Introduction

Malayalam actress Swasika Vijay, known for her versatile roles in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema, recently made headlines with her candid revelation about turning down a significant role in the much-anticipated Telugu film Peddi. The 33-year-old actress was offered the role of Telugu superstar Ram Charan’s mother in the upcoming sports action drama directed by Buchi Babu Sana. Her decision to decline the role, citing the age gap and her career choices, has sparked widespread discussion online. This article dives into Swasika’s shocking comments, the reasons behind her rejection, and the broader conversation about age-appropriate casting in Indian cinema.

Swasika’s Shocking Revelation About Peddi

In a recent interview with Global Malayalam, Swasika opened up about being approached to play Ram Charan’s mother in Peddi, a high-budget Telugu film set for release on March 27, 2026. The actress, who is seven years younger than the 40-year-old Ram Charan, expressed her disbelief at the offer. “I keep getting mother roles one after another. What shocked me the most was when I was asked to play Ram Charan’s mother. It was for Peddi, a big Telugu film being made on a massive budget. I said no,” she stated.

Swasika elaborated that while the opportunity to work in a prestigious project with stars like Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Shivarajkumar was tempting, she felt it wasn’t the right time for her to take on such a role. “I don’t know how it would have turned out if I had accepted, but right now, I don’t feel the need to play Ram Charan’s mother. If the need arises later, I’ll think about it,” she added.

Why Did Swasika Reject the Role?

Swasika’s decision to turn down the role stems from her discomfort with being typecast as a mother figure at this stage in her career, especially given the minimal age difference between her and Ram Charan. At 33, Swasika is still exploring diverse roles across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, and playing a mother to a 40-year-old actor felt premature and inappropriate to her.

She also highlighted the trend of younger actresses being offered mother roles opposite older male stars in Indian cinema. Citing the example of actress Honey Rose, who played a mother to 65-year-old Nandamuri Balakrishna in Veera Simha Reddy, Swasika pointed out that such casting choices are becoming common but don’t align with her current career goals. “I don’t know how it will look if I play a mother character, but I decided at that situation that it’s not the right time to play the mother role of Ram Charan,” she explained.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

Swasika’s comments quickly went viral, igniting a heated debate on social media platforms like X. Fans and netizens had mixed reactions to her decision. Many supported her stance, agreeing that casting a 33-year-old actress as the mother of a 40-year-old actor was questionable. One X user commented, “She’s right. In a movie called Veera Simha Reddy, a 31-year-old actress was the mother and a 39-year-old actress was the girlfriend of a 65-year-old protagonist. Iykyk.” Another user praised her, saying, “She can play pair for Ram Charan, she looks gorgeous and has potential as an actor.”

However, some criticized her for rejecting a high-profile project, while others questioned her previous role as Suriya’s adoptive mother in Retro, pointing out the inconsistency in her choices. Despite the trolling, Swasika’s candidness has sparked a broader conversation about age-inappropriate casting in Indian cinema, with fans pointing out the age gap between her (born in 1991) and Ram Charan (born in 1985).

About Peddi and Its Star-Studded Cast

Peddi is a highly anticipated Telugu sports action drama directed by Buchi Babu Sana, known for his critically acclaimed film Uppena. The film features Ram Charan in the lead role, alongside Janhvi Kapoor, Shivarajkumar, Divyendu Sharma, and Jagapathi Babu. Produced by Vriddhi Cinemas, Peddi boasts a grand scale with music composed by AR Rahman. The film’s first shot and promotional materials have already generated significant buzz, and it is slated for a theatrical release on March 27, 2026. Reports suggest that veteran actress Aamani has been cast as Ram Charan’s mother following Swasika’s rejection.

Swasika’s Career and Recent Projects

Swasika, whose real name is Pooja Vijay, has been a prominent figure in South Indian cinema since her debut in the Tamil film Vaigai in 2009. Over the past 15 years, she has built a reputation for her versatility, taking on both lead and character roles. Her performance in the 2021 Malayalam film Vasanthi earned her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Character Actress, cementing her status as a talented performer. She gained further recognition with her role in the Tamil hit Lubber Pandhu and made her Telugu debut in Thammudu alongside Nithiin in 2025.

Swasika’s upcoming projects include the Tamil films Bhoghee and Karuppu, where she will reunite with Suriya. Her decision to prioritize roles that resonate with her artistic vision reflects her commitment to building a diverse and meaningful career.

The Bigger Picture: Age-Appropriate Casting in Indian Cinema

Swasika’s rejection of the mother role in Peddi has reignited discussions about age-inappropriate casting in Indian cinema. The practice of casting younger actresses as mothers to older male stars is not new, but it continues to raise eyebrows. Swasika’s bold stance highlights the need for more thoughtful casting decisions that respect an actor’s age and career aspirations. Her comments have resonated with audiences who believe that such roles can limit an actress’s potential and reinforce outdated stereotypes.

Conclusion

Swasika’s decision to decline the role of Ram Charan’s mother in Peddi has sparked both admiration and debate. By choosing to prioritize her career trajectory over a high-profile opportunity, she has taken a stand against typecasting and age-inappropriate roles. As Peddi continues to generate buzz ahead of its 2026 release, Swasika’s candid comments serve as a reminder of the evolving dynamics in Indian cinema, where actors are increasingly vocal about their choices. Stay tuned to Masala Mirror for the latest updates on Peddi, Swasika, and more from the world of entertainment!

Keywords: Swasika, Ram Charan, Peddi, Malayalam actress, Telugu cinema, age-inappropriate casting, mother role, Buchi Babu Sana, Janhvi Kapoor, AR Rahman, South Indian cinema, Lubber Pandhu, Thammudu, Vasanthi, Karuppu, Bhoghee.