'Peddi' Director Vows to Cut Scenes After Backlash Over Janhvi Kapoor's Objectification

The makers of Peddi have announced changes to several scenes featuring Janhvi Kapoor after facing criticism over the actor's portrayal in the film. Director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology on Saturday, acknowledging concerns raised by audiences regarding the depiction of Janhvi's character and assuring viewers that the feedback had been taken seriously.

In a statement shared on social media, Buchi Babu Sana said cinema should entertain and connect with audiences without making anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. He stated that neither he nor the film's team intended to objectify or disrespect any female character and expressed regret if certain scenes had been perceived in that manner. The director added that he has always maintained respect for women both on and off screen and understood the sentiments being expressed by viewers.

The controversy centers on Janhvi Kapoor's character, Achiyyamma, who plays the love interest of the film's protagonist, Peddi, portrayed by Ram Charan. Following the film's release, many viewers criticized the way the character was introduced and filmed, arguing that she was reduced to a visual object rather than being developed as a meaningful part of the story. Critics pointed to several scenes that they felt relied heavily on the male gaze and failed to provide the character with sufficient depth or agency.

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Responding to the backlash, the director announced that the production team had reviewed audience feedback and decided to modify the portions that drew criticism. He emphasized that filmmakers have a responsibility to remain mindful of changing social perspectives and sensitivities. According to his statement, the team remains committed to portraying women with dignity and creating stories that respect and celebrate strong characters.

The debate gained momentum online after viewers highlighted scenes in which Peddi openly expresses a desire to touch Achiyyamma without her consent and later attempts to kiss her during a power outage despite her objections. These moments sparked criticism from audiences who argued that such portrayals normalize problematic behavior and reinforce outdated stereotypes about romance and consent in mainstream cinema.

Despite the controversy, the box office performance of Peddi has remained strong. The sports drama has reportedly collected around ₹150 crore worldwide within its first two days of release, indicating that the criticism has not significantly affected audience turnout. While the film continues to attract large crowds, the makers' decision to alter scenes marks a rare instance of a major production publicly responding to audience concerns about gender representation after release.

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