Mega Power Star Ram Charan’s most-awaited sports action drama Peddi is set for release on June 4. Paid previews are scheduled for tomorrow. The promotional content mesmerized audiences, and the film is surrounded by solid buzz. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the movie stars Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead. Produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru of Vriddhi Cinemas, the film is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings. Ahead of the release, Buchi Babu Sana interacted with the media, and here is the transcript.
Tell us about the Peddi journey.
My first film, Uppena, was a blockbuster, and I’m coming back after a five-year gap. Generally, such a long gap usually doesn’t happen when a debut film turns out to be a blockbuster, but it happened in my case (laughs). My guru, Sukumar garu, took me to Charan sir, and he liked the script and came on board instantly. After he gave the nod, we completed the shoot in about one and a half years.
Since Peddi is a sports-based film, what kind of care did you take?
Everyone is familiar with cricket, but we took additional care with regard to wrestling. We roped in the trainer who coached Aamir Khan garu for Dangal. We also worked with pehelwans from Telangana. We trained the artists, and Charan sir underwent intense training for about three to four months.
Peddi’s success is so crucial to the industry, right?
The success of a film is equally important for the industry, the director, the hero, and all those associated with the project. But right now, the success of Peddi is more vital to the industry, and the scenario was the same for Uppena too. Back then, there were doubts about whether audiences would return to theatres after COVID-19. People encouraged us, and it became a big hit.
Tell us about Shiva Rajkumar garu, Jagapathi Babu garu, and Divyenndu’s characters.
They were the perfect fit for the roles they have essayed. Shivanna garu will be seen as a guru, and he strives hard to prevent the sport from becoming extinct. The Appalasoori character, played by Jagapathi Babu garu, carries a lot of emotional weight. It is the second most powerful character after the protagonist. Divyenndu’s character will be crazy.
Tell us about AR Rahman garu.
I like Rahman garu a lot, and it has been my long-cherished dream to work with him. I am happy that it happened with Peddi. I have enjoyed working with Rahman garu, and I would love to work with him throughout my career. There are two more songs in the film that we haven’t released yet, and they will be amazing.
A lot is being said about the climax of Peddi. Can you tell us about it?
Presenting a commercial hero in an organic way is very risky. You have to experience it on the big screen. Everyone who has seen the climax has said great things about it.
What can the audience expect from Peddi?
Peddi is a film that can be enjoyed with the family. There will be strong emotions, and the movie will also be commercial. You won’t see Charan sir in the film; you will only see Peddi. Everyone will connect with the Peddi character and his memorable journey.
Did Chiranjeevi garu watch the film?
Not yet. I am eagerly waiting for him to watch the film and share his reaction. Surekha ma’am watched a sequence, and she became very emotional.