Don't like item songs? Peddi lyricist says you are the 'item'
As the debate over Peddi's dance number, Hellello, continues to grow online, lyricist Anantha Sriram has now responded to the criticism. Speaking at the film's success event, he defended the song and the makers' creative choices.
Peddi lyricist Anantha Sriram recently weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the film's dance number Hellello and the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character, Achiyyamma. Since the release of the Ram Charan-starrer, social media has been abuzz with discussions about the song and the character, with many viewers questioning their depiction on screen.
While critics argued that Achiyyamma lacked narrative agency and that parts of the film veered into objectification, Sriram defended both the song and director Buchi Babu Sana's creative choices, pushing back against the criticism.
Speaking at the film's success event on Sunday, Sriram was asked about the criticism surrounding the song and the portrayal of women in the film. Responding to the debate, he said, "For those who enjoy item songs for what they are, this song is like a special dish. As for those who do not enjoy them, they are the ones who are items." The remark quickly drew attention online, with many social media users criticising the statement and calling it problematic.
Here's the Video:
The lyricist also argued that criticism should be clear and specific rather than driven by emotion. "If there are allegations, they should be specific. We do not have to respond to people who simply shout out of emotion or speak with a hidden agenda," he said, adding another layer to the ongoing conversation around the film.
Backing Buchi Babu Sana, Sriram suggested that the controversy had grown into a larger debate about artistic freedom and creative expression. According to him, a character behaves in a certain way because that is the director's imagination, and filmmakers should be allowed the freedom to portray characters without excessive restrictions.
He also questioned whether increasing pressure from social media was limiting creativity, asking, "If a director is not even given the freedom to portray a character in this way, what have we done to creativity?"
Sriram's remarks come after Buchi Babu Sana publicly apologised to audiences who were uncomfortable with the portrayal of Achiyyamma and announced that changes would be made to portions of the film.
Despite the online discourse, Peddi has continued its strong run in theatres. The film stars Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles, alongside Boman Irani, Divyenndu and Jagapathi Babu.
Peddi lyricist Anantha Sriram recently weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the film's dance number Hellello and the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character, Achiyyamma. Since the release of the Ram Charan-starrer, social media has been abuzz with discussions about the song and the character, with many viewers questioning their depiction on screen.
While critics argued that Achiyyamma lacked narrative agency and that parts of the film veered into objectification, Sriram defended both the song and director Buchi Babu Sana's creative choices, pushing back against the criticism.
Speaking at the film's success event on Sunday, Sriram was asked about the criticism surrounding the song and the portrayal of women in the film. Responding to the debate, he said, "For those who enjoy item songs for what they are, this song is like a special dish. As for those who do not enjoy them, they are the ones who are items." The remark quickly drew attention online, with many social media users criticising the statement and calling it problematic.
Here's the Video:
The lyricist also argued that criticism should be clear and specific rather than driven by emotion. "If there are allegations, they should be specific. We do not have to respond to people who simply shout out of emotion or speak with a hidden agenda," he said, adding another layer to the ongoing conversation around the film.
Backing Buchi Babu Sana, Sriram suggested that the controversy had grown into a larger debate about artistic freedom and creative expression. According to him, a character behaves in a certain way because that is the director's imagination, and filmmakers should be allowed the freedom to portray characters without excessive restrictions.
He also questioned whether increasing pressure from social media was limiting creativity, asking, "If a director is not even given the freedom to portray a character in this way, what have we done to creativity?"
Sriram's remarks come after Buchi Babu Sana publicly apologised to audiences who were uncomfortable with the portrayal of Achiyyamma and announced that changes would be made to portions of the film.
Despite the online discourse, Peddi has continued its strong run in theatres. The film stars Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles, alongside Boman Irani, Divyenndu and Jagapathi Babu.
