Buchi Babu Sana reveals why Janhvi Kapoor replaced Khushi Kapoor in ‘Peddi’

Director Buchi Babu Sana has revealed that he first approached Khushi Kapoor for a key role in the upcoming film Peddi before eventually casting her sister Janhvi Kapoor alongside Ram Charan.

While promoting the film ahead of its June release, Buchi shared details about the casting process and explained why he changed his decision after meeting Khushi in person. According to the filmmaker, he initially believed she could fit the character of Achiyamma. However, after their interaction, he felt the role demanded a slightly more mature screen presence.

The filmmaker admitted that the decision became awkward because both actresses belong to the same family. He recalled feeling uncomfortable while discussing the change inside the Kapoor household. Even so, he remained convinced that Janhvi suited the emotional depth and rural setting of the character better.

The revelation quickly sparked discussion among film fans online. Social media users debated whether casting choices based on age and screen image remain common in the industry. Some users praised Buchi for openly explaining his creative reasoning instead of avoiding the topic. Others expressed curiosity about how Khushi reacted to the decision.

Outside film studios in Hyderabad and Mumbai, conversations around the film’s casting also gained attention among movie enthusiasts. At cafes near production offices and cinema halls, fans discussed the growing trend of sisters entering the industry together while competing for different kinds of roles.

Meanwhile, Janhvi’s inclusion in the project has strengthened interest around the film because Peddi marks one of her major Telugu releases opposite Ram Charan. Industry observers believe the pairing could help the film attract audiences across both southern and Hindi-speaking markets.

The movie itself carries strong expectations within Telugu cinema circles. Peddi combines sports drama with rural action and places its story in 1980s Andhra Pradesh. Promotional material released so far hints at themes connected to cricket and traditional wrestling.

Apart from Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, the film also features Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu and Divyenndu in important roles. Producers have positioned the film as a large-scale emotional entertainer with a strong village backdrop and intense sports sequences.

The project has already faced delays, which increased curiosity around its final release. However, recent promotional campaigns appear to have revived momentum. Ram Charan and Buchi recently filmed a promotional segment together in Hyderabad, where both spoke about the emotional effort behind the movie.

During the interaction, Buchi praised Ram Charan’s commitment to the role and said the actor focused more on the story than his star image. The team also confirmed that a full promotional interview and trailer launch will arrive soon as marketing activities intensify before release.

For Janhvi Kapoor, the film represents another important step in expanding her presence beyond Hindi cinema. For Khushi Kapoor, meanwhile, the discussion has once again highlighted the scrutiny young actors face during the casting process, especially when comparisons emerge within film families themselves.