The actor trained daily for eight months, learned the Vizianagaram dialect, and sustained a wrist injury during filming. He calls it the most physically and emotionally demanding role of his career.
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Telugu star Ram Charan has opened up about his upcoming film ‘Peddi’, calling it the most challenging role he has ever done. The actor said the character changed him not just professionally but also as a person.
Ram Charan said, “I am very fortunate to be playing this character. We are representing a section of people who are unheard, who need a voice and recognition. To play a character like that, which is very necessary in a country like India, makes me feel proud and fortunate to have come across a role like this.”
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He also addressed what keeps him grounded despite his success. “This is the most difficult character I have played. My co-actors humble me a lot. Working with great talents humbles me, great success humbles me, and having someone like my father at home humbles me. All these things keep me grounded. I am humbled with all of this. So how can you be anything but grateful and humble?” the actor said.
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The character is a small-time jaggery factory worker from Vizianagaram who fights his way onto a professional wrestling canvas. In the sports action drama, Ram Charan portrays a crossover athlete who dominates three distinct disciplines: cricket, wrestling, and sprinting.
In ‘Peddi’, Ram Charan steps completely away from the polished looks of his recent filmography to portray a deeply intense, rural sportsman operating in a rustic coastal setting. Sporting thick shoulder-length hair, a heavy unkempt beard, a prominent nose ring, and vibrant lungi-clad attire, his look directly signals a spiritual successor to his legendary, award-winning performance in the 2018 blockbuster Rangasthalam.
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The preparation behind the role was intense. Director Buchi Babu Sana revealed that Ram Charan trained every day for almost eight months to achieve the physique envisioned for a pehelwan. That level of discipline extended beyond training. While observing Ayyappa deeksha, Charan steered clear of non-vegetarian food.
The director also said that every pehelwan uses a mugdar for training, and in ‘Peddi’, the character shares a strong connection with the gada, which he uses as part of his workouts. Charan trained extensively with it, and the fight sequences incorporate that, along with elements like mud and traditional wrestling setups.
The intense training took a toll. The actor appeared at one interview with a bandaged wrist, an injury sustained while filming a particularly demanding sequence.
Beyond the physical side, portraying the character required Charan to master a demanding North Andhra regional dialect while physically transforming his frame. He learnt the Vizianagaram dialect specifically for this role.
Industry insiders say Charan was involved in preserving the authenticity of the character’s dialect and physicality. Several portions of the film were reportedly shot in harsh outdoor conditions, with the actor choosing realism over personal comfort in order to maintain the texture director Buchi Babu Sana wanted.
The trailer showcased Ram Charan’s transformation into three distinct athlete avatars: a cricketer, a runner, and a wrestler.
The musical celebration of ‘Peddi’, held on May 23 in Bhopal, emerged as a major event, bringing the film’s entire cast and crew together on a single stage. It saw the presence of Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Ravi Kishan, Shiva Rajkumar, Divyendu Sharma, Jagapathi Babu, director Buchi Babu Sana, and music legend AR Rahman.
The film is a production of Venkata Satish Kilaru under Vriddhi Cinemas, in collaboration with Mythri Movie Makers, Sukumar Writings, and IVY Entertainment. The technical team includes music by A. R. Rahman, cinematography by R. Rathnavelu, production design by Avinash Kolla, and editing by Navin Nooli.
Songs such as Chikiri Chikiri and Rai Rai Raa Raa have garnered significant viewership online since their release.
‘Peddi’ will have its premiere across the world on June 3, 2026, followed by its worldwide theatrical release on June 4. The film will be distributed in North India by Jio Studios. The film carries a reported budget of Rs 300 crore.
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