“You Will Witness Ram Charan’s Acting Brilliance in Peddi” – DOP Rathnavelu
Mega Power Star Ram Charan’s much-awaited rural action drama Peddi is gearing up for a grand worldwide release on June 4. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana and produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru under the Vriddhi Cinemas banner, the film is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings. Following the tremendous response to its trailer and songs, expectations for the film have reached new heights.
Speaking at a press interaction, acclaimed cinematographer R. Rathnavelu shared fascinating insights about the making of the film, Ram Charan’s transformation, and the visual scale of Peddi.
“The Story Immediately Excited Me”
Rathnavelu revealed that he was instantly impressed when Buchi Babu narrated the story.
“It’s a highly engaging script set in Vizianagaram around 40 years ago. Present-day Vizianagaram looks completely modern, so our biggest challenge was to recreate the atmosphere of that era. We worked extensively on world-building — from the clock tower and streets to sugar factories, hill regions, and the lifestyle of the people.”
He explained that every visual element was designed organically to transport audiences back in time.
“We Created a Unique Visual Mood for Peddi”
The cinematographer spoke about experimenting with color tones and realism.
“In Rangasthalam, I used a golden-brown tone that became hugely popular and is still referenced by many cinematographers for period dramas. For Peddi, we tried to recreate the color experience of people living in Vizianagaram four decades ago. We wanted audiences to emotionally connect with the film from the first frame to the last.”
He added that post-pandemic audiences prefer realism, which inspired the team to create grounded and authentic visuals.
“Buchi Babu Brought 200% of His Vision to the Screen”
Rathnavelu praised the director’s passion and conviction.
“People say if 60% of a writer’s vision reaches the screen, it becomes a superhit. But Buchi Babu brought 200% of his imagination onto the screen. His excitement during the editing sessions was infectious.”
He also mentioned that Buchi Babu would jokingly say after every editing session:
“Ram Charan will win a National Award, and Rathnavelu sir will also win one!”
“We Worked on This Film with Our Heart and Soul”
Talking about his commitment, Rathnavelu said:
“I’ve been in the industry for nearly 30 years and usually do only one film a year. Once I commit to a project, I stay with it until completion. Even though many big offers came my way, I chose Peddi because I truly loved the story. Ram Charan, Buchi Babu, and I gave everything we had to this film.”
“The Cricket Sequence Was the Most Challenging”
One of the most difficult portions to shoot was the cricket match sequence.
“The second cricket match in the film is not just a sports scene — it’s a major turning point in the story. I suggested to Buchi Babu that we shoot it at night because floodlit matches in the 1980s had a unique atmosphere. He loved the idea.”
Rathnavelu said Ram Charan personally appreciated the concept after watching the shoot.
“On screen, it won’t feel like just a cricket match. It will feel like a war between two teams.”
“Ram Charan Delivered an Extraordinary Performance”
The cinematographer was full of praise for Ram Charan’s dedication and transformation.
“You will witness Ram Charan’s acting brilliance in Peddi. Just like he completely became Chitti Babu in Rangasthalam, he has immersed himself fully into this role as well. But emotionally, both characters are entirely different.”
He further added:
“Charan never compromises until he gets the perfect shot. Even if a take looks good, he always wants to make it better. His transformation for this role is phenomenal.”
“The Wrestling Portions Were Intense”
Rathnavelu revealed that the wrestling sequences required massive preparation.
“Ram Charan worked on every single muscle in his body to look like a real wrestler. It wasn’t just about costumes or makeup — he physically transformed himself completely.”
He also teased a special sequence inspired by Lord Hanuman.
“There’s a particular sequence designed with unique lighting. When audiences watch it in theatres, they will definitely get goosebumps.”
“The Climax Will Be a Visual Feast”
Without revealing too much, Rathnavelu hinted at an emotionally powerful climax.
“The last 30 minutes will deeply move audiences. The climax is not just visually grand but emotionally overwhelming as well. Every frame will feel like a visual celebration.”
“We Shot on Film Negative After 17 Years”
The DOP also discussed experimenting with traditional filmmaking techniques.
“For a Delhi portion in the film, I shot without artificial lighting and used film negative instead of digital. After nearly 17 years, I returned to film negative because it gives a unique realism and texture.”
“Sri Lanka Shoot Was a Special Experience”
He described the Sri Lanka schedule as one of the film’s highlights.
“There’s a waterfall sequence near a railway track where no one had shot before. Reaching that location itself was extremely difficult, but the visuals we captured there — including tunnels, mountains, and travel sequences — came out beautifully.”
“A.R. Rahman’s Music Will Elevate the Film”
Speaking about collaborating with Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman, Rathnavelu said:
“This is my third film with Rahman sir after Robot and Lingaa. He is a genius. He has given outstanding songs and background score for Peddi. Audiences will thoroughly enjoy the re-recording.”
“Producer Satish Kilaru Truly Loves Cinema”
Rathnavelu praised producer Venkata Satish Kilaru for his emotional involvement in the project.
“He gets genuinely excited after watching visuals and emotionally reacts to scenes during editing. Producers like him should make more films in the industry.”
“I Want to Direct an Emotional Action Thriller”
When asked about directing films, Rathnavelu revealed:
“I have already written three stories. I want to make an emotional action thriller where every character has importance.”
“My Son Also Contributed to Peddi”
Rathnavelu proudly shared that his son, who studied cinematography in Canada, also worked on the film.
“He has the same passion for cinema as I do. He shot a portion of one wrestling fight brilliantly and also helps me a lot with color grading. He’s now ready to debut as a cinematographer and is waiting for the right story.”
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