In the sun-kissed streets of Goa, where the Arabian Sea whispers secrets to the shore, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 kicked off with a bang on November 20. Amidst the glitz of global cinema, one themed float stole the spotlight – a vibrant tribute to the upcoming Telugu sports drama Peddi. Featuring fresh stills of leads Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, the display transported onlookers to the dusty cricket grounds of rural Andhra Pradesh. Social media erupted almost instantly, with fans flooding timelines with heart emojis, fan edits, and fervent discussions. As Peddi's March 2026 release looms closer, these images have only amplified the film's grassroots charm, blending nostalgia, grit, and melody into a cultural phenomenon.

A Grand Entrance at IFFI: The Float That Captured Hearts

Picture this: a massive float decked out like a 1980s village fair, complete with thatched roofs, colorful banners fluttering in the breeze, and life-sized cutouts of cricket bats slung over rugged shoulders. At its center, Ram Charan – the titular Peddi – stands tall in his raw, unpolished avatar: long beard, nose ring, and eyes burning with defiance. Beside him, Janhvi Kapoor as Achiyyamma exudes fiery grace, her confident stance and windswept saree evoking a woman who's as fierce as the coastal winds. The duo grips their bats like weapons of unity, symbolizing the film's core theme of a spirited villager rallying his community against a formidable foe.

The IFFI parade, known for celebrating Indian cinema's diversity, chose Peddi to represent Telugu storytelling's evolution. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana – whose debut Uppena redefined rural romance – the float wasn't just promotional fluff. It was a teaser of the film's soul: authentic, earthy, and pulsating with life. Eyewitnesses at the event described the crowd's roar as the float rolled by, with photographers scrambling for shots that quickly hit millions of views online. "It's like Lagaan meets RRR," one attendee tweeted, capturing the buzz that has fans drawing parallels to timeless underdog tales.

Rural Sports Drama: Peddi's Story of Grit and Glory

Set against the backdrop of Uttarandhra's sun-baked landscapes in the 1980s, Peddi isn't your typical glossy blockbuster. It's a semi-period actioner where cricket isn't just a game – it's a battlefield for pride, love, and redemption. Ram Charan, fresh off the highs of RRR, dives deep into the role of Peddi, a hot-headed yet heartfelt young man from a forgotten village. When external threats loom over his homeland, he turns to the sport he knows best, forging unlikely alliances and stirring dormant spirits.

Janhvi Kapoor, stepping boldly into her second Telugu outing after Devara, brings nuance to Achiyyamma – Peddi's love interest and a symbol of unyielding village sass. The ensemble shines with Shiva Rajkumar as a mentor figure, Jagapathi Babu adding layers of antagonism, and Divyendu Sharma injecting comic relief. Buchi Babu Sana, drawing from his own roots, crafts a narrative that's rooted in real emotions: the thrill of a boundary hit under floodlights, the ache of lost harvests, and the quiet power of community bonds. Cinematographer R. Rathnavelu's visuals – think golden-hour fields and rain-soaked pitches – promise to make every frame a postcard from the past.

Chikiri Chikiri: AR Rahman's Melody That Mesmerizes

No conversation about Peddi is complete without the earworm that's taken over playlists: "Chikiri Chikiri." Released on November 7, 2025, this AR Rahman gem has racked up nearly 100 million views across languages, proving the maestro's timeless pull. Sung soulfully by Mohit Chauhan with lyrics by Balaji, the track pulses with folk-infused rhythms – a nod to village lingo where "chikiri" affectionately describes a woman's natural allure.

In a candid behind-the-scenes clip, Sana shared how the song sparked: Peddi, perched on a hillock, spots Achiyyamma and is struck dumb by her effortless beauty. "No kajal needed for those eyes," he muses to a friend, coining the hook that Rahman wove into a blend of "Humma"-like energy and heartfelt romance. The video teases Charan's infectious dance moves amid lush greenery, with Kapoor's playful glances adding spark. Fans aren't just streaming; they're recreating the choreography in reels, turning it into a viral challenge. As one devotee put it, "Rahman's magic turns simple words into anthems – Peddi is already winning hearts before the first ball is bowled."

Fan Frenzy and the Road to March 2026

The IFFI stills have supercharged the online storm. Hashtags like #PeddiAtIFFI and #ChikiriChikiri trend relentlessly, with edits mashing Rahman tracks and Charan throwbacks. "These visuals scream authenticity – can't wait for the rural roar!" gushed a fan on X, echoing sentiments from Hyderabad to Hyderabad. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings, Peddi eyes a pan-India release on March 27, 2026 – timed perfectly for Ram Charan's birthday.

As Goa fades into festival lore, Peddi reminds us why cinema thrives: in stories that echo our soil, scored by legends, and lit by stars who bare their souls. With every shared still and hummed chorus, the wait feels electric. Get ready, folks – the pitch is set, and Peddi's coming to play.

Read Also: Varanasi Buzz: Mahesh Babu Epic Title Launch Ignites Ramoji Film City – Shruti Haasan Steals the Spotlight

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