Get, Set, Game
“Peddi”
– Review
After generating considerable buzz ahead of its release, ‘Peddi’ has arrived as an ambitious blend of sports drama, rural action and emotional storytelling. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film places Ram Charan at the centre of a narrative that explores resilience, identity and the pursuit of dignity against overwhelming odds.
Set in a remote village in 1990s Vizianagaram, ‘Peddi’ follows a talented cricketer (Ram Charan) who initially plays the sport for money but gradually becomes involved in a larger struggle to secure recognition and basic infrastructure for his overlooked community. Peddi is also in love with Achiyamma (Janhvi Kapoor), the daughter of the local sarpanch.
Inspired by a local leader’s (Jagapathi Babu) dream, Peddi embarks on a challenging journey marked by personal sacrifice, love, and determination, ultimately fighting for the future of his village and its people.
The film’s biggest asset is Ram Charan’s performance. Stepping into the role of Peddi, he delivers a committed portrayal that balances physical intensity with emotional depth. Whether in the high-energy sporting sequences or the quieter dramatic moments, the actor remains the driving force behind the narrative. His transformation into the character is evident in both appearance and body language.
Director Buchi Babu Sana builds the story against a rustic backdrop, using the setting as more than just a visual element. The village environment, local traditions and community relationships play an important role in shaping the narrative. The film succeeds in creating a convincing world that feels rooted in its milieu.
The sports portions are among the film’s highlights. They are mounted on a grand scale and contribute significantly to the film’s momentum. The action scenes, too, are executed effectively, offering several crowd-pleasing moments without overwhelming the story.
Janhvi Kapoor has a meaningful presence in the narrative and shares a comfortable screen chemistry with Ram Charan. Veteran actors Shiva Rajkumar and Jagapathi Babu provide solid support, bringing weight to key dramatic portions. The supporting cast largely performs its role well within the story’s framework.
Technically, ‘Peddi’ is mounted on an impressive scale. The cinematography captures both the expansive landscapes and the intensity of the sporting events with equal effectiveness. The background score complements the film’s emotional and dramatic beats, while the production design helps bring authenticity to the setting.
However, the film is not without shortcomings. At times, the screenplay becomes predictable, relying on familiar sports-drama conventions. Certain stretches could have benefited from tighter editing, and a few emotional scenes appear prolonged. While the film’s themes are effective, some narrative turns follow a formula that audiences may find familiar.
Despite these issues, ‘Peddi’ remains an engaging theatrical experience. It combines emotional drama, sports action and star power in a package designed for a wide audience. The film may not reinvent the genre, but it succeeds in delivering an earnest and entertaining story anchored by a strong central performance.
Rating: 3.6 out of 5
