VOI World/ Desk
Janhvi Kapoor controversy surrounding the Telugu film Peddi has sparked a wider debate on the portrayal of women in Indian cinema, prompting the filmmakers to apologise and announce changes to certain scenes. The Ram Charan-starrer faced criticism from viewers and social media users who accused the film of objectifying Kapoor’s character, Achiyamma, through what many described as overly sexualised camera work and presentation.
The backlash gained momentum shortly after the film’s release, with critics arguing that Kapoor’s role was reduced to visual appeal rather than meaningful character development. Several viewers also questioned the way certain scenes were shot, saying they distracted from the story and undermined the character’s significance in the film.
Responding to the criticism, director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology and acknowledged that some scenes had caused discomfort among audiences. He stated that it was never the intention of the filmmakers to objectify women and confirmed that the controversial portions would be modified or removed. The director added that every woman deserves to be portrayed with dignity and said the team was committed to addressing audience concerns.
The Janhvi Kapoor controversy has since drawn reactions from across the film industry. Actors including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaya Bachchan, Nithya Menen, Anu Aggarwal and Dimple Hayathi have weighed in on the issue, discussing the broader question of female representation and objectification in cinema. While opinions have differed on who bears responsibility, many agreed that women should be portrayed with greater sensitivity and respect on screen.
Janhvi Kapoor has not publicly commented on the controversy. However, the debate has continued to generate discussion among audiences and industry figures alike, highlighting changing viewer expectations around gender representation in mainstream films. With the makers now promising edits, the episode has become one of the most talked-about controversies surrounding a major Telugu release this year.
