For Janhvi Kapoor, Peddi may become a career-defining film, but perhaps for all the wrong reasons.
Janhvi Kapoor’s role as Achiyamma in Peddi has faced significant backlash and trolling, becoming one of the film’s biggest talking points. Instead of being a successful Telugu debut, her character sparked debates about objectification and outdated writing.
The popular song Chikiri Chikiri, which was expected to be a major highlight, ended up attracting backlash because it comes right after a controversial scene where Peddi kisses without her consent. Many viewers found the sequence disturbing rather than romantic.
The larger issue was Achiyamma’s characterization. Audiences felt the film focused more on Janhvi’s glamour and physical assets than on giving the character agency, depth, or a meaningful role in the story, leading to further trolling online.
That makes Janhvi’s situation particularly disappointing.
Unlike many newcomers, she has already proved her acting ability. Films like Gunjan Saxena, Good Luck Jerry, Mili, Mr & Mrs Mahi, Ulajh, and Homebound showed that she can carry performance-driven material. She has spent years trying to move beyond the “star kid” label and establish herself as a serious actress.
Which is why her South Indian film choices are becoming increasingly puzzling.
Devara gave her little to perform. Peddi gave her visibility but also unprecedented backlash. Instead of strengthening her credibility, both films generated more discussion about her presentation than her performance.
This is where Janhvi may need to look at actresses like Sai Pallavi and Mrunal Thakur.
Neither built their popularity through glamour-driven roles. Sai Pallavi earned her fan base through powerful characters and performances, while Mrunal became a sensation with Sita Ramam and Hi Nanna, where audiences connected with the character before the actress.
That path may be slower, but it is far more sustainable.
The good news is that the Peddi controversy can still become a blessing in disguise. Sometimes one wrong film teaches more than five successful ones.
Some industry observers believe the backlash could make top South stars and directors hesitant to work with Jahvi at least immediately. However, the film industry has always been driven by market value, popularity, and future potential rather than the reception to a single film. The bigger question is who signs her next and whether filmmakers become more careful about how her future characters are written and presented.
Janhvi also needs to be far more selective about the Telugu and Tamil films she chooses. The industry already has enough actresses competing for glamour-oriented roles. What it lacks are strong female performers capable of leading memorable characters.
Whether she wants to remain just a glamour doll or follows the path of Sai Pallavi and Mrunal Thakur is now entirely up to her.
