Peddi may have opened to strong curiosity among moviegoers, but a large part of the online conversation has quickly shifted away from its sports drama narrative. Instead, social media platforms are flooded with criticism surrounding the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyamma. What began as scattered reactions after premiere shows has now grown into a wider debate about how female characters are written in mainstream commercial cinema. For many viewers, the issue is not the film’s scale, performances, or technical aspects, but the way the heroine has been presented throughout the story.
The backlash became especially visible after audiences started sharing specific clips and descriptions from the film online. Several users argued that Achiyamma feels disconnected from the larger narrative and exists mostly to support the male lead’s emotional and romantic journey. While Peddi has received praise in some corners for its action sequences and performances, criticism directed at the treatment of its female lead continues to dominate discussion threads. The debate has become one of the most talked-about aspects of the film’s release week.
Social Media Calls Out Characterisation Choices
A major point of frustration among viewers has been the visual presentation of Achiyamma in multiple scenes. Many online reactions claimed that camera work and scene composition repeatedly focus on physical features rather than the character’s personality, motivations, or importance to the story. Critics of the film argue that this approach weakens what could have been a stronger and more memorable role for Janhvi Kapoor. Some users described the portrayal as outdated, saying audiences today expect female characters to contribute more meaningfully to a film’s narrative.
A number of viral posts highlighted moments where dialogue and visuals appeared disconnected. According to several viewers, scenes intended to showcase romance instead drew criticism because of how they were framed on screen. These reactions spread rapidly across X and other social media platforms, with users debating whether the film relied too heavily on old-fashioned cinematic tropes. The discussion soon expanded beyond a single scene and became a broader conversation about representation in mainstream Telugu cinema.
Others expressed disappointment that an actress of Janhvi Kapoor’s calibre was given what they saw as a limited role. Some viewers felt the character deserved stronger development and more agency within the story. The criticism was not entirely directed at the actress herself, with many posts instead questioning the writing choices behind Achiyamma’s character arc. For those audiences, the problem was less about performance and more about how the role was conceived on paper.
Film’s Success Overshadowed By Ongoing Debate
Interestingly, the controversy arrives at a time when Peddi is also generating attention for its commercial performance. Early box office reports suggest the film has attracted audiences to theatres, particularly because of Ram Charan’s return in a mass entertainer after a long gap. However, the online conversation surrounding Achiyamma’s portrayal has become difficult to ignore. In many entertainment circles, discussions about the film’s content are now receiving as much attention as its collections.
The criticism has also echoed sentiments expressed by some reviewers who felt portions involving Achiyamma lacked depth. Several reviews noted that the character’s introduction and progression leave little lasting impact compared to the film’s larger dramatic conflicts. As audiences become increasingly vocal about representation and storytelling choices, such concerns are finding a much bigger platform than they might have a decade ago. Whether the filmmakers choose to respond publicly remains to be seen, but the debate shows no signs of slowing down.
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi features an ensemble cast that includes Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi, Boman Irani, Divyenndu, and Jagapathi Babu. While the film continues its theatrical run, discussions around Achiyamma’s role have already become one of the defining talking points of its release. For many viewers, the controversy has sparked a larger question about whether commercial cinema is evolving quickly enough when it comes to writing women on screen. That conversation now appears likely to continue well beyond the film’s opening weekend.
