Actress Janhvi Kapoor has reflected on the criticism surrounding her role in Peddi, acknowledging that its portrayal of women raised serious concerns. During her appearance on Koffee with Karan, host Karan Johar asked her about the backlash and how she had processed the experience.
Actor Acknowledges Concerns Over Her Character
Janhvi admitted that the film’s narrative could negatively influence society, particularly in its representation of women. She also questioned whether she could have done more to prevent the controversy.
Janhvi said, “I feel many people worked really hard on that film and I really didn’t know if there was anything to say. It weighs heavily on my conscience the sort of negative impact a narrative like that can have our society. Specific to my gender. That shame I will always carry with me. Could I have done more? Could I have been more vigilant? 100% yes. Was it problematic, was it extreme objectification? Did it even propagate sexual assault narratively? Yes. But the only thing I can do is ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”
‘It Was a Violating Experience’
The actor also spoke about the self-doubt she experienced after viewers raised objections to her character. She explained that performers often depend on directors for creative guidance and may not always have access to the complete script or planned camera angles during production.
She said, “I went through the beats of really beating up myself that I should have been more vigilant. I don’t like saying this because it sounds like i am shifting blame but its like you listen to the director and what he says. I was navigating how to make things less problematic as and when information was becoming available to me. In the south, very rarely there is a bound script. very rarely do u see the camera angles. I should have taken advantage of my privilege. It was a violating experience in a way. the good thing that came out of it is that maybe next time a director will rethink twice before presenting a lead actress this way.”
Janhvi said she hoped the experience would prompt filmmakers to reconsider how female leads are presented on screen.
Scenes in Peddi Trigger Audience Backlash
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi stars Ram in the titular role, with Janhvi playing Achiyamma, his love interest. After the film’s theatrical release on June 4, viewers criticised the introduction of her character, arguing that the sequences focused excessively on her physical appearance.
A separate scene also sparked debate over consent. Peddi expresses his desire to be with Achiyamma despite her lack of interest and later kisses her during a power cut without her consent.
The criticism brought renewed attention to the portrayal of women and romantic relationships in mainstream cinema.
Buchi Babu Sana’s Apology
Following the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana addressed the criticism on X, formerly Twitter. He acknowledged the concerns raised by viewers, apologised for the way certain portions were perceived and confirmed that changes would be made.
