New Delhi, May 28 (PTI) Telugu star Ram Charan on Thursday said that his next film "Peddi" has a story rooted in rural identity and he is confident that it will resonate with people of every generation.
The "RRR" star plays the titular character in the Telugu-language sports action drama, written and directed by Buchi Babu Sana.
In the movie, Peddi is shown as a gifted sportsman who masters multiple sports -- cricket, wrestling and sprinting -- to earn his daily wage. Loved by every child in the village, his rising popularity irks a jealous landlord who throws him the biggest challenge of his life.
"It's a blend of three sports coming together. It's like a crossover athlete. It's a very rooted movie, it's a story of our soil and I'm happy to be a part of such a rooted and inspiring story. This is one film that will inspire everyone," Charan told PTI.
Asked if he feels the weight of expectations, especially after the resounding success of his 2022 period actioner "RRR", the 41-year-old actor said he approaches every project with the same level of energy and commitment.
"I think in general, we have to be responsible, whether or not because it is an 'RRR' or any other film. Every film comes with a lot of sincerity and with the same zeal that we did the previous hits. It's not like it's an added pressure at all. It's the same thing we do with every film," he added.
"Peddi" marks his reunion with Sana, who made his directorial debut with 2021's "Uppena". Sana had earlier written the story and served as an assistant director for Charan's 2018 hit "Rangasthalam", which was helmed by "Pushpa" maker Sukumar.
"I worked with him in 'Rangasthalam'. He was the first assistant director on the film under Sukumar sir, and that's when I met him and that’s when we started interacting and always wanted to work together. That's how he became a director, which happened with his second film.
"It's one of the most challenging scripts I've ever heard... He has written it so beautifully. It's a drama and it’s very inspiring, very uplifting towards the end. And he’s done a great job."
Charan said playing a crossover athlete was quite tough but he enjoyed the process thoroughly.
"Everything was tough. But when you do it with so much love and passion, you want to do it again and again. I enjoyed doing all of it," he added.
"Peddi" features Bollywood Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead. It is her second project in the Telugu film industry after 2024's "Devara", which was headlined by Charan's "RRR" co-star Jr NTR.
As an actor, Kapoor said she likes to try new things and step out of her comfort zone.
"It excites me, I think, and that part of my job that I like the most is where you get to explore things that are out of your comfort zone. And to know who you really are, I think that’s when you grow as an artist," she said.
The 29-year-old actor believes in giving her best to every project without feeling any kind of pressure.
"I think I'm trying to focus more on the work and I think I look at it more like responsibility and not like pressure. I think it is a responsibility to give every opportunity your best and to do your best in whatever you’re doing. The pressure is something I don’t like to pay heed to. I want to be as much cognizant about the legacy and responsibility of entertaining the audiences," said Kapoor, who is the daughter of late star Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor.
"Peddi" also stars Kannada star Shiva Rajkumar as well as Jagapathi Babu, Boman Irani and Divyenndu. It features music by Oscar winner A R Rahman and cinematography by R Rathnavelu.
Produced by Vriddhi Cinemas and IVY Entertainment, and presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings, the film is scheduled to be released in theatres across the country on June 4. PTI NM RB BK
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