Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, hit theatres on June 4. Since its release, the sports drama has been facing criticism on social media over the way Janhvi Kapoor’s character has been portrayed.
The backlash is mainly centred on the writing of Janhvi’s role rather than the film’s overall direction or storytelling.
Several viewers have accused the makers of objectifying her character and reducing her to a glamour element in the narrative.
In the film, Janhvi plays Achiyamma, while Ram Charan plays the title role of Peddi.
Many social media users have objected to certain scenes involving Achiyamma, arguing that the camera angles and visual treatment focus more on her body than on her character.
Several users felt that Janhvi’s role adds very little to the story and mainly serves as an object of desire for the male characters. They criticised the film for not giving her enough agency or emotional weight.
One social media user wrote that it was high time filmmakers stopped sexualising heroines in films. The user pointed out a scene where the hero describes the heroine’s face, but the visuals focus on her waist and chest.
Another user commented that the heroine deserved a proper character, but instead got a series of vulgar and degrading scenes stitched together in the name of a role.
Some viewers also highlighted specific scenes they found problematic.
One user questioned the editing of a scene where Peddi compliments Achiyamma’s eyes and lips, but the visuals reportedly cut to shots of her chest and waist.
Another user criticised a scene in which a goon allegedly tries to shame Janhvi Kapoor’s character in public during an election campaign, while other characters react in a disturbing manner. The user called the scene an example of poor writing and problematic heroism.
The criticism has also echoed concerns raised in reviews, which noted that Achiyamma’s portions in the first half are largely forgettable and that the excessive focus on her waist, chest and back feels unnecessary.
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi also features Vijay Sethupathi, Boman Irani, Divyenndu and Jagapathi Babu in key roles.
While the film has been making noise at the box office, the debate around Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal has now become one of the major talking points surrounding Peddi.