Peddi from Prathyangira Cinemas debuted in India as one of the biggest Telugu openers of 2026. The film also opened to $1.1 million from 755 North American locations and has crossed $3 million overseas, including Thursday previews, according to Rentrak. Set in rural Andhra Pradesh during the 1980s, Peddi stars Ram Charan as a spirited villager who brings his community together through sports, while Janhvi Kapoor plays his love interest.
However, soon after its release, Peddi found itself at the center of a social media controversy. A section of viewers criticized the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, with discussions focusing on certain scenes, camera work, and the treatment of the female lead. In response to the growing criticism, writer-director Buchi Babu Sana announced that the team would make changes to portions of the film.
Buchi Babu Sana wrote on X:
“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.
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.
Thank you to everyone who shared their views honestly and sincerely.”
The filmmaker’s statement came after criticism from some viewers who objected to certain dialogues, instances of the camera lingering on Janhvi Kapoor’s character, and a scene involving a kiss that generated debate online. Despite the film being marketed as a rural sports drama with romantic elements, discussions around the portrayal of the female lead quickly became one of the major talking points following its release.
Buchi Babu Sana further assured audiences that the team had listened to the concerns being raised and would take the necessary steps to address them through modifications to the film.
The conversation surrounding the controversy expanded further after Janhvi Kapoor’s makeup artist, Savleen Kaur Manchanda, publicly defended the actress. Reposting content related to the issue, she suggested that Janhvi had previously expressed concerns regarding some of the shots that later became the subject of criticism.
“It is easy to blame an actress for the roles she takes, but the actual timeline tells a different story. Reports show that Janhvi Kapoor explicitly questioned these shots during post-production, a boundary that perfectly mirrors her recent public stance against the industry’s habit of oversexualizing women,” the post stated, alleging that the actress had concerns about how her character was presented.
The debate also drew reactions from members of the film industry. Actresses including Dimple Hayathi and Ashika Ranganath publicly voiced support for Janhvi Kapoor on social media, arguing that responsibility for creative choices should not fall solely on performers and that criticism should be directed toward the broader filmmaking process.
Many viewers who criticized the film argued that Janhvi Kapoor’s character deserved stronger development and a more substantial role within the narrative. Others raised concerns about specific scenes and camera choices, while discussions around consent and representation also became part of the broader conversation surrounding the film.
With the director now publicly acknowledging the criticism and committing to changes, Peddi has become one of the rare mainstream releases in recent years where audience feedback has directly led to modifications after release. Whether those changes ease concerns remains to be seen, but the controversy has already sparked a wider discussion about representation, characterization, and the portrayal of women in commercial cinema.
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