Highlights
- Rashmika Mandanna opened up about the difficulty of refusing revealing costumes and scenes she feels uncomfortable with during her appearance on Koffee with Karan Season 9.
- The actress revealed that conversations with husband Vijay Deverakonda help her find the confidence to voice her concerns.
- Their comments come as Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal in the Telugu film Peddi faces criticism over its camera angles and a scene involving a kiss without consent.
Rashmika Mandanna has spoken about the challenges actors face when setting boundaries on film sets, revealing how husband Vijay Deverakonda encourages her to speak up when she feels uncomfortable.
During their appearance on Koffee with Karan Season 9, the couple discussed the pressure performers can face to accept revealing costumes or scenes they would rather not do. Their conversation comes amid criticism surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal in the Telugu film Peddi, which has drawn attention to questions about objectification and consent in commercial cinema.
Rashmika Mandanna on setting boundaries in films
Speaking to host Karan Johar, Rashmika acknowledged that commercial films sometimes require actors to wear revealing outfits. However, she stressed that performers should be able to establish personal boundaries.
“There are some things which I am not okay with. I know some characters need some things like a bikini or like that. But, even in that, I will say I am not comfortable with that exposing and skinshow. I am not that kind of a person,” she said.
The actress explained that while she understands the demands of commercial filmmaking, she draws a line at certain costumes and scenes. She added that the directors she prefers working with generally respect those boundaries.
Vijay agreed that raising such concerns can be difficult, even for established performers.
“But, those are still challenging to have these conversations. It is hard,” he said.
Rashmika then revealed that she sometimes struggles to express her discomfort and turns to Vijay for reassurance.
“You have to make it easier for actors to come and ask these questions. Even I find it hard. Sometimes I want to say 'I don't want to do it'. But it takes a lot of conversations with Vijay like 'I really want to say this and he is like you can. Ofcourse you should',” she said.
Vijay Deverakonda explains why actors feel pressured to agree
Vijay pointed out that actors can feel obligated to accept uncomfortable scenes because they have already committed to a project. He explained that questions about professionalism can make performers second-guess their decisions.
“They all need support system to say that it is okay to put your foot down. I thnk people can make you feel like 'But you are an actress. You signed this film. Isn't this your job? I am not asking too much.' So you start feeling a pressure of 'Am i not doing my job? Am I not being professional?'” he said.
He added that such pressure can lead actors to accept situations they are uncomfortable with, hoping everything will turn out fine.
Rashmika completed his thought by pointing to the regret that can follow when someone does not speak up at the right moment.
“I should have said something that time,” she said.
Their discussion highlighted the importance of creating an environment in which actors can express discomfort without fearing that their professionalism will be questioned.
What is the Janhvi Kapoor Peddi controversy?
Peddi, which stars Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, has faced criticism over the presentation of Janhvi’s character, Achiyyamma. Viewers questioned the camera angles used in scenes featuring the actress, particularly shots focusing on her midriff and cleavage. A scene in which Ram Charan’s character kisses her without consent during a power outage also drew backlash.
The controversy intensified after alleged screenshots of Janhvi’s messages circulated online. In the purported messages, the actress reportedly objected to certain camera angles, saying, “I told him no b**b and waist shots.”
Director Buchi Babu Sana subsequently apologized and promised to make changes to the scenes following the criticism.
The debate has brought renewed attention to how actresses are portrayed on screen and the importance of giving performers the freedom to communicate their boundaries. Rashmika and Vijay’s comments offer their perspective on the challenges actors can face when trying to do so.
