Agencies | Mumbai:
Filmmaker Buchi Babu Sana’s upcoming film Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles, has come under criticism from a section of moviegoers over the alleged hypersexualisation of Janhvi Kapoor’s character.
Amid the controversy, Janhvi Kapoor’s makeup artist, Savleen Kaur Manchanda, defended the actress through a post on Instagram, claiming that Kapoor had raised concerns about certain scenes and objected to specific shots during post-production.
According to the post, Janhvi had questioned the inclusion of particular sequences that she felt contributed to the oversexualisation of her character, reflecting her previously stated views on the portrayal of women in cinema. The post further alleged that despite her objections, the scenes remained in the final cut of the film.
The claims have intensified the debate surrounding the film, with social media users discussing issues related to creative choices, consent and representation in mainstream cinema.
Responding to the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana issued a statement on X, acknowledging the concerns raised by audiences and expressing regret if any part of the film was perceived as disrespectful.
“As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected,” he wrote.
Sana stated that the production team had carefully reviewed the feedback and decided to make changes to the portions that drew criticism. He emphasised that neither he nor the makers intended to objectify or disrespect any female character and reiterated his commitment to portraying women with dignity and respect.
“Every woman deserves to be respected, valued and represented with dignity. We remain committed to telling stories that celebrate strong characters and uphold those values,” he said.
The director’s statement has since gone viral on social media, generating widespread reactions from fans and industry observers. The controversy has also sparked broader discussions about the portrayal of women in films and the responsibilities of filmmakers in an evolving entertainment landscape.
