Hyderabad, April 13: Telugu superstar Ram Charan has turned down several high-profile item song offers for his next major film, reportedly frustrated with “generic” choreography and lyric concepts that failed to match his stature, industry sources revealed Monday.
The RRR Global star, currently shooting a high-budget period action drama tentatively titled Peddi Sandadi, received proposals featuring A-list dancers from Bollywood and South cinema. Top music directors pitched songs with ₹5-8 crore budgets, but Charan vetoed all after reviewing storyboards and lyrics during last week’s creative sessions.
Why the Rejection?
Sources close to production say Charan seeks “iconic” item numbers akin to Naatu Naatu‘s Oscar-winning energy from RRR. “He wants mass appeal with class execution—no skin show, no repetition,” said a music label executive. Proposals featuring Nora Fatehi, Tamannaah, and Sreeleela got thumbs down for “lacking innovation.”
The film’s team approached composers including Devi Sri Prasad, Thaman, and Anirudh Ravichander. Charan personally reviewed three scripts Friday, rejecting two outright. “Ram wants the song to elevate the film, not just fill interval space,” noted director Boyapati Sreenu’s associate.
Mega Family Item Song Legacy
Charan’s decision echoes Mega family tradition:
- Chiranjeevi set benchmarks with Goonda Jada (Vijayawada fame)
- Pawan Kalyan’s Bombay Dive trended globally
- Allu Arjun’s Oo Antava redefined sensuality with substance
Production Updates
Peddi Sandadi marks Charan’s return to mass entertainers post-RRR‘s pan-India glory. Kiara Advani plays female lead, with Janhvi Kapoor in special appearance. Shooting 75% complete, targeting Sankranti 2027 release. Budget crosses ₹250 crore.
Industry Reactions
Trade analyst Taran Kaur: “Smart move. Post-RRR, fans expect stadium-level elevation. Generic item songs hurt stardom.” Music director Thaman tweeted cryptically: “When mass meets class, magic happens. Patience.”
Social media split:
- Fans: “#RamCharan item elevation loading!” (trending)
- Critics: “Too choosy? Empty interval hurts pacing”
Insider Buzz
Sources hint at surprise casting. “International award-winning choreographer from Jailer approached. AR Rahman rumored for exclusive track,” whispered a production insider. Charan prioritizes script alignment over star power.
Career Context
Post-RRR‘s 2,400 crore worldwide gross and National Award, Charan rejects safe bets. Game Changer (Kieran Lee directorial) underperformed relatively, raising stakes for next outing.
Filmmakers now scramble to deliver “next-level” concept before May schedule. Charan’s veto power underscores Mega prince’s evolved stardom—where item songs must justify screen time in 100 crore openers.
Ram Charan’s item song purge signals Telugu cinema’s rising standards, where Global stars demand Global choreography—setting new benchmarks as summer blockbusters battle for audience supremacy.
