AR Rahman’s live concert at BHEL Dussehra Ground in Bhopal drew thousands of attendees on Saturday evening, coinciding with a promotional event for the upcoming Telugu film “Peddi.” Actors Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Ravi Kishan and Divyenndu Sharma attended the event alongside the Oscar-winning composer and singer.
Large crowds gathered at the venue hours before the concert began as fans waited for Rahman’s live performance. When the musician arrived on stage, the audience responded with applause and cheers. Rahman performed the song “Holu Loo” from the film “Peddi,” with the live music and stage production forming a central part of the evening’s programme.
The event also served as a promotional platform for the pan-India release of “Peddi.” Members of the film’s cast interacted with the audience and spoke about the project during the programme.
Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor received a b response from attendees as they appeared on stage. Audience members were seen recording the event on mobile phones throughout the programme.
Before the concert began, actor Ravi Kishan addressed the audience and said the event was significant not only for Bhopal but also for Madhya Pradesh and North India. He said the participation of leading film personalities in Bhopal reflected the growing integration of Indian cinema across regional industries.
Ravi Kishan said the event represented more than entertainment and described it as an indication of changing dynamics within the Indian film industry. His remarks were met with applause from the audience.
Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishvas Sarang also attended the event. Addressing the audience, he made a light-hearted reference to the former Doordarshan message “Rukavat ke liye khed hai,” drawing laughter and applause from attendees.
Sarang said audiences in Bhopal have consistently supported artists, adding that the city has increasingly emerged as a centre for cultural and entertainment activities in addition to its administrative role.
During his address, AR Rahman spoke about changes taking place in the Indian film industry. He said the industry was entering a new phase in which language and regional barriers were gradually diminishing.
Rahman said the team behind “Peddi” had attempted to bring something new through the project. He noted that audiences may have previously seen him promoting Hindi and Tamil films, but described the atmosphere around the current film as different.
He said South Indian cinema was increasingly expanding beyond regional boundaries, with Tamil and Telugu actors working in Hindi films and Bollywood actors participating in South Indian productions. According to Rahman, the trend represented a positive development for Indian cinema.
Rahman also said the industry should work collectively on larger and more ambitious projects to strengthen the global recognition of Indian films.
Actor Divyenndu Sharma said “Peddi” marked an important project in his career as it would be his Telugu cinema debut. He said audiences had supported his work in Hindi films and on OTT platforms and expressed hope that viewers would respond similarly to the new film.
Divyenndu Sharma said he had not expected his introduction to the Telugu film industry to take place on such a large platform. His remarks reflected increasing collaboration between Hindi and South Indian film industries.
Ram Charan urged audiences to watch “Peddi” with their families when the film releases on 4 June. He said the film would aim to deliver both entertainment and an inspirational story.
“Peddi” is scheduled for theatrical release on 4 June as a pan-India film in multiple languages. The film is directed by Buchi Babu, while AR Rahman has composed the music.
The project marks Janhvi Kapoor’s second Telugu-language film following her debut in “Devara,” which released in 2024.
The trailer for “Peddi” was earlier launched at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex in the presence of the film’s cast. The promotional event in Bhopal further extended the film’s outreach ahead of release.
The event in Bhopal highlighted growing collaboration between Bollywood and South Indian film industries, with artists from multiple language sectors sharing the stage before a large audience.
