As anticipation continues to soar for Peddi, versatile actor Jagapathi Babu has opened up about his intense transformation into the powerful character Appalasuri in Ram Charan's upcoming rural action drama.
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film has already created massive buzz with its chartbuster songs and impactful trailer ahead of its worldwide release on June 4. In this exclusive interaction, Jagapathi Babu shares insights about the emotionally layered role, challenging dubbing process, prosthetic makeup, his bonding with Ram Charan, and why Peddi stands out as one of the most special films of his career.
Your look as Appalasuri in Peddi has become a major talking point. How was the character designed?
The complete credit goes to director Buchi Babu Sana. He wanted the character to look very unique and realistic. National Award-winning makeup artist Rashid worked carefully on the prosthetic look. The moment I wore the getup for the first time, I understood how special the character was going to be. In the entire film, audiences will not see Jagapathi Babu - they will only see Appalasuri.
What makes Appalasuri different from your previous roles?
After Legend, I did many films, but only a few characters stayed close to my heart. Among them, Appalasuri from Peddi stands at the top. The role has emotional depth, a unique look, and strong performance scope. It is not about screen time; it is about impact, and this character leaves a lasting impression.
How was your bonding with Ram Charan in the film?
Ram Charan is one of the most lovable people I know. There is a beautiful emotional connection between our characters in Peddi. Watching his dedication on set was inspiring. He performed risky scenes without body doubles and gave everything for the film. Since Rangasthalam, he has continuously evolved as an actor.
Was dubbing for Appalasuri challenging?
Absolutely. Dubbing was the toughest part of the film for me. Sometimes I spent an entire day recording just two dialogues. The voice and dialect carried a special magic. I wanted audiences to hear only Appalasuri while watching the film.
How do you describe director Buchi Babu Sana?
Buchi Babu and Sukumar share one quality - complete clarity. When a director has clarity, the actor's job becomes easier. Buchi Babu is humble, positive, and very passionate. He pushed me to give my best performance.
What are your thoughts on the film overall?
Peddi is an important film for the industry. AR Rahman's music has already become a huge strength for the movie. The visuals by Ratnavelu are exceptional. This film gave me immense satisfaction as an actor, and I believe audiences will deeply connect with it.