Even before discussions about box-office numbers, Ram Charan’s Peddi has found itself at the center of a massive controversy. While the film’s sports drama, emotional story, and performances are being discussed, a significant section of social media is focused on the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character.
Across X and other platforms, many viewers have slammed the makers for excessively objectifying Janhvi Kapoor through camera angles, close-up shots, and the overall treatment of her character. What was expected to be a major film for the actress has instead triggered widespread backlash and trolling online.
The romantic track between Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor can be called “one of the most disgusting and outdated portrayals” seen in recent times. It’s very uncomfortable to watch repeated shots focusing more on the actress’s body than her character, especially if you go with your family.
There was no need to put so much emphasis on glamour moments in a film centered around sports, struggle, and emotional drama. It totally looked out of place and created a disconnect between the audience and the theme of the film. Janhvi is getting mocked for continuing to choose roles that offer nothing beyond glamour appeal, citing both Peddi and Devara.
The backlash has also reignited long-running trolling of Telugu commercial cinema. For years, filmmakers have been accused of writing powerful hero characters while reducing heroines to songs, romantic tracks, and glamour showcases. Peddi only reinforces that stereotype.
What makes the controversy more significant is that it is not limited to those who disliked the film. Even some viewers who praised Ram Charan’s performance and appreciated parts of the story expressed discomfort with the way Janhvi’s character was presented. Some felt they were even okay with sexualizing her character, but at least give her character some arc, some importance, some logic, and cohesiveness.
When will mainstream filmmakers adapt to changing audience expectations? What may have passed without scrutiny a decade ago is now attracting severe backlash, especially from younger viewers who expect female characters to have meaningful narrative importance rather than function primarily as oversexualized bimbos.
Ironically, while Ram Charan’s performance, the sports backdrop, and Buchi Babu Sana’s storytelling were expected to dominate release-day conversations, much of the social media discussion has instead shifted toward Janhvi Kapoor’s terribly written character.
