Epaper
Actress Janhvi Kapoor has opened up about the controversy surrounding her portrayal in director Buchi Babu Sana’s sports action drama Peddi, which hit theatres on June 4.
The film faced severe criticism from a section of the audience over the excessive sexualisation of Janhvi’s character, Achiyamma. Following the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana apologised on social media and made changes to the controversial portions.
Months after the film’s release, Janhvi addressed the controversy during her appearance on Karan Johar’s popular talk show, Koffee With Karan.
When Karan asked how she dealt with the criticism, Janhvi admitted that she should have been more careful about how her character was portrayed.
She said the controversy continued to weigh heavily on her conscience, particularly because of the negative impact such portrayals could have on society and women.
Janhvi acknowledged that the film contained problematic scenes involving extreme objectification and even elements that appeared to promote sexual assault within the narrative.
She admitted that she could have done more to prevent such scenes and said she would ensure that a similar situation did not happen again.
The actress also revealed that she had spent considerable time blaming herself for not being more vigilant during the shoot.
Explaining the circumstances, Janhvi said actors often depend on the director’s vision and instructions. She pointed out that bound scripts are rarely provided in South Indian cinema and that actors do not always get to see the camera angles used to shoot their scenes.
She admitted that she should have used her position and influence to question certain creative decisions.
Describing the experience as violating in some ways, Janhvi hoped the controversy would make filmmakers think twice before presenting female leads in a similar manner.
In Peddi, Ram plays the titular role, while Janhvi portrays his love interest, Achiyamma.
After the film’s release, several viewers criticised the way her character was introduced, alleging that the camera focused more on her body than on establishing her personality.
Another controversial sequence showed Peddi expressing his desire for Achiyamma despite her lack of interest and later kissing her without consent during a power cut.
The scenes triggered criticism on social media, with viewers questioning the portrayal of women and consent in mainstream commercial cinema.
Responding to the backlash, Buchi Babu Sana issued an apology on X, stating that he had always respected women and never intended to objectify or disrespect any female character.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by viewers and announced that changes would be made to the portions that had attracted criticism.
Janhvi’s latest remarks have once again brought attention to the controversy, with the actress openly accepting that she should have been more vigilant about her character’s portrayal.
Pawalagaadukaapaadathaadu
Idhi oka LKG pilla ..emi teliyanattu overaction. Act chesinappudu teliyadhaa. Dabbu isthe chaalu kannlu kanapadavu
This movie is not the first movie where women are shown with scanty clothes. This is just a publicity stunt to gain more popularity about speaking about a movie.
Like she didnt know what was happening. Her explanation doesn’t really put her in a better position. She knew what she was doing.
She acknowledged it’s her mistake as well. She blamed herself for not raising it. At least she admits now
She has no regrets to for doing such kind vulgar roles,just that it turned out to be controversial, she is playing victim card, she should have rejected the script, if she was genuine.
its called ” regret ” …. telugu lo paschatyapam
instead of blaming the girl ,,,blame the writer and director for writing such a cheap women role …. if nt written ..this case would nt have happened ..root cause of the issue is itself the problem ….after seeing her dhadak , ghost stories , gunjan saxena and mili …she gave clear indications she can act very well …. but writers and directors more into her instagram persona
Director, writer, hero and heroine , all must be blamed. Was she high on drugs when doing that particular scene. What about the useless director? And the demigod for the losers RCT? Off screen neetulu bodistadu , on screen ekkestaadu
looks like u have , never done any mistakes in life and later regreted it ?
its human to have regrets …. nothing wrong in having regrets for own actions ….
What’s wrong with what she did, she has great assets and she’s showing them not covering them up right. I loved watching her assets, so did everyone else.
Why did she accept when they narrated the story
Cinema chesetappudu emaindoo ee telivi….she would have been fine with it if the movie was a super hit. Such a worthless actress though!
Samantha done oo antava, inspiration for others.
If Jhanvi repenting what she did then should return her remuneration to charity.
In movies they are crossing lines far too easily and obje*ctif*ying women has became quite common. Doing such things and using ap*olog*y indirectly creating publicity (negative also) keeping it in limelight. If it works the same is considered as exploring creative bou*ndaries else it becomes excuses at a later stage. Why could not she react to same sooner (at least in X) and wait this long for an in*terview by Ka*ran Jo*har?
They offered lucrative amount as remuneration and she accepted. It’s wrong from entire film unit. Anyways in our Indian cinema, heroines are mostly treated as glamour dolls, especially these days movies. Olden days use to be far better, they do have good roles in movies
Pawala gave her saltchilli
Wow, She is a worst actress proved on-screen & off-screen also, now playing Victim Card Drama…Such a cheap way exposing on the screen…now she is behaving like SaintMatha level.
All to be blamed. Even Ram Charan he should have sensed it. But aunties and girls are equally to be blamed. In fact decent ladies should come forward and condemn. Some are doing it. More of them should come out against skin exposure in public and almost backless blouses. Don’t blame men for it.