Telugu sports drama Peddi, starring Ram Charan as a passionate kabaddi player from 1980s rural Andhra Pradesh and Janhvi Kapoor as his love interest Achiyyamma, has stormed the box office. The film, inspired by a real-life athlete and featuring A.R. Rahman’s acclaimed score, opened to a thunderous ₹112 crore+ worldwide on day one and crossed ₹150 crore globally within two days.
However, its commercial triumph has been overshadowed by significant backlash over certain scenes audiences described as objectifying. Director Buchi Babu Sana responded swiftly on June 6, 2026, issuing a public apology and committing to edits.
What Sparked the Controversy?
Criticism centred on:
- Lingering camera framing during Janhvi Kapoor’s introduction and the song sequences (notably “Chikiri Chikiri”) that viewers said reduced the character to her appearance.
- A romantic-subplot kiss scene that several viewers and commentators flagged as poorly framed and tonally off — described as normalising a problematic “love language.”
- The overall handling of the female lead that many viewers, including women and families, found regressive and inconsistent with the film’s rural-empowerment theme.
Social media discussion focused on the male gaze and the contrast between the strong sports-action sequences and the poorly handled romance track — especially disappointing given Ram Charan’s central performance.
Director’s Response: Apology and Commitment to Change
In his statement (shared widely on X and Telugu media), Buchi Babu Sana said he did not anticipate such a strong negative reaction. He explained the intent was a “light, playful romance” but acknowledged the execution fell short of audience expectations.
“I had not anticipated that the scenes would be perceived so negatively by audiences. We respect those sentiments … and will make changes to those portions. We’ll be more careful and make better representations in the future.”
The quick response has been praised by many fans as a positive step in an industry often slow to address such feedback. Sana emphasised evolving with changing societal values and respect for women.
Box Office Success vs. Cultural Responsibility
Despite mixed reviews on pacing and the romance track, Peddi is riding high on Ram Charan’s career-best performance, stunning visuals, and emotional sports drama. It has already beaten several benchmarks and is poised for a strong run.
Quick box-office snapshot (as of June 6, 2026)
| Day | India net (₹ cr) | Worldwide gross (₹ cr) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ~51–69 | 112–135+ |
| Day 2 | ~25–27 | 150+ |
Strong overseas performance, including the North America premiere weekend, underscores NRI enthusiasm.
Message for NRIs: Support Content that Respects Women
As Indian diaspora families in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond, NRIs play a significant role in shaping the global reception of Indian cinema. While celebrating Telugu pride and stars like Ram Charan is natural, NRI audiences are also a powerful vote for responsible storytelling.
- Family viewing. Many NRI households watch films together. Content that reduces women to their appearance sends the wrong message to children and contradicts the values of respect, consent, and empowerment families want to instil.
- Cultural export. Tollywood films reach millions abroad. Backing regressive tropes risks reinforcing stereotypes about Indian society.
- Positive change. Praise directors who listen (as Sana has done here) and back films that portray strong, dignified female characters alongside mass entertainment.
NRIs can amplify cinema that aligns with modern sensibilities — stories celebrating women’s agency, especially within rural or sports narratives. Constructive criticism is what produces better industry standards over time.
Broader Implications for Tollywood and Indian Cinema
This incident highlights growing audience awareness around consent, gaze, and female representation. Post-#MeToo and with younger, globalised viewers (including NRIs), filmmakers face higher scrutiny. Sana’s willingness to edit sets a constructive precedent, though long-term change requires systemic shifts in scripting and direction.
Ram Charan’s dedication remains a highlight — his physical transformation and emotional depth have earned widespread acclaim.
What’s Next?
- Edited versions may release in the coming weeks for OTT or re-releases.
- The film continues its theatrical run with strong word-of-mouth in non-controversial segments.
- Expect discussions on set etiquette, actress comfort, and audience feedback loops.
FAQs
Will Peddi scenes be edited in theatres?
The director confirmed plans to make changes; the most likely path is digital/OTT versions initially, with possible theatrical updates.
How has Ram Charan responded?
The focus remains on his performance; there is no direct statement from him on the controversy yet, but the team is addressing audience feedback.
Is the film worth watching despite the backlash?
Many viewers praise the sports drama and Ram Charan’s acting. Viewers should be aware of the flagged scenes and decide based on personal comfort.
Why does this matter for NRIs?
Diaspora support drives big-budget Tollywood. Choosing content thoughtfully influences future productions and the values exported alongside the films.
Sources: Director Buchi Babu Sana’s public statement on X (June 6, 2026); Telugu trade-press box-office trackers; social-media coverage of the “Chikiri Chikiri” song sequence discussion. Box-office figures are early estimates and may be revised by industry trackers; readers should consult official sources for confirmed numbers.
