Janhvi Kapoor calls Peddi ‘extreme objectification’ on Koffee with Karan, says experience felt ‘violating’

Highlights

• Janhvi Kapoor has acknowledged the criticism of how her character was portrayed in Peddi.
• The actor admitted she could have been more vigilant and said the film’s narrative could have a negative impact on society.
• She hopes the controversy will make directors think twice before presenting female leads in a similar way.

Janhvi Kapoor has spoken about the backlash over her portrayal in Peddi, describing aspects of the film as “extreme objectification” and saying the experience felt “violating” in a way.

Appearing on Koffee with Karan 9, hosted by Karan Johar, the actor reflected on the criticism and the responsibility she believes she had to question how her character was presented. She also acknowledged the wider impact such portrayals can have on women and society.

Janhvi Kapoor admits Peddi was problematic

Discussing the controversy, Janhvi said she felt the negative impact of the film's narrative weighed heavily on her conscience.

“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 on our society. Specific to my gender. That shame I will always carry with me,” she said.

The actor acknowledged that she could have taken a more active role in questioning the material.

“Could I have done more? Could I have been more vigilant? 100% 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 added.

‘It was a violating experience’

Janhvi also described how she struggled with the criticism after the film came under scrutiny. She said she had tried to make things less problematic as more information became available to her, while also recognizing that she could have used her position to ask more questions.

“I don’t like saying this because it sounds like I am shifting blame, but it's like you listen to the director and what he says,” she explained.

The actor noted that scripts and camera angles are not always available to actors in advance in the South Indian film industry. Looking back, she said she should have made better use of her privilege.

“It was a violating experience in a way,” Janhvi said. She added that she hoped the controversy would encourage filmmakers to reconsider how they portray female leads.

“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 said.

Why Peddi faced backlash

Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi is a sports action drama starring Ram Charan as the title character and Janhvi as Achiyyamma, his love interest. The film was released in theaters on June 4, 2026.

The portrayal of Achiyyamma drew criticism from viewers who felt some sequences focused heavily on her body rather than developing her as a character. Another scene sparked debate because Peddi expresses a desire to be with Achiyyamma despite her lack of interest and later kisses her during a power outage without her consent.

Following the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana apologized on X, formerly Twitter, and said changes would be made to the portions that had raised concerns.

“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,” he wrote. He added that the team respected the concerns raised and had decided to make changes after reviewing the feedback.