The recent release of Ram Charan's sports drama, Peddi, has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). The film, directed by Buchi Babu Sana, marks Charan's return to the big screen after the commercial disappointment of Game Changer. With a stellar cast including Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Boman Irani, and Divyendu Sharma, Peddi has managed to capture the attention of audiences and critics alike.
One of the most notable aspects of Peddi is Ram Charan's performance. Netizens and moviegoers alike have praised his committed portrayal and emotional depth, with many highlighting his transformation and screen presence. Charan's ability to carry the narrative on his shoulders has been a significant draw for viewers, making him the driving force behind the film. The emotional core of the story, as described by several social media users, adds a layer of depth to the film, making it a rare blend of a template Telugu commercial film with an out-of-the-box presentation.
The film's music, composed by A. R. Rahman, has also been widely appreciated. The Oscar-winning composer's songs and background score have been praised for elevating several scenes and maintaining the film's emotional impact. Some viewers even suggested that Rahman's score does much of the heavy lifting during portions where the screenplay loses momentum.
However, not every aspect of Peddi has received unanimous praise. Some viewers felt that the first half relies heavily on familiar commercial-film tropes, and Janhvi Kapoor's track, in particular, did not add much to the overall narrative. The film's nearly three-hour runtime has also been criticized, with some suggesting that it could have been trimmed.
Despite these complaints, certain portions of the film have emerged as clear crowd-pleasers. The pre-interval sequence and the stretch leading up to the song Massa Massa have been widely praised on social media, successfully blending emotion with mass entertainment. The climax has also received positive feedback, with the final act delivering an emotional payoff that lands effectively and leaves viewers satisfied.
In terms of box office interest, Peddi has started on a promising note. According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film sold close to three lakh tickets in advance bookings across India for its opening day. The Telugu version accounted for more than 2.8 lakh ticket sales, while worldwide advance bookings reportedly crossed Rs 12 crore before release.
While Peddi may not have delivered the flawless comeback some fans were hoping for, early reactions suggest it offers enough emotional moments, strong performances, and memorable music to keep audiences entertained. Whether it can sustain its momentum at the box office over the coming days remains to be seen. As an expert commentator, I believe that Peddi is a watchable entertainer that works despite its flaws, and it is a testament to Ram Charan's ability to carry the narrative on his shoulders.
