‘Peddi will have more acceptance’; Chiranjeevi compares Ram Charan’s film with Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’
Following the success of ‘Peddi’, megastar Chiranjeevi joined the film’s team for a special interaction that was later shared on the Vriddhi Cinemas YouTube channel. During the conversation, the veteran actor spoke at length about the film’s impact, director Buchi Babu Sana’s vision and Ram Charan’s performance.Chiranjeevi said he has been hearing from many people that Ram Charan has surpassed him as an actor with ‘Peddi’. He said, “People are saying that Ram Charan has surpassed Chiranjeevi in Peddi. As a father, I feel proud and delighted. But as an actor, it is a little difficult to accept. Watching my son’s performance gave me immense joy and pride.”
Chiranjeevi recalls advice from SP Balasubrahmanyam
During the interaction, Chiranjeevi reflected on a memorable conversation he once had with legendary singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. He revealed that the singer had encouraged him to take up more performance-oriented films.Chiranjeevi recalled, “SP Balasubrahmanyam once told me, ‘You made films like ‘Aapadbandhavudu’ and ‘Rudraveena’. I know your acting capabilities. But you are moving more toward commercial cinema. You have much greater potential.'”He also shared another observation that SPB had conveyed to him. “Balu told me that Balachander had once said, ‘You have shades of both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in you.'” The actor said he always wanted to take up such content-driven films whenever the right opportunity came his way.
Why Chiranjeevi mentioned ‘Dangal’ and ‘Chak De! India ‘
Speaking about sports dramas, Chiranjeevi revealed that he admired films such as ‘Dangal’ and ‘Chak De! India’. He said he often wished that similar stories had come to him during his career.He stated, “I told him, ‘Why wouldn’t I do such films if they come to me? I have the capability and confidence to perform in them. But such stories have to come my way first.’ When films like Dangal and Chak De! India came out in Hindi, I admired those performances and wished such stories would come to me. But directors have to bring that kind of content. Now Peddi has arrived in a similar sports backdrop.” The actor added that he was happy to see Ram Charan receive such a role.
‘Peddi’ has a different identity, says Chiranjeevi
Comparing ‘Peddi’ with ‘Dangal’, Chiranjeevi explained why he believes the two films offer different experiences despite belonging to the sports drama genre.He said, “Dangal is a family-oriented emotional sports drama. It revolves around wrestling and the relationship within a family. The emotional conflicts between the characters grip your heart and move you deeply.”Highlighting the uniqueness of Peddi, he added, “Peddi is a rustic sports drama. It creates awareness while also motivating people. In a way, it is an educational film for governments, children, and parents. It makes audiences think.”According to Chiranjeevi, the film’s rural setting and social message give it a distinct appeal. Explaining why he believes the film will enjoy a long-lasting impact, Chiranjeevi said, “While those are classic sports dramas, ‘Peddi’ is a rustic drama rooted in village life. It is a story of people connected to the soil. That’s why I feel it will enjoy greater longevity and wider acceptance.”He concluded by saying, “Such a story came to Ram Charan. It is the kind of opportunity I missed, and he received. That’s why people are saying Ram Charan has surpassed Chiranjeevi. I wholeheartedly agree with them. As a father, I am extremely proud. But as an actor, I have to accept it with a little difficulty.”
‘Peddi crosses Rs 200 crore net mark in India
Meanwhile, ‘Peddi’ continues its strong run at the box office. Ram Charan’s action sports drama witnessed a notable jump in collections on its second Saturday.According to Sacnilk, the film earned Rs 8.10 crore net in India on Day 10, registering a 57.3 per cent growth from the Rs 5.15 crore collected on Day 9. The latest figures have pushed the film’s total India net collection to Rs 206.80 crore.
