Will Mahesh Babu Step Back or Clash with Peddi in June?

After many delays, Peddi has finally confirmed June 4 as its release date. Peddi overseas premieres are confirmed on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. It is an excellent date overseas and should be able to get a massive PLF release along with IMAX. It has huge premiere potential.

However, this has put Satyadev’s upcoming psychological drama Rao Bahadur, directed by Venkatesh Maha, in trouble. This film is backed by Mahesh Babu.

Rao Bahadur has been quietly struggling to build some buzz among audiences. With an intriguing teaser and a promise of a fresh, content-driven narrative, the film projected itself as something different in the current Telugu cinema scenario.

The makers recently locked June 5 as the release date, aiming to capitalize on a relatively open window. But that plan is now under serious pressure because of Ram Charan’s Peddi.

Big films like Peddi do not just release. They dominate. They take over a large chunk of screens, dictate show timings, and capture audience attention across markets. That kind of scale automatically creates a ripple effect, especially for smaller films. After affecting many films like Lenin, now Rao Bahadur comes under Peddi’s impact.

If the team sticks to June 5, the film could struggle to even get a minimum number of screens and visibility. Even if the content is strong, the film may not reach its box office potential because of limited shows and reach. For a film that depends heavily on word of mouth rather than star power, that is a serious risk.

Mahesh Babu’s name adds visibility and credibility to Rao Bahadur. But even that may not be enough when facing a film like Peddi, which operates on a completely different scale.

On the other hand, postponing comes with its own challenges. But it may still be the safer option if the team wants the film to breathe and connect with viewers. Content-driven films usually avoid direct clashes with star-driven spectacles unless they are extremely confident about their pull.

The makers of Rao Bahadur now have a clear choice. They can take the risk and release alongside a giant like Peddi, or step aside and find a window where the film’s content can actually shine.

Trade circles expect that Rao Bahadur will step away.