Director Buchi Babu Sana’s latest sports action drama Peddi has found itself at the centre of online criticism following the unveiling of material featuring Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyyamma.
A section of viewers has raised concerns about the way the character has been presented, accusing the makers of hyperse*ualising the female lead. Much of the criticism has focused on shots that reportedly zoom in on specific body parts, despite the male protagonist’s dialogue emphasising the beauty of her face.
What did Kangana say about Peddi controversy?
While promoting her upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, Kangana Ranaut opened up about the portrayal of women in cinema and shared her views on how actors can address concerns around objectification.
During an interaction with the news agency PTI, Kangana was asked whether she sets personal boundaries while choosing roles to ensure that female characters are not objectified on screen. Responding to the question, the actress said that filmmaking is a collaborative process involving multiple viewpoints, and actors have the opportunity to voice their concerns whenever something feels inappropriate or uncomfortable.
Reflecting on her experience in the industry, Kangana said, “By and large, as per my experience it has always been that when I agree to do a film, there are so many various perspectives… you can bring light to that and say, ‘Thoda sa aisa bhi sound kar raha hain yeh’. They may not want to objectify or something but aise toh koi bhi filmein nahi banana chah raha hain ki aao inko objectify kare (An actor can speak up and point out when it is souding different. No one would want to make films with the intention to objectify them).’”
The actress suggested that open communication between actors and filmmakers often helps address such concerns, adding that most creators do not deliberately set out to portray women in an objectifying manner.
She added, “Maine kya dekha hua hain ki woh log uss tarah se sochte nahi hain… ki oh achcha aisa lag raha hain. As a woman aap apna side rakh sakte ho. Ha, ye aisa lag raha hain, ki aap aisa kehna chah rahe hain aur ye achcha nahi lag raha and mostly sab agree karte hain ki nahi nahi hum ne actually socha nahi ki as a set of men hum logo ne jab likha tab nahi laga ki galat tha. Toh aisi baatein ho jaati hain. Agar aap kaam kar rahe hein kisi film pe toh its like a collaboration (I have seen that the makers do not think like that. As a woman one can put their perspective that this is looking different, that it is not looking good. Mostly, the others will agree with you. Because while writing the same set of room had not thought of it like that. So things like that can happen. When one has said yes to a film, it is a collaboration).”
Peddi Makers’ Apology
Some scenes in Peddi have become a subject of debate among viewers, with some arguing that certain moments in the narrative blur the distinction between romance and consent. One sequence has drawn significant attention, where Peddi, played by Ram Charan, continues to pursue Achiyyamma despite her apparent lack of interest and later kisses her during a power outage without her consent.
The scene triggered widespread discussion on social media, with several users criticising the depiction and describing the act as assault. Others questioned why similar behaviour is treated differently when performed by the protagonist, while a comparable act by another character is explicitly framed as villainous within the story.
Amid the growing controversy, director Buchi Babu Sana stated on Saturday addressing the concerns raised by audiences. “As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected,” he wrote.
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