Peddi Locks Shruti Haasan: High Risk, No Margin for Error

The suspense surrounding the much-discussed item song in Peddi has finally ended. The film’s team has officially locked Shruti Haasan as the star performer for this special number, putting an end to widespread speculation. The makers will begin shooting the song from Sunday on a specially constructed set in the outskirts of Hyderabad. They plan to complete filming within four days, wrapping up the entire shoot of the film.

Before finalizing Shruti Haasan, the team evaluated several options. Names like Mrunal Thakur, Samyuktha Menon, and Manasa Varanasi circulated. However, the makers ultimately chose Shruti Haasan and reportedly paid her a heavy remuneration.

The film is aiming for a June 25 release, even though the team has not officially confirmed it.

Director Buchi Babu Sana is under the spotlight. His decision to cast a senior heroine instead of more current names like Pooja Hegde or Mrunal Thakur has already raised questions. There are concerns about whether Shruti Haasan’s not-so-fresh screen presence will match Ram Charan’s bulked-up, mass-heavy look.

What makes this even more critical is the scale of the risk involved.

The film reportedly sacrificed a prime summer release window just to accommodate this song shoot. That decision has pushed this track into a different league altogether.

The responsibility now sits firmly on Ram Charan, A. R. Rahman, the choreographer, and Buchi Babu Sana to deliver something that connects instantly, both musically and visually. Coming from Sukumar’s school of filmmaking, Buchi Babu carries added expectations, and the comparisons are inevitable. The song will be measured against chartbusters like Aa Ante Amalapuram, Ringa Ringa, and Oo Antava Mama.

If the song clicks, it can easily justify the delay and give Peddi a strong push in terms of openings. A chartbuster at this stage can change the entire momentum of the film and bring back positive buzz instantly.

But if it falls flat, like “Kissik” from Pushpa 2, the backlash will be harsh. Fans will not take it lightly, especially since the film has already been postponed multiple times largely because of this song. In that case, the narrative will quickly turn against the makers, questioning whether the delay was even worth it.

Right now, the situation is very clear. The expectations are extremely high, and the margin for error is almost zero.