Janhvi Kapoor has spoken candidly about the controversy surrounding her portrayal in the Telugu film Peddi, acknowledging that she could have done more to raise concerns about how her character was presented on screen. During an appearance on Koffee With Karan, the actress reflected on the backlash and admitted that the experience left her with a lasting sense of regret.
The controversy centred on Achiyamma, the character played by Janhvi opposite Ram Charan. Several viewers criticised the film’s visuals and certain scenes, arguing that they focused excessively on the female character’s appearance rather than developing her personality and agency.
Janhvi’s latest comments have renewed discussion about consent, creative responsibility and the position of actresses when they feel uncomfortable with the way a character is being portrayed.
Janhvi Kapoor Accepts Responsibility
Speaking to host Karan Johar, Janhvi explained that she had initially hesitated to discuss the controversy because many people had worked hard on the film. However, she acknowledged that the issue had a wider significance beyond the criticism directed at an individual production.
The actress said she felt responsible for her part in what happened and was concerned about the potential impact of such portrayals on society, particularly women.
Reflecting on whether she could have acted differently, Janhvi admitted that she could have been more vigilant and more vocal in expressing her concerns.
She acknowledged that the portrayal was problematic and agreed that it crossed into extreme objectification. Her comments marked a direct response to the debate over how Achiyamma was presented in the film.
Rather than dismissing the criticism, Janhvi said she wanted to learn from the experience and ensure that similar situations were handled differently in the future.
Why Speaking Up on a Film Set Can Be Difficult
Janhvi also discussed the professional pressures actors may experience while working with directors. She explained that performers are often expected to follow creative instructions and maintain a professional working relationship, even when they have reservations about particular choices.
She noted that scripts do not always provide a complete picture of how a scene will ultimately appear on screen. Camera angles, editing and the final visual presentation can significantly influence how a character is perceived by audiences.
The actress said she had been trying to make the portrayal less problematic as she became aware of the concerns, but later questioned whether she should have pushed harder.
Janhvi also acknowledged that her position in the industry gave her a degree of privilege that she could have used more assertively.
Her reflections highlighted a broader challenge for performers: balancing collaboration with a filmmaker against the responsibility to communicate personal boundaries and raise concerns about potentially harmful portrayals.
What Triggered the Peddi Controversy?
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi stars Ram Charan in the lead role, with Janhvi playing Achiyamma. The film attracted criticism after promotional songs and scenes featuring the actress circulated online.
Some viewers objected to the choreography and camera treatment, arguing that the character was being sexualised at the expense of meaningful characterisation. Other criticism focused on a scene involving physical intimacy that audiences interpreted as occurring without consent.
These reactions led to a wider conversation about the difference between a character being portrayed as attractive and being reduced to an object for audience appeal.
Janhvi has previously spoken about the importance of consent when depicting sensuality on screen. In an earlier interview, she distinguished between a performance she had knowingly agreed to and sexualisation that occurred without her consent.
Her comments on Koffee With Karan brought that broader question back into focus, this time through her own experience with Peddi.
Director Buchi Babu Sana Responds to Criticism
Following the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana issued an apology to viewers who felt that the film’s portrayal of its female character was inappropriate.
He said the makers had not intended to disrespect or objectify women and acknowledged the concerns raised by audiences. The team also announced that changes would be made to the portions that had attracted criticism.
The response demonstrated how audience reactions can influence discussions about creative decisions after a film has been completed and released.
Janhvi’s comments have added another perspective to the debate by addressing not only the filmmakers’ decisions but also her own role in raising concerns during production.
Janhvi Hopes the Controversy Leads to Change
Despite the difficult experience, Janhvi said she hoped the public discussion would have a constructive outcome. She expressed the hope that filmmakers might think more carefully before presenting a leading actress in a way that audiences could interpret as objectifying.
She also hoped that performers who feel uncomfortable on set would find it easier to voice their concerns without fearing that they will be considered unprofessional.
The controversy surrounding Peddi has therefore developed into a wider discussion about creative freedom, consent and responsibility in Indian cinema.
For Janhvi, the experience has become an opportunity to reflect on her own decisions and the influence actors can have on the stories they help bring to the screen. Her message is clear: speaking up may be difficult, but raising concerns about a character’s portrayal can be an important part of creating more thoughtful and responsible cinema.
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