The camera has always known where to look, and it has rarely been at a woman’s face. As Peddi faces heat over how it frames Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Kangana Ranaut says none of this is new.
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Amid the growing ‘Peddi’ controversy, actor Kangana Ranaut said performers should openly voice their concerns if they feel a character is being objectified on screen. She made these remarks during the promotions of her upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata.
Kangana said actors have the responsibility to share their perspectives when something does not feel right. She also noted that filmmakers may not always intentionally objectify women but performers can help identify concerns during creative process. She explained that filmmaking is collaborative effort where actors can raise questions and express discomfort if particular scene or portrayal appears problematic.
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Kangana’s remarks touched on pattern she sees as embedded in mainstream Indian cinema. She suggested that performers should not hesitate to participate in creative discussions and advocate for more balanced and respectful character portrayals.
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The debate had also resurfaced an old video of actor Ratna Pathak from a 2017 panel discussion. In the clip, Pathak spoke about the responsibility actors carry when accepting roles that reduce women to visual attractions rather than fully realised characters.
The makers of Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, found themselves at the centre of controversy after sections of the audience criticised the portrayal of Kapoor’s character, Achiyyamma, alleging objectifying and problematic storytelling choices.
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi is a Telugu-language sports action drama. It was released on June 4, 2026, with a reported budget of Rs 350 crore. The film also stars Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyenndu, and Boman Irani.
Much of the debate centred on Achiyyamma’s introduction sequence, where the camera lingers on different parts of her body before revealing her face. Critics argued that the scene placed greater emphasis on visual appeal than character identity. Some viewers also raised concerns about the film’s romantic track claiming certain scenes appeared to undermine ideas of consent and personal agency.
Following the growing online backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana publicly responded by issuing apology and confirming that edits would be there to disputed portions of the film.
In his statement, Sana said he believed cinema should entertain, inspire, connect with audiences and should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. He stated that the team had heard the feedback and taken it seriously, adding that it was never the intention to objectify or disrespect any female character.
Sana also noted that filmmaking must evolve with audience sensitivities and said the aim of the revision was to ensure a more respectful portrayal. No official statements from Janhvi Kapoor or Ram Charan had come in at the time of reporting.
Separately, Janhvi Kapoor had earlier called out the constant over-sexualisation she faces at the hands of the Indian paparazzi. She said it was invasive and that there was never any consent in how images of women were captured and circulated. The remarks, made on the Raj Shamani Podcast, resurfaced in the context of the Peddi controversy.
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