Janhvi Kapoor appears to be making a crucial career move after finding herself at the center of the Peddi controversy.
According to industry reports, the actress is in advanced talks for a creature horror film to be directed by Tumbbad fame Rahi Anil Barve. Backed by Jio Studios, the project is said to be a large-scale horror entertainer and could turn out to be one of the most important career choices of Janhvi’s career.
The timing is interesting.
While Peddi is running decently at the box office, the conversation around Janhvi has been anything but positive. The actress faced severe trolling and intense backlash over the portrayal of her character in the film. She, along with the makers, was criticized for the alleged over-sexualization of her role, with many viewers questioning why she continues to accept such characters.
Whether fair or unfair, the controversy has significantly impacted her image among a section of Telugu audiences. In fact, some industry observers believe that she may not receive many major Telugu film offers in the near future. After the scale of the backlash, some stars and filmmakers may become cautious about associating with controversies that could potentially affect their own projects.
That is why the Rahi Anil Barve film feels like an important opportunity.
Unlike her usual commercial glamour-driven roles, this project reportedly demands extensive preparation and performance. Sources suggest Janhvi will undergo acting workshops and character preparation before filming begins. If true, it signals an attempt to reposition herself as a performer rather than merely a commercial heroine.
The biggest advantage is the director himself. Rahi Anil Barve earned tremendous credibility with Tumbbad, a film that is still regarded as one of the finest horror-fantasy films produced in India. A strong performance in a content-driven film under his direction could help Janhvi silence many of her detractors after the Peddi backlash.
The reality is that despite working with major stars and appearing in several high-profile films, Janhvi is still fighting a perception battle. Many viewers acknowledge her screen presence and popularity but remain unconvinced about her acting range.
This creature horror film could be her chance to change that narrative.
After Peddi, Janhvi needs a role that shifts the conversation away from glamour, objectification, and controversy and back toward her abilities as an actress. If the Rahi Anil Barve project materializes and delivers, it could end up being far more important for her career than another routine commercial entertainer.
