The conversation surrounding Peddi refuses to slow down. While the Ram Charan-starrer has generated strong reactions for its action-packed storytelling and box office performance, another aspect of the film has found itself at the center of an entirely different discussion. Over the past few days, social media has been flooded with criticism over the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character Achiyyamma, with many viewers questioning whether the film crossed a line in its depiction of romance and female representation.
The criticism has largely focused on scenes that some audiences believe hypersexualise the character. Several viewers pointed out that the camera repeatedly focuses on specific body parts during sequences involving Achiyyamma, creating a portrayal that many felt was unnecessary. The debate became even louder after discussions emerged around certain romantic moments in the film, with users arguing that some scenes blurred the distinction between affection and consent.
As the controversy continued to gain traction online, actor Kangana Ranaut was asked for her thoughts on the wider issue of objectification in cinema during promotions for her upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata.
Kangana Says Filmmaking Is A Collaborative Process
Speaking to PTI, Kangana shared her perspective on how actors can raise concerns if they feel a character is being portrayed in a problematic manner. The actress explained that filmmaking is often a collaborative effort where performers have opportunities to express their opinions and point out elements that may not feel right from their perspective.
“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.”
Kangana suggested that in many cases filmmakers may not intentionally create scenes with the goal of objectifying women. Instead, she believes discussions during the creative process can help identify issues that might not have been obvious while writing or planning the project.
The actress further elaborated on how women working on a film can offer a perspective that may sometimes be missing in male-dominated creative discussions.
“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.”
Her comments arrive at a time when conversations about representation, consent, and the portrayal of women in mainstream cinema are becoming increasingly common. Many recent films have faced scrutiny from audiences who are now far more vocal about how female characters are written and filmed.
Why Peddi’s Romantic Track Sparked Online Debate
The controversy surrounding Peddi primarily revolves around its romantic subplot involving Ram Charan’s Peddi and Janhvi Kapoor’s Achiyyamma. Some viewers took issue with a sequence where Peddi continues expressing his desire to pursue Achiyyamma despite her apparent lack of interest. Another scene, in which he kisses her during a power outage without consent, became a major talking point online.
Critics of the scene argued that such behavior was portrayed differently when compared to actions committed by the film’s antagonist. Several social media users questioned why one character’s actions were framed romantically while similar conduct from a villain was clearly presented as unacceptable. The discussion quickly expanded beyond the film itself and turned into a broader conversation about storytelling conventions that have existed in Indian cinema for decades.
The debate has divided audiences. While some defended the film by arguing that it reflects fictional characters and a specific narrative setting, others felt that modern cinema should be more careful when depicting relationships and consent on screen. The conversation has continued across social media platforms, with viewers sharing contrasting interpretations of the scenes in question.
Buchi Babu Sana Issues Public Apology
Amid the growing criticism, director Buchi Babu Sana addressed the controversy through a public statement. Acknowledging the concerns raised by audiences, the filmmaker expressed regret if any scenes had caused discomfort.
“As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected,” he wrote.
The statement was seen as an attempt to directly engage with audience concerns rather than ignore them. In recent years, filmmakers have increasingly found themselves responding to public feedback in real time, especially as social media discussions can rapidly shape the narrative around a film.
The controversy has also reignited conversations about how female characters are written in commercial cinema. Industry observers have noted that while significant progress has been made in recent years, debates around the male gaze, character agency, and consent continue to surface whenever major releases tackle romantic storylines in traditional ways.
Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut is preparing for the release of Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, where she plays a staff nurse whose contributions often go unnoticed despite being at the forefront of public service. The film follows the story of ordinary people who displayed extraordinary courage while helping save more than 400 lives during a terrifying crisis. The project is scheduled to arrive in theatres on June 12 and marks another performance-driven role in Kangana’s career.
As discussions around Peddi continue, the film has become part of a larger industry-wide conversation about evolving audience expectations and how filmmakers navigate sensitive themes in modern storytelling.
