From Ram Charan’s transformation, bodyguard Kevin Kunta to ‘Peddi’ controversy: How the film dominated headlines

Ram Charan’s latest release ‘Peddi’ is enjoying a bumper run at the box office. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film stars Janhvi Kapoor in the sport action drama where Ram Charan fights for the identity of his people. The film has become one of the most talked about films of this year for multiple reasons, let's take a look at when did the film make headlines.

Ram Charan’s massive transformation

One of the most talked points since the team released the Peddi Pehelwaan teaser was Ram Charan’s look. For the role, the actor who is known for his full dedication to the role, underwent rigorous training to turn himself into the muscular figure of a pehelwaan. The director of the film, Buchi Babu Sana, revealed that the actor trained for 3-4 months to perform wrestling in the film. He also shared that they roped in a trainer who coached Aamir Khan in the movie ‘Dangal’. The makers also included wrestlers from Telangana as part of the film and gave training to the artist in the film. During his transformation, the actor also suffered multiple injuries.

Ram Charan’s body guard

Speaking of bodybuilding, Ram Charan’s bodyguard has been hitting headlines after he was seen along with the actor during their promotional events. His bodyguard Kevin Kunta, who is also an MMA fighter, has been guarding the ‘Peddi’. As per a report by Republic Media, Kevin Kunta is getting paid between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 4 lakh per day for protecting Ram Charan during public events and travels.

Interestingly, after the film’s success Ram Charan’s wife Upasana shared a video of their househelp team performing the ‘Chikri Chikri’ song. Interestingly, the clip also featured Kevin Kunta performing the dance number holding a bat just like Peddi in the film.

‘Peddi’ crushing box office

The Ram Charan starrer during its special premiere shows mints over Rs 18.50 crore. Later on its official first day the numbers jumped to Rs 51 crore. On Friday the film’s collections added Rs 26.90 crore and also made Rs 29.10 crore on Saturday alone. On Sunday the film made Rs 32.15 crore. On a weekday that is on Monday it saw a decline making Rs 12.05 crore and then Rs 58 lakh on Tuesday according to Sacnilk.

On Tuesday the makers announced that the film’s total box office collection stands over Rs 315 crore worldwide.

Controversy in ‘Peddi’

Apart from the film’s success ‘Peddi’ has also received some heat around how the film portrays its female lead, Achiyamma played by Janhvi Kapoor. In the film’s certain romantic scenes, Ram Charan’s character Peddi is shown kissing Achiyamma without her consent. Social media users described it as problematic because it appeared to present non-consensual behavior as romance.

Additionally, the portrayal of Janvi Kapoor’s character also got backlash as many viewers felt that her character was not given enough importance in the story and was instead shown mainly through glamour-focused scenes and camera angles. Netizens and critics criticized the makers of objectifying her character rather than a meaningful one.

The issue became so big that director Buchi Babu Sana publicly apologized and agreed to make changes to the film.

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