Ram Charan Sports Drama Peddi Releases to Positive Reviews
The Telugu sports drama Peddi, starring Ram Charan and directed by Buchi Babu Sana, released in theatres on June 4, 2026, receiving a rating of 3.25 out of 5 from critics. The film, which is set partly in the locality of Vizianagaram, has generated significant interest for its blend of athletic action and intense emotional storytelling.
The narrative is set in 2016 against the backdrop of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports searching for exceptional talent following a disappointing Olympic campaign for India. During this search, a sports official named Mr. Paiswal, played by Boman Irani, travels to Vizianagaram. There, he discovers Peddi, a jaggery worker from an unrecognized village who possesses extraordinary abilities across multiple sports. The plot follows Paiswal as he uncovers Peddi's history and his deep connection to his home village.
Critics highlighted Ram Charan’s performance as the film's primary strength, noting his physical transformation and emotional depth, particularly during the pre-climax and climax sequences. The role represents a significant showcase for the actor's abilities, drawing comparisons to his acclaimed work in Rangasthalam.
The supporting cast also earned positive mentions. Shiva Rajkumar delivered a strong screen presence in an important role alongside Ram Charan, while Jagapathi Babu made a powerful impact in his limited screen time as Appalasoori. Boman Irani was noted for portraying his character with ease.
On the technical front, Peddi features music by AR Rahman, cinematography by Ratnavelu, and editing by Navin Nooli. The film's sports sequences, particularly the cricket matches, were praised for providing entertaining moments.
However, the film faced some criticism regarding its emotional pacing. While the climax delivered a strong emotional payoff, several earlier emotional scenes were described as ordinary and failed to achieve their full potential. Additionally, certain portions of the film followed predictable storytelling patterns common to sports dramas.
Peddi was produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru and co-stars Janhvi Kapoor and Divyendu Sharma.
