Ram Charan, Buchi Babu watch Peddi amid Janhvi row, internet seeks accountability
Ram Charan joined director Buchi Babu Sana for a surprise Peddi screening in Hyderabad. The visit has renewed scrutiny of the film as criticism over its portrayal of women continues.
Many social media users questioned Ram Charan's silence on the hypersexualisation of Janhvi Kapoor's character in Peddi after the actor visited a theatre with director Buchi Babu Sana on Sunday to watch the film with audiences. Charan, who plays a sportsperson in the film, surprised the fans at Hyderabad's Prasads Multiplex.
While the visit excited the fans, videos from the screening soon went viral, with many asking Charan to respond to the concerns surrounding the film's portrayal of its heroine - Janhvi's Achiyamma.
Ram Charan, who had largely stayed away from public appearances related to the film after its release, marked his first visit to a public screening, where he was seen watching audience reactions during a houseful show.
Watch some clips here:
Several social media users questioned the timings of Charan's appearance. One social media user commented on the viral video of Charan's visit to the theatre: "They might be wondering where the problem arose and how to make the next movie (sic)."
The discussion emerged as viewers argued that Achiyyamma's introduction places disproportionate emphasis on her physical appearance rather than her character arc or role in the narrative.
One social media user commented, "They might be wondering where the problem arose and how to make the next movie (sic)." Another comment read, "Normalise calling out men for their participation in these films/scenes/songs (sic)."
See some comments here:
What is the controversy surrounding Peddi?
One of the scenes that has come under scrutiny involves Peddi, played by Ram Charan, pursuing a romantic relationship with Achiyyamma despite her apparent lack of interest. Critics of the film have pointed to a sequence that culminates in a kiss without her consent.
The controversy intensified further after screenshots of messages, purportedly sent by Janhvi Kapoor, were shared by several fan accounts. The messages appeared to suggest that the actor had repeatedly voiced concerns about the way some of her scenes were being shot.
Director Buchi Babu Sana issues clarification
Following the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology on X, acknowledging the concerns raised by viewers.
"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. If any part of the film has been perceived that way, we respect those sentiments, understand the concerns being raised, and sincerely apologise. After reviewing the feedback, we have decided to make changes to the concerned portions," a part of his statement read.
Read his statement here:
Despite the backlash and Buchi Babu's apology, the portions criticised for their portrayal of women are still being shown in theatres.
On the other hand, Peddi has continued its strong run at the box office, collecting over Rs 150 crore nett in India, and grossing Rs 250 crore globally. The film also features Boman Irani, Divyenndu and Shiva Rajkumar in key roles.
Many social media users questioned Ram Charan's silence on the hypersexualisation of Janhvi Kapoor's character in Peddi after the actor visited a theatre with director Buchi Babu Sana on Sunday to watch the film with audiences. Charan, who plays a sportsperson in the film, surprised the fans at Hyderabad's Prasads Multiplex.
While the visit excited the fans, videos from the screening soon went viral, with many asking Charan to respond to the concerns surrounding the film's portrayal of its heroine - Janhvi's Achiyamma.
Ram Charan, who had largely stayed away from public appearances related to the film after its release, marked his first visit to a public screening, where he was seen watching audience reactions during a houseful show.
Watch some clips here:
Several social media users questioned the timings of Charan's appearance. One social media user commented on the viral video of Charan's visit to the theatre: "They might be wondering where the problem arose and how to make the next movie (sic)."
The discussion emerged as viewers argued that Achiyyamma's introduction places disproportionate emphasis on her physical appearance rather than her character arc or role in the narrative.
One social media user commented, "They might be wondering where the problem arose and how to make the next movie (sic)." Another comment read, "Normalise calling out men for their participation in these films/scenes/songs (sic)."
See some comments here:
What is the controversy surrounding Peddi?
One of the scenes that has come under scrutiny involves Peddi, played by Ram Charan, pursuing a romantic relationship with Achiyyamma despite her apparent lack of interest. Critics of the film have pointed to a sequence that culminates in a kiss without her consent.
The controversy intensified further after screenshots of messages, purportedly sent by Janhvi Kapoor, were shared by several fan accounts. The messages appeared to suggest that the actor had repeatedly voiced concerns about the way some of her scenes were being shot.
Director Buchi Babu Sana issues clarification
Following the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology on X, acknowledging the concerns raised by viewers.
"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. If any part of the film has been perceived that way, we respect those sentiments, understand the concerns being raised, and sincerely apologise. After reviewing the feedback, we have decided to make changes to the concerned portions," a part of his statement read.
Read his statement here:
Despite the backlash and Buchi Babu's apology, the portions criticised for their portrayal of women are still being shown in theatres.
On the other hand, Peddi has continued its strong run at the box office, collecting over Rs 150 crore nett in India, and grossing Rs 250 crore globally. The film also features Boman Irani, Divyenndu and Shiva Rajkumar in key roles.
