 2024.[42] Global music distribution rights were acquired by T-Series for ₹35 crore (US$3.7 million).[43]
The single tracks were dropped sequentially: "Chikiri Chikiri" released on 7 November 2025,[44] followed by "Rai Rai Raa Raa" on 2 March 2026.[45] The third single "Hellallallo" debuted on 24 May 2026,[46] and the final promotional song, "Massa Massa," released on 28 May 2026.[47]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Chikiri Chikiri" | Balaji | Mohit Chauhan | 4:33 |
| 2. | "Rai Rai Raa Raa" | Anantha Sreeram | A. R. Rahman | 4:27 |
| 3. | "Hellallallo" | Anantha Sreeram | Rakshita Suresh | 3:49 |
| 4. | "Massa Massa" | Anantha Sreeram | Vishal Mishra, Rakshita Suresh, Deepthi Suresh | 3:42 |
| Total length: | 16:30 | |||
Release
Theatrical
Peddi released globally on 4 June 2026 across various formatting options including IMAX, 4DX, D-Box, ScreenX, ICE, PCX, PXL, MX4D, Dolby Cinema, and EPIQ.[48] It encountered multiple delays from its original window of 27 March 2026 due to pending post-production work.[49] The film was released simultaneously in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam.[50] It received a 12A certification from the British Board of Film Classification and a U/A classification from India's CBFC following slight dialogue adjustments.[1]
Distribution
The theatrical distribution rights were managed by Mythri Movie Distributors LLP in the Nizam region for ₹63 crore.[51] Jio Studios took over the distribution rights across North India,[52] while Kishore Films distributed the movie in Karnataka. Think Studios oversaw operations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and Hombale Films distributed the project in international overseas territories.[53]
Marketing
The title and initial theatrical layout were launched in March 2025.[54] A short one-minute first-glimpse preview was launched on 6 April 2025, revealing Charan's rugged appearance.[55] The final full-length theatrical trailer launched on 18 May 2026 during a promotional tour event hosted in Mumbai.[56]
Home media
Post-theatrical digital streaming rights were purchased under an exclusive rights agreement with Netflix.[57] The film began streaming on Netflix from 9 July 2026.[58]
Reception
Box office
The film brought in ₹135.36 crore worldwide on its first opening day, including ₹82.49 crore in domestic markets.[59] It surged past the global gross milestone of ₹233 crore across its initial extended opening weekend, with Indian domestic box office returns pulling in ₹187 crore.[60] Following its second week of tracking, the worldwide collection reached ₹320 crore.[61] It concluded its theatrical run with a worldwide gross estimated to be ₹330–400 crore.[b]
Critical reception
Latha Srinivasan of NDTV awarded the film 3 out of 5 stars, writing that despite minor script downfalls, it remains viable due to Ram Charan's powerful lead portrayal and emotional delivery.[62] Yashaswini Sri of The Indian Express offered a 2.5 out of 5 star appraisal, indicating that while Sana introduces a strong premise and Charan excels, the pacing stumbles from uneven thematic distribution.[63] Conversely, Sreeju Sudhakaran of Rediff rated it a more critical 1.5 out of 5 stars, stating that the project's commentary on societal inequities was ultimately overshadowed by structural commercialization, excessive hero worship, and runtime bloat.[64].
Controversy
The movie triggered strong public criticism concerning the perceived objectification of Janhvi Kapoor's character, Achiyamma, specifically pointing to invasive camera angles and a scene regarding a non-consensual romantic encounter.[65] Following the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana published an apology clarifying that disrespecting female demographics was completely unintended, and subsequently confirmed that problematic sections were actively modified and trimmed from standard theatrical cuts.[66]
Notes
- Peddi's reported worldwide grosses vary between ₹330 crore (Deccan Herald[6], Cinema Express[7]) – ₹336.85 crore (Outlook India[8]) – ₹400 crore (The Economic Times[9])