Peddi Telugu Movie Review: Ram Charan Shines in Buchi Babu Sana’s Sports Saga
Ram Charan delivers a powerful performance in Peddi, a rooted sports drama by Buchi Babu Sana. The film soars in emotional and sporting moments, though predictability holds it back.
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
After creating waves with his rural blockbuster Rangasthalam, Ram Charan is back in the Telugu heartland with Peddi. Director Buchi Babu Sana, whose debut Uppena wowed audiences, returns with high expectations. With Charan seeking another meaty, emotionally charged role and Buchi Babu Sana eager to prove his mettle post-Uppena, the buzz in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana was sky-high for this release.
Did Buchi Babu Sana’s storytelling impress again? Has Ram Charan delivered another career-defining act? Do the sports sequences live up to the grandeur promised in the promos? Does AR Rahman’s music elevate the experience? Let’s figure it out with a detailed analysis.
What is it about?
Set in Vizianagaram in 2016, Peddi follows Ram Charan (Peddi), a jaggery worker with a rare knack for sports. When government official Boman Irani (Mr. Paiswal) arrives to scout rural talent after India’s Olympic disappointment, he’s drawn to Peddi’s remarkable journey and his deep ties to his community. The film chronicles Peddi’s rise, his challenges, and the emotional stakes for his unrecognised village.
Performances
Ram Charan (Peddi) is the beating heart of the film, bringing intense vulnerability and power to the screen—especially in the emotional climax. Shiva Rajkumar impresses as the dignified village elder, sharing impactful scenes with Charan. Jagapathi Babu (Appalasoori) makes his limited screen time count with a strong presence. Boman Irani is dependable, lending gravitas to his role. Janhvi Kapoor adds charm but is given less scope compared to the others.
Technicalities
AR Rahman’s music adds soul, with the BGM particularly enhancing crucial moments. Cinematographer Ratnavelu ISC captures the lush Andhra countryside and kinetic sports scenes with finesse. Editor Navin Nooli keeps the narrative tight, though some emotional beats could have been sharper.
Positives
- Ram Charan’s intense, layered performance
- Engaging sports set-pieces, especially cricket
- Shiva Rajkumar’s solid supporting act
- Emotional climax packs a punch
Negatives
- Some emotional scenes lack full impact
- Predictable narrative patterns in parts
- Janhvi Kapoor’s role underutilised
Analysis
Peddi’s biggest strength lies in Ram Charan’s committed performance and the authenticity with which rural Andhra is portrayed. Buchi Babu Sana, after Uppena, sticks to his strengths: rooted storytelling and emotional high points. While the sports drama template is familiar—reminiscent of Telugu classics like Jersey—the film carves out its own space thanks to Charan’s raw energy. However, the writing falters in certain emotional sequences, lacking the punch of Sana’s previous work. The climax, however, lands powerfully, delivering the emotional release fans crave.
Final Verdict
Solid Rural Sports Drama with a Career-Best Ram Charan. Rating – 3.5/5
