Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor's recent sports drama Peddi quickly found itself at the center of a massive controversy following its release. While the film's core themes of dignity and identity earned praise, critics and audiences sharply condemned the romantic track. Viewers pointed out that Janhvi Kapoor's character, Achiyyamma, was hyper-sexualized and subjected to non-consensual advances by the protagonist, which the narrative uncomfortably framed as playful romance.
The backlash grew rapidly across social media, with many accusing director Buchi Babu Sana of normalizing harassment and failing to treat the female lead with basic respect. The mounting outrage, which intensified after Janhvi Kapoor reportedly liked a social media post critiquing her character's treatment, forced the makers to take accountability.
Acknowledging the widespread disappointment over the problematic portrayal, Buchi Babu Sana addressed the audience's grievances directly. Realizing the severity of the backlash, the director announced that the controversial scenes would be altered to respect the viewers' sentiments. Issuing a public apology, he stated: "As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. We have heard the feedback regarding certain scenes in Peddi and have taken it seriously. I have always had immense respect for women, both on and off screen, and it was never our intention to objectify or disrespect any female character.
He continued to say, "If any part of the film has been perceived that way, we respect those sentiments, understand the concerns being raised, and sincerely apologize. After reviewing the feedback, we have decided to make changes to the concerned portions. Cinema grows through its connection with audiences, and as storytellers, we have a responsibility to be mindful of evolving perspectives and sensitivities. Every woman deserves to be respected, valued, and represented with dignity. We remain committed to telling stories that celebrate strong characters and uphold those values. Thank you to everyone who shared their views honestly and sincerely." The altered portions will play in theatres soon.
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