Ram Charan & Janhvi Kapoor’s latest film, Peddi, is currently running in theaters. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film is a sports-action drama, including a romantic element, too.
Besides Charan and Janhvi, the movie features Shivarajkumar, Divyendu Sharma, Jagapathi Babu, and more. Though the movie is performing decently on the box office, a controversial scene sparked a significant online discussion.
What Is the Peddi Controversy?
After the movie hit the large screens, the audience began sharing their response online. Many fans alleged that the film hypersexualizes Janhvi’s female character, Achiyyamma. This also ignited a web-based debate in regards to the portrayal of ladies in Indian cinema.
In considered one of the movie scenes, Ram Charan’s character, Peddi Pehelwan, forced the feminine lead for a romantic kiss at midnight, claiming it as a technique to express his love. Because of this, Achiyyamma’s character arc wasn’t loved by many.
The romantic dynamic between Janhvi Kapoor and Ram Charan in #Peddi is one of the crucial disgusting and dated portrayals I even have seen.
Shameless shots of her naval and chest. No look after consent. Moral stance of a saviour while always ogling and letching at her!
— ANMOL JAMWAL (@jammypants4) June 4, 2026
Director Buchi Babu’s Response To The Controversy
After the controversy around Peddi got heated online, director Buchi Babu Sana finally reacted to the situation. The Indian filmmaker asserted had no intention for anyone to feel ‘uncomfortable’ or ‘disrespected’.
The director added that he all the time has respect for ladies, each on and off-screen. Moreover, he apologized for the controversial scenes and disclosed that changes had been made to the concerned portions.
“As a filmmaker, I imagine cinema should entertain, encourage, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. We’ve got heard the feedback regarding certain scenes in Peddi and have taken it seriously.
I even have all the time had immense respect for ladies, each on and off screen, and it was never our intention to objectify or disrespect any female character. If any a 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’ve got decided to make changes to the concerned portions. Cinema grows through its reference to audiences, and as storytellers, we’ve got 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 commemorate strong characters and uphold those values. Thanks to everyone who shared their views truthfully and sincerely.” – the director said
With these words, it appears that evidently those controversial scenes have been faraway from the movie.
As a filmmaker, I imagine cinema should entertain, encourage, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. We’ve got heard the feedback regarding certain scenes in Peddi and have taken it seriously.
I even have all the time had immense respect for…
— BuchiBabuSana (@BuchiBabuSana) June 6, 2026
Peddi Co-Star Reacts To Janhvi Kapoor’s Situation
In a conversation with Telugu360 Digital, Jagapathi Babu reacted to the controversy and defended Janhvi Kapoor. The South actor said,
“As an artist, the one thing I’d say is please don’t goal the actor. It’s unfair to go after that girl. We don’t know what her personal views were or whether she agreed with every creative decision.”
Further, the veteran star added that the actors only do what the director asks them to within the movie. Jagapathi Babu also affirmed that the actors trust the director’s vision and work as per their instructions.
“It’s not as if she pushed for it herself. She did what the director asked her to do. When an actor signs on and trusts a director’s vision, they follow that vision. We do what the director tells us. Sometimes it really works, and sometimes it doesn’t. He (Buchi Babu) can have his own reasons. I support Janhvi on this matter,” the 64-year-old star said
As of this writing, Janhvi Kapoor has yet to reply to the situation. Nevertheless, with this Peddi controversy, the likelihood is higher that such controversial scenes may not be included in movies within the near future.
For more such updates, try Down South.
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