As the debate surrounding Peddi and the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor has taken social media by storm, actress Nithya Menen has offered a nuanced perspective on the larger issue of objectification in Indian cinema.
Interestingly, Nithya clarified that she has neither watched Peddi nor followed the specific controversy surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s role. However, she made it clear that she strongly opposes the objectification of women on screen while rejecting the notion that it is a problem unique to South Indian cinema.
“I don’t think we can isolate and say that this only happens in South Indian cinema. That is not true. I feel it’s everywhere. It’s a trend and everybody follows it,” she said.
According to Nithya, the root of the problem lies in the increasing commercialization of cinema. She argued that filmmakers often resort to whatever attracts attention and generates commercial success, even if it means presenting actresses in ways that prioritize glamour over character.
“Whatever works commercially and titillates the audience is often indulged in for mass success. Is it too much? Absolutely,” she remarked.
Nithya Menon also believes actors have a responsibility to establish boundaries. Without referring to any specific film, she suggested that performers should speak up when they are uncomfortable with how they are being portrayed on screen.
“I wonder if actors should actually have better boundaries and the person who’s performing the scene should be able to put their foot down and say they are not okay with being objectified,” she said.
The actress acknowledged that maintaining such boundaries can come at a professional cost. She revealed that her own choices have likely cost her certain films and roles over the years, but she is comfortable with that trade-off.
“Are there films that I don’t get to do or genres that I don’t get to do because I don’t do certain kinds of stuff? Yes. But I am okay with it because I choose that over fame,” Nithya Menen stated.
While her comments were not directed at Peddi or Janhvi Kapoor, they have inevitably become part of the broader discussion around female representation in commercial cinema.
At its core, Nithya’s argument is simple: objectification is not a regional issue but a commercial one. While filmmakers bear responsibility, actors also have the power to draw boundaries and decide what they are willing, or unwilling, to do on screen.
