PEDDI – MOVIE REVIEW

PEDDI is a sports action drama directed by Buchi Babu Sana. 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.

Sports action dramas have been doing the rounds for quite some time now and most of them have found success. More often than not, they follow familiar templates, relying on one emotion or another to carry the narrative through. Usually, it is the classic underdog versus the established force. This is where PEDDI pleasantly surprises.

PEDDI has an amazing plot — an inspiring one at that — and a story that has the potential to genuinely stir emotions. The writer clearly believed in the strength of the idea, and rightly so. Unfortunately, in the excitement of possessing such a powerful premise, the writing falters where it matters most. The screenplay slips into ordinary commercial templates and deja vu moments that dilute the impact of what could have been something truly special.

The romance is silly and largely unnecessary, while the songs become interruptions rather than enhancements. The first half meanders along, holding back its reveals for later portions. While the character-building works to an extent, the prolonged affirmations and excessive build-up to the drama test the audience’s patience.

It is in the second half that the film begins to find its footing again. The core story starts taking centre stage and the emotional beats land better. Yet, even here, there are portions that drag the momentum down. Logic takes a beating at several places, especially considering that the film is set in the 1990s. The melodrama becomes overwhelming in stretches and the climax, despite its intentions, could have unfolded on a stronger platform to make the emotions far more poignant.

Ram Charan gives it his all and emerges triumphant. His ability to remain restrained within the character despite carrying the burden of a massive star image is truly admirable. Even during moments designed for heroism, he never completely loses sight of the character. Janhvi Kapoor exists largely for posters and songs. Jagapathi Babu is effective and refreshingly different. Shivaraj Kumar makes his presence felt and delivers with conviction. Boman Irani proves more irritating than impactful, while the rest of the cast merely go through the motions.

Ratnavelu’s cinematography effectively captures both the action and the drama. A.R. Rahman’s background score works well, often sounding closer to the style of his younger contemporaries than his own signature sound. The songs, meanwhile, seem more interested in reminding audiences of his glorious past than creating fresh memories. Dialogues are decent, while Naveen Nooli’s editing leaves a lot to be desired. Buchi Babu Sana’s direction is neat and competent.

PEDDI could have been an inspiring and ingenious story of grit and determination. Instead, it ends up being a film with a brilliant idea lost amidst the mayhem of laziness, commercial compulsions and careless writing.

PEDDI – PLACID

2.5/5

B.U. Shreesha