Janhvi Kapoor admits she was not alert enough to Peddi objectification: ‘It was a violating experience’

New Delhi: has opened up about the criticism surrounding her portrayal in Peddi, admitting that the film’s treatment of her character was problematic and that she could have been more vigilant about how she was presented on screen. The actor also acknowledged that the narrative risked normalising sexual assault, saying the experience continues to weigh on her conscience.

During her upcoming appearance on , Janhvi discussed the backlash with host Karan Johar. The conversation comes months after the sports action drama, directed by Buchi Babu Sana and starring Ram alongside Janhvi, faced criticism over the hypersexualisation of her character, Achiyamma.

Janhvi Kapoor takes responsibility for her portrayal in Peddi

When Karan asked Janhvi how she had processed the controversy, the actor spoke about the impact the film’s narrative could have on women and society.

“I feel many people worked really hard on that film and I really didn’t know if there was anything to say. It weighs heavily on my conscience the sort of negative impact a narrative like that can have our society. Specific to my gender. That shame I will always carry with me. Could I have done more? Could I have been more vigilant? 100 per cent yes. Was it problematic, was it extreme objectification? Did it even propagate sexual assault narratively? Yes. But the only thing I can do is ensure that it doesn’t happen again,” she said.

Janhvi admitted that she repeatedly questioned whether she could have handled the situation differently. She explained that she had been trying to address concerns as they became apparent, while also navigating the filmmaking process and the director’s vision.

“I went through the beats of really beating up myself that I should have been more vigilant. I don’t like saying this because it sounds like i am shifting blame but its like you listen to the director and what he says. I was navigating how to make things less problematic as and when information was becoming available to me. In the south, very rarely there is a bound script. Very rarely do u see the camera angles. I should have taken advantage of my privilege. It was a violating experience in a way. the good thing that came out of it is that maybe next time a director will rethink twice before presenting a lead actress this way,” she added.

Why did Peddi face backlash?

Peddi is a sports action drama starring Ram in the titular role, with Janhvi playing Achiyamma, his love interest. After its theatrical release on June 4, the film drew criticism from viewers who felt that Achiyamma’s introduction focused excessively on her physical appearance rather than establishing her personality.

Telugu film industry should not consider #JanhviKapoor again. #BuchiBabu has confirmed that the full bound script was narrated to her.

But today, she’s playing the victim card. Bollywood playing the victim card is nothing new. Radhika Apte, Taapsee Pannu, and now Janhvi Kapoor.

Everyone has to take the blame

#Peddi #RamCharan

— CHITRAMBHALARE (@chitrambhalareI) October 29, 2026

Another sequence that attracted criticism showed Peddi pursuing Achiyamma despite her lack of interest. He later kisses her during a power cut without her consent, prompting questions about how the film portrayed consent and romantic relationships.

The criticism centred on the way these scenes were presented and whether they reinforced problematic attitudes towards women. Janhvi’s recent remarks reflect her own concerns about the narrative and the responsibility involved in portraying such situations on screen.

Director Buchi Babu Sana apologises after criticism

Following the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana addressed the controversy in a post on X. He acknowledged the concerns raised by viewers and announced changes to the portions in question.

In his statement, he wrote, “I have always had immense respect for women, both on and off screen, and it was never our intention to objectify or disrespect any female character. If any part of the film has been perceived that way, we respect those sentiments, understand the concerns being raised, and sincerely apologise. After reviewing the feedback, we have decided to make changes to the concerned portions.”

Janhvi’s comments have brought the discussion back to the portrayal of women in cinema, particularly the responsibility filmmakers and actors share when stories involve consent and gender. The actor said she hopes the experience will lead to greater consideration before female characters are presented in a similar manner in future projects.

Written By Uditi Sharma!