The highly anticipated sports drama Peddi, starring Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Shiva Rajkumar, has finally hit the screens, sparking a wave of reactions on social media. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film marks Charan's return to the big screen after the commercial disappointment of Game Changer. While the movie has received a mixed-to-positive response, it's clear that Ram Charan's performance is the driving force behind the film, with many viewers praising his transformation, screen presence, and emotional depth. One Twitter user described the film as a 'watchable commercial entertainer' that works despite its flaws, with Charan carrying the narrative almost entirely on his shoulders.
The emotional core of the story has also been a hit with audiences, with many praising the film's blend of a template Telugu commercial film with an out-of-the-box story and presentation. The introduction of the hero, the music, and dance numbers are said to support the grounded story, with A. R. Rahman's music and background score being particularly celebrated. The Oscar-winning composer's songs and score have been described as elevating several scenes and maintaining the film's emotional impact, with some suggesting that the score does much of the heavy lifting during portions where the screenplay loses momentum.
However, not every aspect of the film has been universally praised. Some viewers felt that the first half relies heavily on familiar commercial-film tropes, with Janhvi Kapoor's track receiving criticism for not adding much to the overall narrative. The film's nearly three-hour runtime has also been a point of contention, with some suggesting that it could have been trimmed. Despite these complaints, certain portions of the film have emerged as clear crowd-pleasers, with the pre-interval sequence and the stretch leading up to the song Massa Massa being widely praised on social media.
The climax has also received positive feedback, with the final act delivering an emotional payoff that lands effectively and leaves viewers satisfied. Some viewers felt that the film regained momentum in its closing portions after an uneven middle section. Overall, while Peddi may not have delivered the flawless comeback some fans were hoping for, early reactions suggest it offers enough emotional moments, strong performances, and memorable music to keep audiences entertained. Whether it can sustain its momentum at the box office over the coming days remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ram Charan's performance is the driving force behind the film, and it's this that will ultimately determine its success.
