📌 Key Points
- Peddi film faces scrutiny for alleged hypersexualization of Janhvi Kapoor’s character.
- Kangana Ranaut advises actors to voice concerns if they feel objectified in films.
- She highlights that filmmakers often don’t intentionally objectify but can be swayed.
- Director Buchi Babu Sana issued a statement acknowledging discomfort from the film.
Amidst the ongoing ‘Peddi’ controversy surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s character and alleged objectification, Kangana Ranaut has offered her perspective. The outspoken actress urges her fellow actors to actively speak up and set boundaries if they feel objectified during film productions, emphasizing collaboration.
The Peddi Controversy: Hypersexualization Allegations
Director Buchi Babu Sana ‘s sports action drama Peddi has come under intense scrutiny over the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor ‘s character, Achiyyamma. Many questioned the hypersexualisation of its female lead and zooming in on her body parts, even as the male lead describes her face’s beauty.
Does she draw boundaries in terms of portrayal of women to make sure she is not objectified? Kangana said, “By and large, as per my experience it has always been that when I agree to do a film, there are so many various perspectives… you can bring light to that and say, ‘Thoda sa aisa bhi sound kar raha hain yeh’. They may not want to objectify or something but aise toh koi bhi filmein nahi banana chah raha hain ki aao inko objectify kare (An actor can speak up and point out when it is souding different. No one would want to make films with the intention to objectify them).’”
Kangana Ranaut’s Stance: Empowering Actors
She went on to add, “Maine kya dekha hua hain ki woh log uss tarah se sochte nahi hain… ki oh achcha aisa lag raha hain. As a woman aap apna side rakh sakte ho. Ha, ye aisa lag raha hain, ki aap aisa kehna chah rahe hain aur ye achcha nahi lag raha and mostly sab agree karte hain ki nahi nahi hum ne actually socha nahi ki as a set of men hum logo ne jab likha tab nahi laga ki galat tha. Toh aisi baatein ho jaati hain. Agar aap kaam kar rahe hein kisi film pe toh its like a collaboration (I have seen that the makers do not think like that. As a woman one can put their perspective that this is looking different, that it is not looking good. Mostly, the others will agree with you. Because while writing the same set of room had not thought of it like that. So things like that can happen. When one has said yes to a film, it is a collaboration).”
On Saturday, director Buchi Babu Sana released a statement addressing the controversy surrounding Peddi. “As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected,” he wrote.
Director Buchi Babu Sana Responds to Criticism
Meanwhile, in Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, Kangana portrays a staff nurse, an ordinary woman whose dedication, compassion and service often go unrecognised despite being at the forefront of public service. The film traces the journey of ordinary individuals who displayed extraordinary courage to save more than 400 lives in the face of unimaginable terror. It is slated to release in theatres on June 12.
Kangana’s strong stance empowers actors to challenge objectification, highlighting the importance of their voice in collaborative filmmaking. This debate underscores the industry’s evolving responsibility towards sensitive portrayals and respectful representation on screen.
