Director Sukumar has been patiently waiting to begin his next film with Ram Charan ever since completing Pushpa 2. Unlike many top directors who immediately line up multiple projects, Sukumar reportedly chose not to commit to another film and instead focused entirely on developing RC17, his much-awaited reunion with the Rangasthalam star.
The plan was initially straightforward. After completing Peddi, Ram Charan was expected to move directly into Sukumar’s next project. However, the latest reports suggest that things may not be moving according to schedule.
According to industry buzz, Ram Charan is not joining the sets of RC17 immediately after Peddi. The actor reportedly wants to take some time off following the physically demanding shoot of Peddi, during which he is said to have suffered a few minor injuries and health setbacks.
Sources indicate that Charan may need to undergo a procedure related to his hand and focus on recovery before starting another major project. Apart from addressing health concerns, the actor is also expected to spend quality time with his family after an extended period of continuous shooting and promotions.
As a result, RC17 may not begin production anytime soon.
The current expectation within industry circles is that the project could finally go on floors only in January next year. In the meantime, Sukumar is likely to use the additional time to further refine the script, finalize the supporting cast, lock the female lead, and complete all major pre-production work before cameras start rolling.
Given Sukumar’s reputation for extensive script development, the extra time may actually benefit the project. The director is known for spending months perfecting character arcs, dialogues, and visual design before entering production.
If the revised timeline holds, fans may have to wait longer than expected to see Ram Charan back on the big screen after Peddi. The actor could potentially remain away from theatres throughout 2027, with RC17 possibly arriving only in 2028.
After the blockbuster success of Rangasthalam, expectations for another Ram Charan-Sukumar collaboration are enormous. The combination has already delivered a modern classic, and movie lovers are eager to see what the duo can achieve together on an even bigger scale.
For now, however, patience appears to be the key word. If the latest reports are accurate, the road to RC17 may be longer than fans initially expected. Both the actor and director appear determined to ensure the project is fully ready before production begins.
