‘Peddi’ Movie Press Meet Held with Great Fanfare in Chennai
The press meet for ‘Peddi’—a grand, rural sports drama starring ‘Mega Power Star’ Ram Charan—was held successfully in Chennai.
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana and produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru, ‘Peddi’ centers on the inspiring and emotional journey of a crossover athlete. Set against the backdrop of rural sports, the film blends action, emotion, and the struggle for success, and has already generated immense anticipation among fans.
Produced on a Pan-India scale, ‘Peddi’ is set to hit theaters worldwide on June 4th in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. In the lead-up to this release, the film’s crew—led by producer Venkata Satish Kilaru—is currently undertaking an intensive promotional campaign across the country.
As part of these efforts, the film’s team attended the press meet held in Chennai, where they shared several fascinating details about the movie.
At this event… Cinematographer R. Ratnavelu spoke as follows:
“It gives me great pleasure to meet you all after a long time. Just as films like Sethu, Vaaranam Aayiram, and Enthiran served as significant milestones in my cinematic journey, the film Uppena will also be a very important one for me.
Director Buchi Babu has penned a magnificent screenplay for this film. While a film may be written on paper, it is the music, visuals, and exceptional acting that truly breathe life into it. In Uppena, all these elements have come together in perfect harmony. This film is bound to make a profound impact on the audience.
This will not be merely an experience where you watch a movie and walk out; it promises to be a fully immersive theatrical experience. At the same time, the film carries a powerful underlying message. Its impact will linger in your minds long after you have left the theater.
Mr. Shivraj Kumar has delivered a magnificent performance in this film. The gravitas he has lent to the character of the mentor (Guru) is truly remarkable. Divyendu, too, has showcased his wealth of experience and talent. One could almost say that the camera itself had to search for the perfect angle just to capture the brilliance of his performance.
From my assistant directors to every single technician involved, everyone has poured their heart and soul into ensuring the success of this film.
I must make a special mention of Ram Charan. He has dedicated himself completely to this project. Transitioning from one look to another was not merely a matter of changing costumes; it involved a complete physical transformation. He transformed himself—shifting from the persona of a cricketer to that of a rustic village youth exuding the scent of the soil, and subsequently into a distinct avatar characterized by a sculpted physique. To achieve this, he trained rigorously for several hours every single day. If everyone is admiring his physical appearance today, it is a testament to the immense dedication and discipline that went into it. Furthermore, during a later phase of the story—when his character faces moments of decline—he once again completely transformed his physical appearance and acting style to suit the narrative. I firmly believe that this will stand as one of Ram Charan’s finest performances to date. Every…” He has crafted this character by not only mastering the sport but also by strictly adhering to the discipline associated with it.
Furthermore, it gives us immense joy to have the ‘Isai Puyal’ (Musical Storm), A. R. Rahman Sir, join forces with us once again. This collaboration has been rekindled after our work on the film Enthiran. His music will undoubtedly serve as one of the greatest strengths of this film. I sincerely hope that everyone will watch and enjoy this movie in theaters. Thank you.
Actor Divyendu Sharma spoke as follows:
“It gives me great pleasure to be here today. In particular, making my debut in Telugu cinema through the film Buchi Babu fills me with immense joy and pride.
As an actor, this film presented a wonderful opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and attempt something entirely new. Every artist dreams of an opportunity to fully showcase the talents they possess; Buchi Babu is the film that granted me that very opportunity.
This journey began with Director Buchi Babu Sir. He is a wonderful human being, an excellent director, and—above all—a truly great friend. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to him for offering me this opportunity and for granting me the creative freedom to interpret and portray the character in my own unique style. Working with him was a truly beautiful experience.
Ram Charan Sir, words fail me when it comes to thanking you. The warmth and affection you extended to me right from day one made me feel completely at ease and liberated. I will cherish those memories forever. Thank you for being such a wonderful human being and an exceptional co-star.
What can one possibly say about the ‘Isai Puyal,’ A. R. Rahman Sir? You are a true legend. It is a monumental honor for me to be a part of a film that features your work. I consider it a matter of immense pride that my name is now associated with yours.” Furthermore, it is a matter of great pride for me just to stand in the presence of Shivrajkumar Sir. Although I did not have the opportunity to share the screen with him, I am well aware of his achievements and his stature as a personality. Merely being in his presence is an honor in itself.
Cinematographer R. Rathnavelu Sir is someone I admire immensely; I have mentioned this in numerous interviews. As an actor, the confidence and creative freedom he granted me are immeasurable. I never imagined that it would be possible to work so effortlessly with a cinematographer of such vast experience.
Whenever I wished to attempt something new, he would actively brainstorm ways to visualize it even more effectively. His collaborative spirit—suggesting, “Let’s shoot it this way,” or “Let’s capture another close-up shot”—served as a tremendous source of encouragement for me. That experience will forever remain an unforgettable memory.
I feel truly happy and proud to have been a part of this film. Thank you, everyone. Director Buchi Babu spoke as follows:
“I have a deep affection for Chennai. This is because many of my favorite artists reside right here. Many individuals whom I hold in high esteem—such as A.R. Rahman Sir, Rathnavelu Sir, and Devi Sri Prasad Sir—are based in Chennai. Chennai is not merely a city; it is a place where cinema truly lives and breathes. The people here adore cinema and hold film artists in high regard.
All the veteran personalities I admire would often speak with great pride about Chennai. At the time, I did not fully grasp the true magnitude of its significance. However, whenever I visit now, I am overcome by the feeling that I am stepping into a sacred space.
Vijay Sethupathi Sir—one of my absolute favorite actors—also resides here. He starred in my debut film. I would like to express my gratitude to him for always standing by me and for welcoming me with such warmth and affection whenever I visit Chennai.
Speaking of Peddi, it is a deeply emotional film. It promises to be an immersive experience that will completely captivate the audience. In particular, the performance and dedication demonstrated by Ram Charan Sir—especially in the second half—are truly unforgettable.
Over the past few days, I have been in Chennai, watching the film repeatedly. Simultaneously, special screenings are also being held in Hyderabad. Everyone who has watched the film has been calling me to offer their appreciation. They tell me, ‘It is an excellent film,’ and ‘You have crafted it beautifully.’ This brings me immense joy.
The single greatest factor behind this film’s success is Ram Charan Sir. Whenever I think of Peddi, Ram Charan is the first person who comes to mind. The sheer effort he invested in bringing this character to life is immeasurable. I offer him my heartfelt thanks for placing his trust in me and granting me this opportunity.
Watching Divyendu Sir’s performance reminded me of Vijay Sethupathi Sir. His nuanced acting—evident even in the smallest of details—truly captivated me. I thank him for being a part of this film.
As for the ‘Mozart of Madras,’ A.R. Rahman Sir—one could write an entire book about him. I have been a massive fan of his music since my childhood.” “I never even dreamt that, one day, I would get to work alongside him. Yet, today, that dream has become a reality. The songs and the background score in this film have turned out absolutely magnificently.
Mr. Rathnavelu has visualized this film with world-class standards. He has breathed life into every single scene I wrote. Without his cinematography, this film would not have taken shape the way it has.
Furthermore, Mr. Shivarajkumar appears in this film as a true Guru. This movie beautifully portrays what the relationship between a Guru and a disciple ought to be. The dignity and majesty he has infused into that character will undoubtedly stand as one of the film’s greatest strengths.
I am confident that fans everywhere will flock to the theaters to watch and celebrate this film. Thank you, everyone.”
Speaking on the occasion, Actor Shivarajkumar said:
“First and foremost, my thanks go to the director, Buchi Babu. I was overjoyed when he first spoke to me about the role of the Guru in this film. What gave me even greater joy, however, was the news that I would be acting alongside Ram Charan.
I have a deep fondness for both Ram Charan and his family. I have always held a special place in my heart for him—filled with both affection and respect. Consequently, I felt an immediate urge to be a part of this film. The moment Buchi Babu narrated the story, I fell in love with it and agreed to do it without hesitation.
However, shortly thereafter, I was diagnosed with cancer. I found myself in a situation where I had to undergo medical treatment. For a moment, I feared that I might be unable to fulfill my commitment to this film. Yet, the entire film crew patiently waited for me. Their gesture moved me deeply, and for that, I offer them my heartfelt gratitude.
I have known the ‘Mozart of Madras,’ Mr. A. R. Rahman, for a very long time—dating back to the days when he was still working as a session musician. Later, as a music composer, he elevated music to an entirely new dimension. While there have been many brilliant composers throughout history, Mr. Rahman carved out a unique identity for himself through his distinctive style. His winning of the Oscar Award was a moment that brought immense pride to Indian music as a whole. To work with him…”
I am extremely happy to have acted in a film featuring his music.
My experience working with Mr. Rathnavelu was also exceptional. On the sets, I would constantly converse with him in Tamil. The affection, respect, and dedication he displayed truly captivated me. A special bond formed between us.
The producer and the entire film crew have done a magnificent job. When you watch this film, you will clearly perceive the rapport and unity that existed among us.
I must make special mention of Mr. Ram Charan’s hard work. The way he physically transformed himself for this role—the effort he invested and his sheer dedication—was truly extraordinary. His performance, too, is bound to astonish the audience.
I am confident that everyone will love this film. My best wishes go out to the entire team. The film is scheduled for release on June 4th. I am waiting for it with just as much eagerness as all of you. Thank you. Vanakkam.
“Isai Puyal” (Music Storm) A.R. Rahman spoke as follows:
About a month ago, Ram Charan visited our home. During that visit, a particular thought struck me profoundly. Many might have questioned whether, as the son of a colossal banyan tree like Mr. Chiranjeevi, he could ever reach those same towering heights. However, Ram Charan has gone beyond that, carving out a unique niche for himself. He has grown into a banyan tree in his own right. My son happened to be present at the time; I turned to him and said, “You, too, could become even greater than I am.” I pointed to Ram Charan as a living example of this possibility. Such role models are incredibly vital for the younger generation.
One day, I was informed that Mr. Sukumar wished to meet me. Subsequently, he introduced me to Buchi Babu, who proceeded to narrate the story. At that particular juncture, I was primarily focusing on films that involved experimental approaches and unique creative endeavors. However, when a film like Uppena came along, the sheer energy and dedication embedded within it immediately captivated me. In big-budget commercial films like this one, actors pour their very souls into their work. There is immense dedication evident in their acting, their dancing, and every single scene. Furthermore, these films are released in multiple languages and reach audiences across the globe. Consequently, the hard work put in by everyone involved reaches the public on a massive scale.
Ram Charan has approached every single scene in this film with absolute dedication. His hard work is visible in every single frame. The music, too, has continuously evolved to keep pace with the changing times. From the era of Roja right up to the present day, I have personally witnessed the transformations that have swept through the music and film industries. While many may have drawn inspiration from me, I, in turn, have drawn inspiration from many others.
The Telugu film industry is home to incredibly talented music composers such as M.M. Keeravani, Devi Sri Prasad, and Thaman. Telugu cinema has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years. The professionals in this industry work with great ambition and are constantly raising the bar for the quality of film production. I take great pride in being a part of this industry. My experience working on the film Peddi filled me with a sense of fresh excitement—much like the thrill of working on one’s very first film.
We completed the background score for this film just this morning. Even after finishing it, we found ourselves wondering, “Could we have done this even better?” or “Is there anything else we should add?” That very enthusiasm is what makes this film so special. My sincere thanks go to Mr. Shivarajkumar and to every single member of the film crew. We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience of bringing this film to life. I hope that all of you will love this movie. Thank you.”
Actor Ram Charan spoke as follows:
“Greetings to my friends from the Chennai press. To be honest, there are times when I find myself at a loss for words—unsure of what exactly to say. I find myself in just such a moment right now. Whenever I visit Chennai, I invariably experience this very same feeling.
To begin with, look at the sheer number of legends gathered here on this very stage. Standing in their august presence, I am left wondering: what words could I possibly offer?” Nevertheless, my heartfelt thanks go out to everyone present here today—and especially to my friends from the media in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu.
Chennai has always held a special place in my heart. It is the city where I was born and raised. Consequently—whether it is for RRR, Magadheera, or any other film—whenever I visit Chennai for promotional activities, it truly feels like coming home. Furthermore, my mother was also born here; thus, Chennai evokes in me a deep sense of affection, feeling like my mother’s hometown.
The entire film crew has already spoken at length about the movie. It took us approximately two and a half years to complete this film, during which we dedicated over 285 days to the work. However, the person who worked even harder than the rest of us was our director, Buchi Babu. He has been working on this project for the past five or six years.
We often speak of the hardships we endured; yet, in reality, when such exceptional artists are part of a film, the journey itself never truly feels arduous. I would also like to express my gratitude to Sukumar Sir for bringing this story to us.
The “Mozart of Madras,” A. R. Rahman Sir, [contributed to] the core…
A Pillar. If we are all pillars supporting a house, then he is the massive central pillar at its very core. For over ten days now, he has been staying awake until the early hours of the morning, immersed in the work of composing the background score. His dedication serves as a tremendous source of inspiration for all of us.
The moment Sivrajkumar Sir appears on screen, an electric spark of energy is ignited. I have watched his performance in the film Jailer countless times. Even while traveling in my car, I would find myself replaying those specific scenes over and over again. In particular, the scene where he walks in slowly—and that signature style of his while smoking a beedi—has today evolved into an iconic cinematic moment. His eyes alone speak a thousand words.
What can one possibly say about Cinematographer R. Rathnavelu Sir? I have had the privilege of working with him on four films. He stood by my side even during the two films I produced myself. He is, without a doubt, a true legend. The visuals he crafted for the film Enthiran—especially those grand, spectacular song sequences—captivated me completely. I would constantly ask him, “Sir, please give me a scene just like that!”
He possesses the invaluable experience of having worked alongside cinematic titans such as Rajini Sir, Kamal Sir, and Shankar Sir. Yet, he never once flaunts the prestige of that experience; that very humility is his greatest virtue.
Much like myself, Divyendu has poured an immense amount of hard work into this film; I am certain that fans will celebrate his performance.
I did not approach this film merely as an actor fulfilling a professional obligation; I crafted it with my whole heart and soul—out of sheer love for the craft. Every evening, upon returning home after the day’s shoot, I would find myself incessantly talking to my friends and my mother about my experiences on set that day. The film Bethi had etched itself so deeply into my mind that they would eventually have to tell me, “Enough! Stop it… you’ve been talking about nothing but this all day long!”
There is a saying that is often repeated in my home: “If you find yourself continuing to talk about a film even after you’ve returned home for the day, then that film is destined to be a massive success.” I spoke in much the same way about films like RRR, Rangasthalam, and Magadheera. After a long hiatus, I find myself constantly talking about a film—specifically Buchi—at home once again. That, in itself, is the basis of my confidence that this movie will prove to be a massive success. This is a film meant to be watched with the family—and especially with children. It promises to be a deeply inspiring and heartwarming cinematic experience.
Director Buchi Babu and Sukumar Sir have gifted me a film that will remain etched in my memory for a lifetime. For that, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them.
Finally, I would like to convey my best wishes to Chief Minister Vijay. It is truly commendable that he has stepped away from a film career at its very pinnacle—relinquishing his status as a colossal star—to dedicate himself to public service. As someone belonging to the film fraternity, I feel a profound sense of pride. My best wishes go out to him, as well as to the people of Tamil Nadu.
This film represents the collective hard work of all of us. I am confident that, on June 4th, fans will flock to the theaters to celebrate this cinematic experience. Thank you for your love and support. Starring a stellar cast including Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, and Divyendu Sharma, this film is considered one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The recent press conference held in Chennai has further heightened audience interest in the movie.
The songs, composed by the Oscar-winning maestro A.R. Rahman, have already received an overwhelming response from fans. Furthermore, the recently released trailer—which powerfully portrays the inspiring and emotional journey of a crossover athlete—has taken expectations for the film to an all-time high.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on June 4th.
Producer Venkata Satish Kilaru and his team have planned an extensive promotional campaign across India to further amplify the excitement surrounding the film.
Cast:
Mega Power Star Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyendu Sharma
Technical Crew:
Direction & Screenplay: Buchi Babu Sana
Presented by: Mythri Movie Makers, Sukumar Writings
Production Company: Vriddhi Cinemas
Producer: Venkata Satish Kilaru
Co-Producer: Ishan Saxena
Music: A.R. Rahman
Cinematography: R. Rathnavelu
Production Designer: Avinash Kolla
Editing: Naveen Nooli
Executive Producer: V.Y. Praveen Kumar
Marketing: First Show
Public Relations: Yuvaraj