Champion director Pradeep Advaitham backs Peddi amid row, calls reviewers idiots
Backing Peddi amid the ongoing controversy, Champion director Pradeep Advaitham criticised reviewers for misreading the film's themes and social context. Though he agreed that the heroine's track could have been better, he praised the film's storytelling and Ram Charan's performance.
As Peddi continues to face criticism over its portrayal of women and certain dialogues, Champion director Pradeep Advaitham has come out in support of the film. While acknowledging some flaws, he defended the Ram Charan-starrer’s core themes and took aim at a section of reviewers, calling them “idiots” for overlooking explanations that he believes are clearly presented in the film itself.
Advaitham shared his review on Instagram and described Peddi as a story about identity, dignity and belonging. He argued that the film's themes resonate far beyond its rural setting.
The director wrote, “What makes Peddi particularly relevant today is that beneath its rural setting lies a universal conflict the fight for identity. Peddi's struggle to be seen, respected, and accepted mirrors the identity struggles we see in society today. In a time when individuals and communities are constantly seeking recognition for who they are, his journey feels very relevant and modern. His fight is not just personal it reflects a larger human need for dignity, belonging, and self-respect.”
The director also praised Ram Charan for taking on a rooted role and credited filmmaker Buchi Babu Sana for backing an unconventional story. Pradeep said he had tremendous respect for Sana for convincing a star like Ram Charan to headline such a grounded script, adding that it required courage from both the filmmaker and the actor to tell a story like Peddi.
He further noted that Ram Charan does not merely play the titular character but lives it, describing Peddi as the kind of role that will remain in people's hearts and inspire countless athletes and dreamers from remote parts of India.
'REVIEWERS ARE IDIOTS'
Addressing the criticism surrounding the film, particularly the portrayal of women and the track involving Janhvi Kapoor's character, Advaitham admitted that some concerns were valid.
“I agree with some of the criticisms. The heroine's track could have been better, and certain dialogues are problematic and may not work for everyone. But what made me think that many Telugu reviewers are idiots was the criticism questioning why the villagers continue to live there instead of moving to places like Vizianagaram or Bobbili.”
He argued that the film itself answers those criticisms. Advaitham said the village is not merely a location but a home tied to generations of history, identity and belonging. He added that the film highlights the discrimination and social realities faced by marginalised communities, making their connection to the land central to the story.
Advaitham urged critics to engage more deeply with the film's themes rather than relying on quick reactions. He argued that many reviewers had focused on minute-by-minute observations instead of the larger ideas the filmmaker was trying to communicate.
PEDDI CONTROVERSY
The debate over the portrayal of women in Peddi gained momentum after viewers raised concerns about the depiction of Janhvi Kapoor's character, Achiyyamma, in the film.
Much of the criticism focused on her introduction and the way the romance unfolds on screen. Viewers objected to a sequence in which the camera focuses on her body for an extended period before revealing her face.
Concerns were also raised about scenes in which the protagonist enters her personal space and touches her without consent, later framing the act as an expression of love.
Critics argued that the narrative ultimately normalises such behaviour, with the relationship progressing without any repercussions for the character's actions.
Amid the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana issued an apology and acknowledged the concerns raised by audiences. In a statement shared on X, he said the team had taken the feedback seriously and would revise the portions of the film that had drawn criticism.
Peddi, which released in theatres on June 4, is set in rural Andhra Pradesh and follows the journey of a young man who uses sport to carve out an identity for himself and his community.
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film also stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar and Jagapathi Babu in key roles.
As Peddi continues to face criticism over its portrayal of women and certain dialogues, Champion director Pradeep Advaitham has come out in support of the film. While acknowledging some flaws, he defended the Ram Charan-starrer’s core themes and took aim at a section of reviewers, calling them “idiots” for overlooking explanations that he believes are clearly presented in the film itself.
Advaitham shared his review on Instagram and described Peddi as a story about identity, dignity and belonging. He argued that the film's themes resonate far beyond its rural setting.
The director wrote, “What makes Peddi particularly relevant today is that beneath its rural setting lies a universal conflict the fight for identity. Peddi's struggle to be seen, respected, and accepted mirrors the identity struggles we see in society today. In a time when individuals and communities are constantly seeking recognition for who they are, his journey feels very relevant and modern. His fight is not just personal it reflects a larger human need for dignity, belonging, and self-respect.”
The director also praised Ram Charan for taking on a rooted role and credited filmmaker Buchi Babu Sana for backing an unconventional story. Pradeep said he had tremendous respect for Sana for convincing a star like Ram Charan to headline such a grounded script, adding that it required courage from both the filmmaker and the actor to tell a story like Peddi.
He further noted that Ram Charan does not merely play the titular character but lives it, describing Peddi as the kind of role that will remain in people's hearts and inspire countless athletes and dreamers from remote parts of India.
'REVIEWERS ARE IDIOTS'
Addressing the criticism surrounding the film, particularly the portrayal of women and the track involving Janhvi Kapoor's character, Advaitham admitted that some concerns were valid.
“I agree with some of the criticisms. The heroine's track could have been better, and certain dialogues are problematic and may not work for everyone. But what made me think that many Telugu reviewers are idiots was the criticism questioning why the villagers continue to live there instead of moving to places like Vizianagaram or Bobbili.”
He argued that the film itself answers those criticisms. Advaitham said the village is not merely a location but a home tied to generations of history, identity and belonging. He added that the film highlights the discrimination and social realities faced by marginalised communities, making their connection to the land central to the story.
Advaitham urged critics to engage more deeply with the film's themes rather than relying on quick reactions. He argued that many reviewers had focused on minute-by-minute observations instead of the larger ideas the filmmaker was trying to communicate.
PEDDI CONTROVERSY
The debate over the portrayal of women in Peddi gained momentum after viewers raised concerns about the depiction of Janhvi Kapoor's character, Achiyyamma, in the film.
Much of the criticism focused on her introduction and the way the romance unfolds on screen. Viewers objected to a sequence in which the camera focuses on her body for an extended period before revealing her face.
Concerns were also raised about scenes in which the protagonist enters her personal space and touches her without consent, later framing the act as an expression of love.
Critics argued that the narrative ultimately normalises such behaviour, with the relationship progressing without any repercussions for the character's actions.
Amid the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana issued an apology and acknowledged the concerns raised by audiences. In a statement shared on X, he said the team had taken the feedback seriously and would revise the portions of the film that had drawn criticism.
Peddi, which released in theatres on June 4, is set in rural Andhra Pradesh and follows the journey of a young man who uses sport to carve out an identity for himself and his community.
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film also stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar and Jagapathi Babu in key roles.
