While critics praised Charan’s raw performance and athletic sequences, Janhvi Kapoor’s controversial scenes drew backlash. Director Sana apologized on June 6, promising edits and respect for women. Despite the controversy, positive word-of-mouth on action and village pride themes keeps momentum high, positioning Peddi as a record-breaking Telugu opener in 2026.
The Telugu sports drama Peddi, directed by Buchi Babu Sana, has stormed the global box office, grossing an impressive ₹190–195 crore worldwide in just two days. Released on June 4, 2026, after paid previews, the film opened to massive numbers, with ₹112 crore on Day 1 alone. Strong openings in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, coupled with robust collections from North America and GCC markets, have positioned Peddi as one of the biggest Telugu openers in recent years.
Starring Ram Charan in the titular role, alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Shiva Rajkumar, the film blends raw athletic sequences with themes of village pride and resilience. Critics have praised Charan’s intense performance, noting his physical transformation and emotional depth in portraying Peddi. The sports drama’s action set pieces and cultural backdrop have resonated strongly with audiences, fueling positive word‑of‑mouth.
However, the film has not been without controversy. Viewers criticized Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal, pointing out hypersexualized scenes and a non‑consensual kiss that sparked backlash on social media. Responding to the criticism, director Buchi Babu Sana issued an apology on June 6, promising edits to the film and committing to greater sensitivity and respect for women in cinema. This move has been largely welcomed by fans, who see it as a progressive step in an industry often slow to adapt to evolving perspectives.
Despite the controversy, Peddi continues to ride high on its box office momentum. The combination of Charan’s star power, A.R. Rahman’s evocative score, and the film’s emotional narrative has ensured strong audience turnout. Trade analysts predict that the film could set new records for Telugu cinema if the current pace continues.
In summary, Peddi has emerged as both a commercial juggernaut and a cultural talking point. Its ₹190 crore worldwide haul in two days underscores Ram Charan’s box office dominance, while the director’s apology highlights the growing importance of audience feedback in shaping modern Indian cinema. With positive word‑of‑mouth and ongoing buzz, Peddi looks set to cement its place as one of 2026’s landmark Telugu releases.
