'Peddi' Backlash | Director Responds To Janhvi Kapoor's Scenes: 'It Was Never Our Intention To Objectify Any Female Character'

Buchi Babu Sana's Peddi has been at the centre of internet conversations ever since its release over its depiction of its female lead, Janhvi Kapoor. Kapoor, who plays Achiamma, the love interest of Peddi (Ram Charan) in the film, is filmed with a deeply objectifying male gaze. With viewers increasingly pointing out the problematic depiction, Buchi Babu eventually responded to the backlash, promising fans that the film would be altered.

"As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. We have heard the feedback regarding certain scenes in Peddi and have taken it seriously. 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," he wrote.

The filmmaker further added that the film would be modified. "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. Every woman deserves to be respected, valued, and represented with dignity. We remain committed to telling stories that celebrate strong characters and uphold those values," he wrote.

Actress Dimple Hayathi, who features in Telugu films, extended support to Kapoor, and urged viewers not to blame the actress in such instances. "If the characters are underwritten the responsibility lies more with writing and filmmaking choices than woman playing the role . Unfortunately we are stereotyped by image which and how things unfold with characters that we play without getting the opportunity to showcase our full potential to perform ,whereas when the hero centered stories takeover the liberty to project . What we see is what we believe unfortunately. No body knows what gets into filmmaking it’s not under one persons choice but we all can unanimously make a point that we deserve better experiences and better filmmaking," she wrote.

The Hollywood Reporter India's review of the film read, "Peddi remembers her not by her face, but her waist. These scenes, shot with an intentionally unsettling male gaze, are impossible to sit through. Peddi’s skewed sense of moral high ground is on full display here as he deems it right to kiss without consent, but is outraged when the abuse comes from another man."

Official statments from Janhvi Kapoor or Ram Charan are yet to come in on the news.