Mega Powerstar Ram Charan Shines in Overlong Sports Drama
Ram Charan has delivered one of his most committed physical performances in his latest sports drama, Peddi, which arrived in theatres worldwide on June 4, 2026. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film marks a significant departure from standard commercial cinema, anchoring itself in a socially charged narrative about forgotten tribal communities fighting for recognition. While the lead actor sheds his regular star persona to embrace a rugged, grounded character, the film struggles under the weight of an overly ambitious screenplay that stretches across three different sports disciplines.
Audiences catching the first day, first show are widely praising the Lead actor for his intense transformation. Stepping into the shoes of a wrestling prodigy who shifts into cricket and track racing, he carries the emotional core of the film entirely on his broad shoulders. Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar delivers a dignified performance as Gour Naidu, the wrestling mentor, injecting true gravitas into the second half. Similarly, veteran actor Jagapathi Babu brings genuine dignity to his role as a village elder seeking official recognition for his neglected settlement.
Despite strong performances, the narrative struggles to maintain momentum. The director dedicates a significant portion of the initial hour to routine commercial elements, including a drawn-out courtship track. This romance between the lead characters, featuring Janhvi Kapoor, has drawn sharp criticism for looking awkward and relying heavily on a regressive male gaze. Furthermore, the decision to cram wrestling, cricket, and para-sports into a single story causes abrupt transitions, making the 189-minute running time feel tedious.
A.R. Rahman provides a distinct musical landscape, avoiding typical mass beats to deliver a score that carries the heavy emotional sequences, particularly past the interval. Visually, the production matches the standards expected of contemporary South Indian cinema. The film offers a worthy message about social inequality, though it requires patience to navigate the uneven pacing.
Director of Peddi - Buchi Babu Sana
