Playing the lead in a sports action drama demands immense physical dedication, and Ram Charan's preparation for his role in the upcoming film 'Peddi' exemplifies this. The actor underwent a grueling fitness regime to portray a muscular wrestler, transforming his physique with traditional Indian training methods and a carefully planned diet.
Building a Desi Wrestler's Physique
Ram Charan's character, Peddi, hails from a village, requiring a body typical of a desi pehalwan rather than a bodybuilder. His trainer, Rakkesh R. Uddiyar, revealed in an interview with Indian Express that director Buchi Babu Sana provided a clear brief for this look. The fitness plan included a weekly structure with two types of exercises: on alternate days, weight training combined with fasting cardio, and on the other days, functional movements incorporating kushti exercises and mobility drills.
Traditional Indian Training Methods
To achieve the wrestling physique, the team incorporated traditional Indian exercise tools. Ram Charan performed Surya Namaskar, rope pulling, and akhada drills as part of his routine, blending modern fitness with age-old practices.
The Carb-Cycling Diet Plan
Maintaining high muscle tone required careful calorie management. The team devised a carb-cycling plan with 1,800 to 2,500 calories per day. During the shoot, Ram Charan also observed the Ayyappa Mala fast, which complicated matters as he was already on a 50-60 percent vegetarian diet. During the fast, he switched to a full vegetarian diet, making it challenging for the team. On days when his energy levels dropped, they provided extra calories. Ram Charan often had his first meal in the car on the way to the set. A group chat involving his chef, doctor, dietician, bodyguard, trainer, and personal staff coordinated his care.
Months of Wrestling Preparation
Director Buchi Babu Sana shared with IANS that Ram Charan trained for three to four months specifically for the wrestling sequences. The team brought in a trainer who previously coached Aamir Khan for the film 'Dangal'. Wrestlers from Telangana were also involved in the film, providing training to the cast. The entire team worked diligently to transform Ram Charan into Peddi Pehelwan, considering multiple factors to ensure authenticity.
