Nexus News Alert | Hyderabad, 4 June 2026 — Buchi Babu Sana’s much-awaited second film Peddi, starring Ram Charan in the lead role, has hit theatres today. The sports drama attempts to tackle a powerful real-life issue — unnamed villages in India — but delivers a mixed bag. While Ram Charan’s committed performance carries the film on his shoulders, the 189-minute runtime and uneven execution hold it back from greatness.
Peddi Movie Review gives the film a solid 3.5/5. It is a worthy effort with genuine heart, but struggles with pacing and some questionable creative choices.
Peddi Movie Review: The Story
Set against the backdrop of Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, Peddi tells the story of a young man from an unnamed village that does not exist on government records. Peddi (Ram Charan) earns a living by playing cricket for local teams that bid for his services. The film uses a 2016 framing device where a sports official (Boman Irani) discovers Peddi’s extraordinary talent across multiple sports while searching for hidden talent after India’s poor Olympic performance.
The core idea — giving identity and recognition to forgotten villages — is strong and socially relevant. The film tries to blend sports, emotion, and social commentary, but the execution is inconsistent.
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Ram Charan Shines Bright in Peddi
Ram Charan is the biggest strength of Peddi. He undergoes a massive physical transformation and performs convincingly across cricket, kabaddi, and other sports sequences. His emotional scenes, particularly a powerful hospital sequence in the second half, are among the film’s highlights.
This performance ranks alongside his best work like Rangasthalam. He carries the emotional weight of the film and makes you root for Peddi despite the screenplay’s flaws.
What Works in Peddi
- AR Rahman’s Music & Background Score: The songs are fresh and the BGM elevates several key sequences, especially in the second half.
- Ratnavelu’s Cinematography: Beautifully captures the rural landscapes and sports action with texture and depth.
- Supporting Cast: Jagapathi Babu brings dignity as the village elder, while Shiva Rajkumar makes his presence felt in a limited role.
- Second Half: Once the real conflict begins, the film becomes more engaging and emotionally resonant.
What Doesn’t Work in Peddi
- Length (189 minutes): The film feels stretched. At least 20-25 minutes could have been trimmed without losing impact.
- First Half: Too much time is spent on unnecessary hero introduction and a poorly written romance track.
- Romance Track: The chemistry between Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor feels forced and uncomfortable at times. Janhvi’s character is underwritten and appears mainly for visual appeal.
- Pacing Issues: The film takes too long to reach its emotional core.
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Peddi Movie Review: Final Verdict
Peddi is an honest attempt at telling a socially relevant story on a big canvas. Buchi Babu Sana shows ambition, but the film needed tighter writing and better pacing. Ram Charan’s stellar performance makes it worth watching, especially for fans who want to see him in a powerful, rooted role.
If you can overlook the uneven first half and some problematic romance scenes, Peddi offers genuine moments and a story that stays with you. It is not perfect, but it has heart.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommendation: Watch for Ram Charan’s performance and the film’s noble intentions. Best experienced in theatres for the sports sequences and visuals.
10 FAQs on Peddi Movie
Q1. Is Peddi worth watching?
A: Yes, mainly for Ram Charan’s powerful performance and the relevant social message.
Q2. What is the runtime of Peddi?
A: The film runs for 189 minutes (3 hours 9 minutes).
Q3. Who is the director of Peddi?
A: Buchi Babu Sana, who previously directed Uppena.
Q4. How is Janhvi Kapoor’s performance in Peddi?
A: She has limited scope and the romance track is one of the weaker aspects.
Q5. What is the real story behind Peddi?
A: It is inspired by unnamed villages in India that had no official government records.
Q6. Is AR Rahman’s music good in Peddi?
A: Yes, the background score is particularly effective in the second half.
Q7. Which sports are shown in Peddi?
A: The film showcases multiple sports including cricket, kabaddi, and others.
Q8. Where was Peddi shot?
A: Primarily in and around Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh.
Q9. Will Peddi be a box office success?
A: Ram Charan’s star power and strong second half may help it perform well.
Q10. Is Peddi better than Uppena?
A: It is more ambitious but less consistent than Buchi Babu Sana’s debut film.
Nexus News Alert Verdict
Peddi is a film with noble intentions and a strong central performance by Ram Charan. While it suffers from length issues and an uneven screenplay, the core story about identity and recognition makes it a worthy watch. Buchi Babu Sana shows promise as a storyteller, but needs better control over pacing in his future projects.
For Ram Charan fans and those who enjoy socially relevant sports dramas, Peddi offers enough moments to justify a theatre visit.
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