Following the success of RRR, and Rangasthalam, Ram Charan returns to the big screen with Peddi, a rural sports drama directed by Buchi Babu Sana. set in the 1900s, the film has a mix of sports, social issues, village politics, and personal struggles into one story.
Peddi is not simply a film about cricket or wrestling. It follows a talented athlete whose journey becomes intertwined with his village’s fight for recognition, dignity, and basic rights.
Ram Charan Carries The Film On His Shoulders
One reason why audiences should watch Peddi is for Ram Charan. He delivers one of his strongest performances in his career, fully transforming into a rugged and determined Peddi. Whether he is smashing sixes on the cricket field, or standing up against powerful figures, Ram Charan takes the screen’s attention in every frame.
His transformation in the film is impressive as the story shifts. The physicality, intensity, and emotional depth he brings to the role makes Pedi’s journey feel earned.
Sports Sequences Deliver the High Points
The film’s biggest strength is the sports sequence which is extremely important as it is a sports action drama. The cricket matches are energetic, exciting and packed with tension, portraying the sport as a fierce battleground where pride and survival is important. The wrestling scenes later in the film also continued its momentum.
These sports scenes are more than just entertainment. It is the symbol of Peddi’s determination and the larger struggles faced by his community, making them some of the film’s most memorable scenes.
A.R Rahman’s Music Elevates the Emotion
Another good aspect of the film is the music. A.R. Rahman’s musical adds emotion and weight to a few moments in the film, enhancing the sports highs and emotional lows. Even when the screenplay loses momentum, the music maintains the impact of the story.
The film’s cinematography handled by R.Rathnavelu is also a benefit as it captures the rural setting and sporting scenes with impressive scale while recreating the 1990s atmosphere.
Strong Themes, Uneven Execution
One of the film’s strengths is its attempt to bring social inequality, and struggles of communities that are often overlooked. The story highlights a village facing inequalities which gives an emotional and socially relevant narrative.
But in the film that narrative falls short. While the issues are frequently discussed, the screenplay does not explore them fully with strong connection. Some supporting characters, including Janhvi Kapoor’s role, feels underdeveloped and the romantic plot adds a little to the overall story. Mixing with length runtime, and many predictable sports drama stories, the film struggles to match the story’s actual essence.
Overall, Peddi is an ambitious sports drama that succeeds because of Ram Charan’s performance and AR Rahman’s musical, the action and sports scenes. While the screenplay does not fully explore the themes, the film delivers enough emotional and cinematic moments to keep the audience invested.
Peddi was released worldwide on 4th June 2026, and the Malaysian rights are distributed by Five Star Trading. Catch Peddi in your nearest cinema!
