Janhvi Kapoor has addressed criticism of her portrayal in Peddi, reflecting on her discomfort during the filmmaking process and her regret over not challenging certain choices more forcefully.
Speaking on Koffee With Karan Season 9 alongside Varun Dhawan, Kapoor discussed objectification, professional expectations and the responsibility she feels for her part in the film. Here are five key points from the conversation, as reported by entertainment outlets.
1. She described it as a “violating experience”
Kapoor said discussing the subject made her uncomfortable because she did not want to appear to be presenting herself solely as a victim.
Nevertheless, she described the experience as “violating” and said she had tried to communicate her discomfort during filming and post-production.
2. She acknowledged concerns about objectification and consent
Kapoor agreed that the portrayal involved extreme objectification. She also expressed concern that aspects of the narrative could reinforce harmful ideas about sexual assault.
These were her criticisms of the film’s representation—not a finding that a real-world assault occurred during production. Keeping that distinction clear is important when reporting her remarks.
3. She regretted not raising stronger objections
The actor questioned whether she could have been more vigilant and more assertive in expressing her concerns.
She said the potential impact of such storytelling on women weighed on her conscience. Rather than distancing herself entirely from the film, she acknowledged responsibility for her own participation.
4. She discussed the pressure to follow a director’s instructions
Kapoor explained that expectations around professionalism complicated how she responded. She recalled trying to make scenes less problematic as information became available to her.
At the same time, she said her position within the industry gave her influence she could have used more effectively. Her explanation combined concerns about the working process with an acknowledgement of her own agency.
5. She wants the experience to change future decisions
Kapoor said her priority was to prevent a similar situation from happening again.
She also hoped the discussion would encourage filmmakers to reconsider how they present female characters and respond more constructively when an actor expresses discomfort.
What was the Peddi controversy?
The Buchi Babu Sana-directed film, starring Ram Charan and Kapoor, faced criticism over its camera work, dialogue and treatment of the romantic storyline. Some viewers argued that portions objectified Kapoor’s character and framed non-consensual behaviour as romance.
In June, the director issued an apology and announced changes to the disputed material. He said disrespecting women had not been the intention behind the film.
In a subsequent interview with The Indian Express, Sana said corrective edits had been made. He also defended the intended character arc while acknowledging that some shots had conveyed a misleading impression.
Kapoor’s later comments add her perspective to that discussion, particularly on an actor’s ability to raise concerns and the shared responsibility involved in screen representation.
