Janhvi Kapoor faces backlash over controversial camera angles in Peddi as director issues apology

The release of the film “Peddi,” starring South Indian superstar Ram Charan alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Shruti Haasan, has triggered a fierce debate over the portrayal of women in cinema. While the film has garnered significant commercial success, it has become the center of a growing controversy regarding its reliance on provocative choreography and cinematography that critics argue prioritizes the objectification of its female leads over narrative integrity.
Central to the criticism is the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor, who plays a village character. Detractors argue that her costume and the camera work are entirely incongruous with her role, focusing excessively on her physical appearance rather than the character’s development. The discourse reached a boiling point after leaked conversations emerged, appearing to show Kapoor expressing her own discomfort during production. According to these reports, the actress raised objections regarding close-up shots focusing on her midriff and bust, claiming she requested that the cinematographer avoid such framing. Kapoor reportedly stated that she received support from her co-star, Ram Charan, who also voiced his disapproval to the crew, though their concerns failed to alter the final cut.
The industry-wide conversation has drawn comments from prominent figures, including veteran actress Jaya Bachchan, who weighed in on the ethics of on-set conduct. Bachchan recounted an incident during the filming of “Shor,” where she stood her ground against a director who dictated how she should drape her veil while playing a beggar. She emphasized that she has never allowed a director to compromise her dignity, noting that she would refuse to work with any filmmaker who lacked professional boundaries.
In response to the mounting backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology on X, formerly known as Twitter. He maintained that it was never his intention to disrespect or objectify women, asserting that the goal of the film was to entertain and engage the audience. He expressed regret for any discomfort caused, stating that he holds deep respect for women both personally and professionally.
Despite the director’s statement, the controversy continues to cloud the film’s reception. Audiences have reported significant discomfort in theaters, with many viewers arguing that the excessive inclusion of suggestive scenes undermines the storytelling. As the debate intensifies, critics have also questioned why the actors involved proceeded with the controversial shots despite their reported internal reservations, turning “Peddi” into a focal point for the broader movement demanding more respectful representations of women in mainstream cinema.