The sports drama Peddi, which arrived in cinemas on June 4, has plunged its lead into a storm of controversy. While the film features a high-profile cast including Telugu superstar Ram Charan, critical and audience reception has been severely marred by an intense backlash regarding the regressive depiction of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyyamma. Viewers have flooded social media to condemn the film’s writing, arguing that the role lacks any real substance and serves primarily to objectify the actress.
Ironically, this controversy unfolds just months after Janhvi spoke out passionately about consent, objectification, and the systematic sexualisation of female actors within the film industry. In an interview (Raj Shamani podcast) that has resurfaced in light of the Peddi backlash, the actress revealed she had privately talked to paparazzi about their invasive filming techniques.
During that meeting, Janhvi challenged the photographers directly on the ethics of their work, recalling how she told them: “You are commodifying women’s bodies against their will – and how do you respect yourself? Like, for money and views, you’re zooming in on a body part.” She noted that while she exercises her personal freedom to dress as she pleases, photographers routinely alter the context of her public appearances without permission by adding slow-motion effects, suggestive music, and tight zooms.
Janhvi also extended this critique to film sets, emphasizing that the pressure to conform often compromises an actress’s comfort and agency. Highlighting the difficult dynamics between actors and technical crew, she argued: “If a DOP places a camera somewhere I am not comfortable with, I should be able to say, ‘nahi, yeh nahi chalega, mujhe nahi chahiye’ (No, this will not work, I don’t want this) without seeming unprofessional.”
The actress conceded that navigating these boundaries in Indian cinema is an ongoing battle, admitting she historically prioritised being polite to avoid being labelled difficult. She noted that public perception heavily dictates casting choices, lamenting a societal tragedy where an actress’s moral character is unfairly judged by her wardrobe. Concluding with stark honesty, the actor admitted she is working towards a future where her credibility grants her the power to refuse such narrow portrayals.