Fans of Ram Charan breathed a sigh of relief after director Buchi Babu Sana shared an update regarding his upcoming film, Peddi. The pan-Indian project has finally entered its final filming phase. This last leg is a brief six-day schedule dedicated to shooting a foot-tapping special song. While the inclusion of a popular actress for this musical number is a foregone conclusion, her identity remains a secret for now.

The announcement was accompanied by a new photograph featuring the director alongside Ram Charan. This image is noteworthy as it marks the actor’s second appearance since late March 2026. Charan recently underwent a minor medical procedure for an eyelid injury sustained during an intense action sequence.

The film was supposed to be released on April 30 but has since been pushed to June. Many industry insiders suggest that slow-paced VFX work or other complex post-production requirements caused this delay. Now that the final song is being filmed, it is possible that the release date will be made official in the first half of May.

Peddi features Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead. Academy Award winner AR Rahman is composing the soundtrack, marking a first for a Ram Charan film. Promotional material has already set expectations high across social media. A recently released teaser image showcased Ram Charan in an incredibly bulky, rugged avatar. This physical transformation for the part of a wrestler (though he plays a cricketer otherwise) surprised fans and hinted at a gritty, raw performance. The actor was last seen in Game Changer, a Sankranthi 2025 release.

Meanwhile, rumour mills continue to speculate about the actress who will be dancing alongside Ram Charan in the ‘special song’. While Mrunal Thakur’s name has been mentioned prominently, it has also been suggested this week that Shruti Haasan is on board. She is expected to join the sets very soon.

Also Read: Ram Charan Sustains Minor Injury on Peddi Film Sets

The release schedule for June 2027 is shaping up to be a battlefield. The makers of Jr NTR’s Dragon have slated the film for a grand theatrical debut on June 11. This release places the pan-Indian tentpole in direct confrontation with Hollywood heavyweights. The most prominent threat comes from the live-action reimagining of How to Train Your Dragon. Both films are clashing directly on June 11. That could split the family audience across international markets. While the Telugu states remain a stronghold for the Man of Masses (as the RRR actor is known among his fans), global screen allocation remains a concern.

Hollywood biggies to arrive in summer

The pressure intensifies just one week later. On June 18, the acclaimed animated sequel Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse hits theatres. This franchise carries immense momentum and loyal followers worldwide. By June 30, Shrek 5 will also join the fray. Furthermore, the Star Wars saga continues to exert its dominance during this window. Star Wars: Starfighter debuts on May 28 and will be entering its third week of release by the time Dragon arrives. It is expected to be a carry-over competition for premium large-format screens.

Dragon to be made in two parts?

Speculation regarding a two-part narrative for Dragon has gained more traction this week. Rumours suggest a six-month gap between instalments. The sequel is potentially set to arrive in December 2027. This ambitious timeline implies that Prashanth Neel is likely filming both chapters simultaneously to ensure continuity. However, this development comes amid growing restlessness within the fandom. With the Devara sequel currently stalled and director Koratala Siva pivoting to other commitments, fans are not very optimistic unless there is official confirmation of a fast-paced sequel release. The first glimpse of Dragon will be released on May 20 this year. Fans of Tarak hope that many doubts will be resolved with its arrival.

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In a significant development, the Madras High Court has directed authorities to issue a “No Caste, No Religion” certificate to actor and filmmaker Radhakrishnan Parthiban. Justice M Dhandapani instructed the Sholinganallur Tahsildar in Chennai to process and grant the certificate by April 29.

The court also observed that repeated delays in addressing Parthiban’s request were unacceptable. It noted that if the Tamil Nadu government continues to remain unresponsive, the actor is free to initiate contempt of court proceedings.

Parthiban had approached the court after alleging inaction from authorities despite submitting his application on March 20. In his petition, he clarified that he has consciously chosen to live without identifying with any caste or religion, a decision he made upon reaching adulthood.

He further pointed out that he does not possess formal documents such as a birth certificate or school records that specify his caste or religion, having discontinued his education after Class 11. This absence of documentation, coupled with his ideological stance, formed the basis of his plea seeking official recognition of his identity choice.

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A personal choice with wider social implications

Speaking to the media after the hearing, Parthiban emphasised that his pursuit of the certificate is not merely personal but rooted in a broader social vision. He argued that labels tied to birth often limit individual freedom and reinforce divisions within society.

The actor, known for his unconventional storytelling and socially conscious themes, stated that his films have consistently advocated for a casteless and religion-free society. For him, this legal step is an extension of the same philosophy.

Interestingly, Parthiban acknowledged that he had previously obtained caste certificates for his children to meet institutional requirements such as school admissions. However, he maintained that as adults, they have the autonomy to either follow a religion or reject such identities altogether.

He also shared his perspective on the caste system, stating that while it is intrinsic to Hinduism, it does not exist in religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism. His remarks have added another layer to the ongoing discourse around religion and social structures in India.

Drawing parallels to earlier efforts, Parthiban recalled how his advocacy for body donation was initially met with hesitation but gradually gained acceptance. He believes the idea of a “No Caste, No Religion” identity could follow a similar trajectory, evolving from resistance to wider societal acceptance over time.

Cinema, activism and a consistent voice

Over the years, Parthiban has built a reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to challenge conventions, both in storytelling and in public discourse. His work often reflects a deep engagement with questions of identity, morality and individuality.

This latest legal victory aligns closely with that ethos, reinforcing his image as an artist who extends his beliefs beyond cinema. By seeking official recognition for a casteless and religion-free identity, Parthiban is effectively pushing the boundaries of how personal choice is acknowledged within institutional frameworks.

The court’s directive could also open doors for similar requests in the future, potentially encouraging others who wish to step away from traditional identity markers. Whether this becomes a widespread movement remains to be seen, but it undeniably adds momentum to ongoing conversations about personal freedom and societal norms.

For now, the spotlight remains on Parthiban, whose legal battle has sparked debate well beyond the courtroom. As the deadline for issuing the certificate approaches, his case stands as a reminder of how individual choices can intersect with larger questions about identity, belief and belonging in contemporary India.

Also Read: Jana Nayagan Certification Row Reaches Crucial Juncture As Madras High Court Reserves Order