Source TOI
NEW DELHI — During a high-profile promotional event in the capital, pan-Indian superstar Ram Charan shared an exclusive look into a private conversation he had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The actor revealed that the Prime Minister was highly curious about the concept of his upcoming sports drama, Peddi.
Speaking to the media alongside co-star Janhvi Kapoor, Ram Charan recalled the moment the Prime Minister questioned him about the film’s premise.
“The last time I met our Honourable Prime Minister Modi Ji in Delhi, he asked me what Peddi was about,” the actor shared. “I told him, ‘Sir, it is about an evolved India (Viksit Bharat) and empowering our villages. Waisa hi concept hai Sir (It carries the same concept, Sir).'”
An Inspiring Anecdote from the Prime Minister
According to the actor, the mention of rural empowerment struck a chord with the Prime Minister, who immediately countered with an inspiring sports success story from eastern India.
“Modi Ji shared a story from West Bengal, where decades ago a single footballer from a small village represented India. Because of that one catalyst, today over 85 people from that very same village play football,” Ram Charan explained. He noted that Peddi mirrors this exact sentiment—showing how one individual’s determination can spark a massive social transformation across a grassroots community.
Celebrating Culture Over Urban Settings
Ram Charan also highlighted a massive paradigm shift happening in South Indian cinema, pointing out that modern filmmakers are increasingly abandoning sleek, city-based stories in favor of regional authenticity.
“The films we are making in the South today are deeply rooted in our culture and soil. They are not city-based, but set in villages and towns,” the 41-year-old actor stated.
To anchor his point, he drew a parallel to India’s real-world sports landscape. “Our national archery team largely comprises tribal athletes. Inherently, they possess that raw talent for the bow and arrow. None of them are from major cities or premium clubs; they come from rural, tribal communities. It is beautiful when the authorities recognize that village talent, and that is what our cinema is celebrating.”
About ‘Peddi’
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana with a musical score by Academy Award-winner AR Rahman, Peddi is being positioned as a high-octane sports action entertainer layered with deep emotional gravity. Ram Charan reportedly undergoes a massive physical transformation to play a crossover athlete mastering multiple sporting disciplines, including wrestling, running, and cricket.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast featuring Janhvi Kapoor, Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, and Divyenndu. Backed by highly impressive advance ticket sales in international markets like North America, Peddi is geared up for a massive global theatrical release on June 4, 2026.
