Peddi Review: Ram Charan's performance elevates an otherwise mediocre script and unrefined Janhvi Kapoor

Peddi, starring Ram Charan in the lead role, was released in theaters on June 4, 2026. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the sports action drama features Shiva Rajkumar, Janhvi Kapoor, Divyenndu, and many others in key roles.

If you’re planning to watch the movie in theaters this week, here’s the Pinkvilla review for you to check out.

The Plot

Peddi is set in a village in Andhra Pradesh during the 1990s, where Peddi is a cricketer-for-hire who plays for any team willing to pay him. The village he calls home has no official identity and does not even exist in government records.

Peddi is also in love with Achiyamma, the daughter of the local sarpanch. At the same time, Appalasuri is an idealist whose lifelong dream is to secure a railway halt for their neglected village. Despite years of relentless struggle, he fails to make it happen.

What follows is Peddi’s journey as he takes up Appalasuri’s mission and goes to extraordinary lengths to fulfill that dream. How his sporting skills become crucial to the fight, the sacrifices he makes along the way, and his transformation from a paid player into a true sportsman under the guidance of his mentor, Gournaidu, form the heart of the story. Whether the village finally earns the recognition it deserves and whether Peddi can achieve Appalasuri’s dream are explored in the rest of the film.

What works in Peddi

Peddi works largely because of Ram Charan. The actor truly submits himself to the role, working relentlessly to craft the character. Rather than the star, we get to witness the performer everyone loves, something reminiscent of the caliber he displayed in Rangasthalam.

The beauty of Peddi lies in the core concept of its story, as it is more than just a sports drama. The film explores identity and the struggle a community must endure to attain the bare minimum every human deserves. While the commercialization of the story does affect its impact, the core idea still serves as a stark and compelling exploration.

Coming to the technical aspects, AR Rahman serves as the soul of the film. The musician delivers an effective background score that elevates the emotions and carries the narrative forward. Moreover, he offers a variety of musical flavors through the soundtrack, with Rai Rai Raa Raa standing out in particular. Charan takes it to another level with his swift dance moves.

Additionally, Rathnavelu’s cinematography further enhances the film’s impressive technical strengths.

Watch the trailer here:

What doesn’t work in Peddi

Peddi feels crass in several moments due to its writing. The film starts off strongly, with emotions connecting even when logic takes a backseat. While the conviction remains sincere, there are moments when the audience is compelled to step back and ask, “Why?”

Furthermore, the writing falls short in seamlessly integrating Janhvi Kapoor’s character into the core plot. While the actress does what she can with the material provided, the oversaturation of her role for gimmicks and to merely satiate the male gaze repeats the same mistake the creators made with her character in Devara.

The number of uncomfortable shots featuring the actress reduces her from a genuine love interest to little more than eye candy. The writing takes a major hit because of this characterization, affecting the film’s overall impact.

Furthermore, the commercialization of such a story significantly hinders the film, with the entire second half taking a noticeable dip. Additionally, the editing often fails to create proper continuity between scenes, which further affects the viewing experience.

The Performances

Ram Charan is the biggest highlight of Peddi. The maturity he brings to the role is beautiful to witness and makes him the film’s standout performer.

While Jagapathi Babu and Shiva Rajkumar add remarkable layers to the narrative, Divyenndu deserved more screen space to shine. As for Janhvi Kapoor, her character definitely needed re-evaluation.

The Verdict

Peddi is a decent watch with substantial entertainment value and a brilliant concept at its core. However, with several aspects leaving a bitter aftertaste, it may not sit well with all audiences.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. No statement in this article is intended to defame, harm, or malign any individual or entity.

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