Following a massive public outcry over the alleged objectification and problematic portrayal of actress Janhvi Kapoor in the recently released sports-action drama Peddi, director Buchi Babu Sana issued an unconditional apology on Saturday. He announced that the team will remove or modify the controversial sequences in response to audience feedback .
The decision comes as social media continues to debate the depiction of Kapoor’s character, Achiyamma, with critics pointing to “male gaze-pandering” creative choices, lingering body shots, and a troubling lack of consent in the romantic track .
The ‘Forced Kiss’ and Alleged Ignored Boundaries
While Peddi was intended to showcase a rustic romance between Kapoor and co-star Ram Charan, specific scenes sparked widespread outrage. A particular sequence where the hero forcibly kisses the heroine during a power cut, coupled with shots focusing excessively on her physique, drew sharp criticism .
The controversy deepened when unverified screenshots of alleged chats surfaced online, claiming that Kapoor had objected to certain camera angles during filming. Additionally, the actress’s makeup artist, Savleen Kaur Manchanda, alleged in a social media post that Kapoor “drew a professional line” and requested the removal of certain objectionable shots during post-production, claims that were reportedly ignored in the final edit .
Amid the outrage, Kapoor also reportedly liked (and later unliked) a viral Instagram post that slammed the makers for the “disrespectful portrayal,” further fueling the debate .
Director’s Apology and Commitment to Dignity
In a detailed statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Buchi Babu Sana acknowledged the public sentiment.
“As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected,” he wrote, adding that the team took the feedback “seriously” .
Addressing the core of the allegations, the director stated: “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 apologize” .
Confirming the changes, he said, “After reviewing the feedback, we have decided to make changes to the concerned portions. Cinema grows through its connection with audiences, and as storytellers, we have a responsibility to be mindful of evolving perspectives and sensitivities” .
Industry Reaction and Janhvi’s Silence
While Kapoor has maintained silence on the matter, several industry insiders have rallied behind her. Actress Dimple Hayathi noted that the “real fault lies with the makers and the system, who think only nudity sells in films” .
The modifications to Peddi are currently underway, with the revised version expected to be implemented in theatres shortly. The incident has reopened a broader debate about representation, consent, and the dignity of female characters in mainstream Indian cinema .
