After an interesting banter on X between Ram Charan and AR Rahman on their upcoming film Peddi's first single, the eminent composer has unveiled a glimpse of the song titled 'Chikiri'. The announcement was shared through a video interaction between director Buchi Babu Sana and AR Rahman where the former acknowledged his admiration for the Oscar winner.
"The first time I listened to your albums was through Bombay when I was in seventh grade and I instantly loved them," the filmmaker recalled. "When the narration for Peddi was finalised and the movie was locked it, you said I was free to tell anyone, but I didn't know whom to tell first. I called my brother who said he was washing buffaloes in the river. I reminded him how he made me listen to AR Rahman's songs and announced about him composing music for my film. He told me, 'He beats well or he will beat you'," Buchi Babu Sana said.
Replying to that, AR Rahman said he was moved by the director's love, trust and respect towards him. "Even though I haven't worked on a direct Telugu film in ages, I was genuinely excited," he shared.
Discussing details about the second single, Buchi Babu Sana narrates the scene in which Ram Charan meets the female lead (played by Janhvi Kapoor) for the first time in a village. "There he says, 'Those eyes don't need Kajal. That nose doesn't need a nose pin. She's that rare girl who looks beautiful without any makeup," he said, adding a word 'Chikiri'. Revealing what it means, he says that men in the village affectionately call their women 'Chikiri'.
'Chikiri' features collaboration between Mohit Chauhan and AR Rahman after many years following Rockstar in 2011. The song is slated to be released on November 7 and has lyrics by Balaji.
Besides Ram Charan, Peddi stars Janhvi Kapoor as Achiyyamma. The film also features Divyenndu in a major role, marking his Telugu debut. Additionally, Shivarajkumar and Jagapathi Babu are part of the supporting cast.
AR Rahman will be making his comeback to Telugu cinema after many years with this project. In the technical team, Peddi has R Rathnavelu, who previously helmed cinematography for Devara, National Award winning editor Navin Nooli and production designer Avinash Kolla.
Peddi hits theatres on March 27 next year.