Chiranjeevi Hails Ram Charan’s ‘Peddi’ Performance as National Award-Worthy, Gets Emotional Recalling Father-Son Struggles
Megastar Chiranjeevi showered praise on his son Ram Charan, describing his performance in Peddi as “National Award-level acting” and expressing immense pride as a father. Speaking at the film’s victory celebrations as the chief guest, Chiranjeevi said that after Rangasthalam, he did not expect another powerful film of this calibre so soon.
In his emotionally charged speech, Chiranjeevi stated, “In this film, it wasn’t Charan I saw — only Peddi. He completely transformed into the character.” He revealed that he was moved to tears and entered a trance-like state while watching the movie, feeling the pain and struggles of the tribal protagonist.
The veteran actor lauded director Buchi Babu Sana for choosing a powerful and emotional subject on tribal life, their lifestyle, aspirations, and struggles, and for having the faith that Ram Charan would do complete justice to it. He also extended heartfelt congratulations to producer Satish Kilaru for backing the director’s vision without hesitation despite the massive budget. Chiranjeevi specially thanked Sukumar, calling him a “guru” who has gifted the industry “diamonds from the soil.”
Recalling the hardships Ram Charan endured, Chiranjeevi became visibly emotional while narrating a shooting accident. “One day I received a call that Charan was injured in the eye. The photo they sent scared us — we feared he might lose his eyesight,” he said. He drew parallels with his own father’s anxiety during the filming of Gunda (1983), when Chiranjeevi performed a dangerous stunt hanging from a running train. His father had then warned him that he would understand a parent’s pain only when his own son faced similar risks.
Chiranjeevi also appreciated the supporting cast and crew, praising Jagapathi Babu’s transformation and acting, Shivrajkumar’s dignity, AR Rahman’s soulful music, and cinematographer Ratnavelu’s breathtaking visuals.
Highlighting his son’s rising stature, he mentioned that Ram Charan was recently referred to as the “New Age Megastar” in Delhi. “It is a different joy when children surpass us. Today, it feels right that Charan stands in front and I stay behind,” he said, adding that Peddi has given him complete “putrotsavam” (joy of a proud father).
Concluding on an inspiring note, Chiranjeevi declared, “There is happiness and strength only in work. I will continue acting till my last breath.”