When Peddi hit theatres earlier this month, expectations were sky-high. Ram Charan was returning to the big screen carrying the weight of massive anticipation, while director Buchi Babu Sana promised an emotional sports drama packed with intensity and larger-than-life moments. Just over a week later, the numbers suggest audiences showed up in huge numbers regardless of what critics had to say. The film has now raced past the ₹366 crore mark worldwide, making it the highest-grossing South Indian release of 2026.
Interestingly, Peddi’s journey hasn’t been entirely smooth. The film has received mixed reviews since release, with conversations around both its strengths and shortcomings dominating social media timelines. Yet, if the box office is any indication, viewers were curious enough to experience the spectacle for themselves. Sometimes audience sentiment and critical opinion move in different directions, and Ram Charan’s latest outing seems to be one of those cases.
Peddi’s Massive Box Office Run Defies Expectations
According to figures shared by the makers, Peddi crossed ₹366 crore worldwide within just nine days of release. The sports drama opened globally on June 4, 2026, after holding special premiere screenings a day earlier, and it wasted little time in establishing itself as one of the year’s biggest commercial successes.
The film reportedly earned ₹51 crore net in India on its opening day, while its worldwide opening stood at ₹112.49 crore, including paid previews. The Telugu version emerged as the biggest driving force behind those collections, recording impressive occupancy rates and drawing large crowds across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Strong support from overseas markets further strengthened its worldwide total during its opening week.
For Ram Charan, the success of Peddi also carries another layer of significance. Following the global phenomenon of RRR, the actor’s subsequent releases struggled to recreate that momentum. Acharya failed to connect with audiences, while Game Changer generated enormous buzz but couldn’t deliver the kind of theatrical returns many had predicted.
In fact, Game Changer remained in headlines for reasons beyond its story, particularly because of reports surrounding its lavish production expenses. Industry discussions frequently pointed toward a single song sequence allegedly mounted on a budget nearing ₹75 crore. Against that backdrop, Peddi arriving as a genuine box office winner marks an important comeback moment in Ram Charan’s post-RRR career.
Controversy Around Janhvi Kapoor’s Character Sparked Debate
Even as collections continued to rise, Peddi found itself facing criticism over the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyyamma. Several viewers expressed discomfort over certain romantic moments in the film, accusing the makers of hypersexualising the character. The discussion quickly gained traction online and eventually prompted a response from director Buchi Babu Sana.
Addressing the criticism publicly on X, the filmmaker said, “As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. We have heard the feedback regarding certain scenes in Peddi and have taken it seriously.”
He further stated that he respects women and acknowledged the concerns raised by audiences. His response was welcomed by some viewers who appreciated the willingness to engage with criticism, while others continued to debate whether such portrayals should have made it to the final cut in the first place. The controversy, however, doesn’t appear to have significantly impacted the film’s theatrical momentum.
A Sports Drama Backed by Big Names and Bigger Ambitions
Written and directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi tells the story of a young man navigating fierce sporting challenges while confronting rivalry, pride, expectations, and the emotional burdens that come with chasing greatness. The narrative blends sports action with family drama and personal struggles, aiming to deliver both mass entertainment and emotional payoff.
Alongside Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, the film features notable performances from Shiva Rajkumar, Divyendu Sharma, and Jagapathi Babu. The supporting cast has been credited by many viewers for adding weight to the emotional beats scattered throughout the story, even by those who remained divided on certain creative choices.
Ram Charan reportedly underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, reflecting the demanding nature of the character’s journey. The actor’s rugged appearance and intense screen presence became one of the major talking points during the promotional campaign leading up to release.
Behind the camera, Peddi also brought together an impressive technical team. The film is produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru under Vriddhi Cinemas in association with Mythri Movie Makers and IVY Entertainment, while Jio Studios handled distribution duties across North India. Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman crafted the soundtrack and background score, with celebrated cinematographer Rathnavelu lending the film its striking visual style.
Mixed reviews, online debates, and controversy aside, one thing is difficult to ignore: audiences have turned Peddi into a box office powerhouse. In an industry where theatrical success has become increasingly unpredictable, Ram Charan’s latest release has managed to cut through the noise and establish itself as South India’s biggest money-maker of 2026. Whether its legacy eventually rests on its numbers or its storytelling will be decided over time, but for now, the box office belongs to Peddi.
