Janhvi Kapoor has finally addressed the backlash over her character’s portrayal in ‘Peddi’, months after the film’s release. Speaking on the chat show ‘Koffee with Karan 9’, she admitted that the criticism weighs on her and said she could have been more careful while working on the film.
What Janhvi Kapoor said
When host Karan Johar asked how she dealt with the controversy, Janhvi said, “I feel many people worked really hard on that film, and I really didn’t know if there was anything to say. It weighs heavily on my conscience the sort of negative impact a narrative like that can have our society. Specific to my gender. That shame I will always carry with me. Could I have done more? Could I have been more vigilant? 100% yes. Was it problematic, was it extreme objectification? Did it even propagate sexual assault narratively? Yes. But the only thing I can do is ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”
Janhvi Kapoor says, ‘It was a violating experience’
The actress also spoke about how she felt after the criticism began. “I went through the beats of really beating up myself that I should have been more vigilant. I don’t like saying this because it sounds like I am shifting blame, but it’s like you listen to the director and what he says. I was navigating how to make things less problematic as and when information was becoming available to me. In the south, very rarely there is a bound script. Very rarely do you see the camera angles. I should have taken advantage of my privilege. It was a violating experience in a way. The good thing that came out of it is that maybe next time a director will rethink twice before presenting a lead actress this way.”
Why ‘Peddi’ faced criticism
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, ‘Peddi’ is a sports action drama that released in theatres on June 4. Ram plays the title role, while Janhvi plays Achiyyamma, his love interest. Viewers objected to how her character was introduced, pointing to sequences that focused heavily on her body instead of building her as a person. Another scene drew strong reactions, in which Peddi voices his wish to be with Achiyyamma despite her lack of interest and later kisses her during a power cut without her consent.
Director’s apology
After the backlash, Buchi Babu Sana apologised on X (formerly Twitter) and said changes would be made to the film. A part of his statement read, “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. If any part of the film has been perceived that way, we respect those sentiments, understand the concerns being raised, and sincerely apologise. After reviewing the feedback, we have decided to make changes to the concerned portions.”
‘Peddi’
Starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead role, the film was released in theatres on June 4, 2026.
