Ram Charan’s ‘Peddi’ Faces Major Postponement

The Telugu film industry is currently experiencing a significant shift in its high-stakes release calendar, particularly involving films featuring its biggest stars. Ram Charan’s highly anticipated sports drama, Peddi, directed by Buchi Babu Sana, is now widely rumored to be postponing its scheduled March 2026 release date, moving it to a later summer window, possibly May 2026.

The initial release date of March 27, 2026, which coincides with Ram Charan’s birthday, was considered a prime slot for a massive box office opening. However, industry insiders suggest that the film’s production scale has continuously increased, demanding more time for detailing and achieving authenticity. The period setting, reportedly recreating a 1980s coastal town, involves elaborate and expensive sets, which have extended the shooting timelines significantly beyond the initial plan.

While the makers have consistently expressed confidence in meeting the original deadline, the recent news of another major project eyeing the same window has fueled the postponement rumors. Reports indicate that Pawan Kalyan’s highly awaited mass entertainer, Ustaad Bhagat Singh, is now aggressively targeting a March 2026 release. Since both films are backed by the same production entity in part, it is a common practice in Tollywood to avoid a direct ‘Babai-Abbai’ (Uncle-Nephew) box office clash to maximize revenue for both projects.

This potential move by Peddi is expected to have a cascading effect on the entire 2026 summer schedule. The film was already set for a clash with Nani’s The Paradise, which is also now rumored to be pushed back. By aiming for a May release, the makers of Peddi are seeking a less crowded, more lucrative summer holiday window.

The delay, although unconfirmed by an official announcement, appears to be less about financial trouble and more about perfectionism and strategic timing. Ram Charan and director Buchi Babu Sana are reportedly taking their time to ensure the period drama, which also features Janhvi Kapoor, meets the highest quality standards, given the massive expectations following Ram Charan’s global success. All eyes remain on the producers for a formal announcement that will settle the ongoing box office speculation.