While Ram Charan’s Peddi continues its decent run at the box office, comments made by producer Mythri Ravi Shankar at the film’s success meet have sparked an unexpected debate on social media.
Addressing parents during the event, Ravi Shankar made an emotional appeal.
“Along with school fees and uniform fees, add a Peddi fee and take your children to watch the film. This is my request to all parents. The movie will provide enough inspiration in terms of education, sports, and life lessons for students throughout the academic year,” he said.
The producer was clearly trying to highlight the film’s motivational themes and sports backdrop. However, the remark quickly went viral and drew mixed reactions online.
Fans argued that Ravi Shankar’s comments were being taken too literally. According to them, he was merely encouraging families to watch a film that promotes perseverance, self-respect, and determination.
Others, however, pointed out that parents are already dealing with rising educational expenses. School fees, uniforms, books, transportation, tuition classes, and other costs have become a significant financial burden for many families. In that context, the suggestion to add a separate “Peddi fee” did not sit well with a section of the public and was viewed by some as insensitive to the realities faced by middle-class households.
“If the makers genuinely believe the film can inspire students, why not introduce special discounted ticket prices for school children? That would encourage more families to bring their children and also help the film’s long run,” one user wrote.
Others went a step further.
“If the film is really that educational and motivational, why not screen it free for students?” another user asked sarcastically.
Many people pointed out that a family outing to the cinema today involves much more than just buying tickets. Expenses on food, beverages, parking, and transportation can significantly increase the overall cost, making theatrical visits a luxury for some households.
Some netizens also questioned whether the film was suitable for children at all, pointing to the ongoing controversy surrounding certain scenes and the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character.
Whether Mythri Ravi Shankar’s remarks were an innocent promotional appeal or an unnecessary tone-deaf marketing pitch depends largely on individual interpretation.
Mythri Ravi:
“స్కూల్ ఫీజు.. Uniform ఫీజు తో పాటు…#PEDDI ఫీజు పెట్టుకొని పిల్లలకు సినిమా చూపించండి
Parents అందరికీ నా Request” pic.twitter.com/50P5HRtf6j
— Movies4u Official (@Movies4u_Officl) June 8, 2026
