‘I Don’t Want You, I Want Your Sister’: Khushi Kapoor Was Rejected For Peddi Before Janhvi Kapoor Got The Role

As excitement around Peddi continues to build, filmmaker Buchi Babu Sana has now revealed an interesting casting twist behind one of the film’s key characters. Before Janhvi Kapoor officially came on board as Achiyamma, the role had first reached someone much closer to home, her younger sister Khushi Kapoor.

During a recent interview with M9 while promoting the upcoming film, Buchi shared that he had initially narrated the script to Khushi Kapoor. However, after meeting her personally, he felt she did not fit the emotional and physical requirements of the character.

“I initially narrated the film to Khushi Kapoor. But once I saw her in person, I realised that she’s too young for this character. Now, imagine when I have to reject Khushi and give

narration to Janhvi in the same home. I felt bad and asked Janhvi if Khushi didn’t take offence,” the director said.

Also Read: Peddi Trailer Launch: MS Dhoni To Grace Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor’s Grand Event? Find Out

Buchi admitted that the situation was awkward, especially because both sisters were being considered within the same family setup. But according to him, he always felt Janhvi naturally suited the role of Achiyamma better.

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“I explained why I rejected her sister. I looked at Khushi, told her hi, and said, I don’t want you in the film, I want your sister. But such things need to be done for cinema. From the beginning, I just knew this role would suit Janhvi. Even as I narrated it to others, I would imagine her in the role,” he added.

The film marks Janhvi’s first collaboration with Ram Charan and has already emerged as one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. Set in rural Andhra Pradesh during the 1980s, Peddi blends sports drama with action and explores themes around cricket and traditional wrestling.

Apart from Ram and Janhvi, the film also stars Jagapathi Babu, Divyenndu and Shiva Rajkumar, who will reportedly appear in a cameo role.

Directed by Buchi Babu Sana after the success of Uppena, Peddi is produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru under Vriddhi Cinemas, co-produced by Ishan Saksena under IVY Entertainment and presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings.

The film’s trailer is set to launch on May 18 in Mumbai, and reports suggest cricket icon MS Dhoni may attend the event. According to Deccan Chronicle, discussions between the makers and Dhoni’s team are reportedly in the final stages.

A source quoted by the publication said, “Discussions between the makers and Dhoni’s team are in the final stages, and things are expected to be confirmed shortly. If Dhoni attends the event, it would generate massive attention across the country.”

The report further claimed that the makers felt Dhoni fit perfectly with the spirit of the sports-centric film.

“MS Dhoni perfectly fits the spirit of this sports-centric drama, which showcases the rise of a sportsman from a rural background. The film also celebrates sports like cricket and wrestling, which have already caught audience attention through the teasers. Ram Charan sharing the stage with MS Dhoni would be sensational if everything falls into place. Ram Charan underwent cricket and wrestling training for the role, and this is also his first film as a sportsman. Dhoni’s presence would attract attention from both the film fraternity and the cricketing world,” the source added.

The team is also planning an extensive promotional campaign across India, with events expected to take place in cities including Mumbai, Bhopal and Bengaluru between May 18 and June 2.

Recently, Buchi and Ram shot a promotional video while driving around Hyderabad, where the filmmaker praised the actor’s dedication to the project.

“You gave me many beautiful memories with this film. Peddi is going to be amazing. We worked on it with all our hearts. The main focus was always the story. Charan sir is a star hero, but he kept all that aside to work on this story,” Buchi said in the video.

The duo also revealed that a special promotional interview for the film will be released soon. Peddi is scheduled to hit theatres on June 4 and will be released in North India by Jio Studios following the success of Dhurandhar and Raja Shivaji.