Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor’s rustic sports-action drama Peddi has finally hit theatres, opening to packed houses across the country. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana and scored by AR Rahman, the film is already being called a “powerful comeback” for the Telugu superstar .
Here are the live updates on audience reactions, critic reviews, and early box office estimates.
Strong advance bookings
Peddi has registered excellent advance bookings, with over 1,200 shows booked across India for Day 1. As of 10:30 AM, the occupancy rate is hovering around 60% for the morning shows, with the film expected to pick up strongly through the evening .
What the critics are saying
Early critic reviews are mostly positive, with particular praise for Ram Charan’s performance and Buchi Babu Sana’s assured direction.
The Indian Express gave the film 4 stars, calling it “gritty and explosive,” adding, “After RRR, Ram Charan needed something that challenged him. Peddi does that. He is a force of nature in this film.”
The Times of India rated the film 3.5 stars, noting, “The film belongs to Ram Charan. He delivers a primal, intense performance that stays with you long after you leave the theatre. The pacing in the second half, however, could have been tighter.”
First-day audience reaction
Outside the Prasads Multiplex in Hyderabad, fans were seen celebrating with firecrackers and dancing to the film’s tracks. Early word of mouth is encouraging:
@CinephileRaj, X: “Buchi Babu has arrived! What a debut. The raw energy, the framing, the interval bang — this is how you launch a director. #Peddi is a solid mass film with a soul.”
@PriyaLovesMovies, X: “Janhvi Kapoor holds her own opposite Ram Charan. She has a proper role, not just a love interest. And AR Rahman’s ‘Mudhuga Maarudhey’ is magical on screen.”
Key highlights
Ram Charan’s physical transformation – The actor spent over a year training and underwent a remarkable physical change to play the rugged, intense character. Critics agree it is one of his most physically demanding roles .
AR Rahman’s music – Rahman returns to form with a soundtrack that balances folk energy with emotional ballads. The background score is especially noteworthy .
Buchi Babu Sana’s direction – The debutant director, known for the acclaimed Telugu film Uppena, brings a raw, earthy visual style to Peddi. The first half has received unanimous praise for its tight screenplay .
Areas of criticism
Several reviews noted that the second half drags with an overlong climax. Some critics also felt that Janhvi Kapoor was underutilised in the second half, disappearing for large stretches of the film.
Box office prediction
Trade analysts predict a Day 1 worldwide gross of approximately ₹35-45 crore, placing it among the top openings of the year in Telugu cinema. With the Independence Day holiday next week, the film is expected to have a strong extended first week .
Stay tuned for more updates on Peddi as the day progresses.
