Aditi Balan Criticises Janhvi Kapoor’s ‘Peddi’ Character, Says She Deserved More to Do

Actress Aditi Balan has shared her thoughts on the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character in Peddi, saying she felt the role could have been written with greater depth and given more substance to perform.

Buchi Babu Sana’s Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, drew attention after its theatrical release, with aspects of the female lead’s character becoming a subject of discussion among viewers and film audiences.

In a conversation with Cine X, Aditi spoke about the film while discussing the evolution of female characters in Indian cinema. She questioned why Janhvi’s character had been written in the way it was and suggested that the role could have offered the actress considerably more to explore.

“I watched one film recently called Peddi. I am thinking why would they write a character such as Janhvi Kapoor’s character which is so wrong,” Aditi said.

Aditi Balan wants stronger roles for female actors

Aditi’s criticism was focused on the writing of the character rather than Janhvi Kapoor’s performance. She suggested that the role could have been developed into a more meaningful part of the story instead of being limited in its purpose.

According to Aditi, female characters should have their own narrative importance and should contribute meaningfully to a film’s story.

She said Janhvi’s character should have had “something for her to do” rather than being reduced to a role that would “just come, dance and go.”

Her comments came in the broader context of a discussion about how women are represented in Indian cinema and whether female actors are receiving roles that allow them to demonstrate their range.

The conversation also touched upon the changing expectations of audiences, with Aditi pointing to films in which women are increasingly being given stronger and more action-oriented parts.

Aditi Balan praises Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’

During the same conversation, Aditi also discussed Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Maa Inti Bangaram and described its success as an encouraging development for female actors.

She said the film’s reception was a positive indication that audiences are willing to watch women take on physically demanding roles, including characters involved in action and stunts.

For Aditi, the growing acceptance of such roles reflects a shift in the way audiences view female protagonists. She believes women can lead films while carrying characters that are not defined solely by their romantic relationships with male protagonists.

Aditi also referred to earlier filmmakers, including Balu Mahendra, while discussing the quality of female characters in older Indian films. She observed that cinema has, at different points, moved away from giving women substantial roles and increasingly positioned them primarily as love interests.

Her comments underline the importance of character writing in determining how female actors are represented on screen.

Janhvi Kapoor’s role in ‘Peddi’ sparks discussion

Janhvi Kapoor stars opposite Ram Charan in Peddi, directed by Buchi Babu Sana. While the film has generated considerable interest because of its cast and scale, the treatment of its female lead has also become part of the wider conversation surrounding the movie.

Aditi’s remarks add another perspective to that discussion. Rather than questioning Janhvi’s abilities as an actor, she focused on the opportunities provided by the screenplay and the extent to which the character was allowed to participate in the story.

The debate also reflects a larger question in Indian cinema: whether female characters in mainstream films are being written as complete individuals with their own motivations, conflicts and narrative arcs.

Aditi Balan’s upcoming projects

Aditi Balan has primarily worked across Malayalam and Tamil cinema. She is currently seen as Padmavathi in G.D.N., the R. Madhavan-led film directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar.

The actress is also part of 666 Operation Dream Theater, which features Shivarajkumar and Dhananjay. Her other upcoming projects include Non-Violence and Bouma.

With several projects in different stages, Aditi continues to work across South Indian cinema while also speaking openly about the kind of roles and representation she believes female actors deserve.