Snehashish roy
Ram Charan’s much-anticipated Telugu sports drama Peddi has found itself at the centre of a fresh controversy, not because of its box-office performance or scale, but over growing criticism surrounding the portrayal of its female lead, Janhvi Kapoor. The debate intensified after social media users noticed that the actor briefly “liked” a viral post criticising the film’s treatment of her character, Achiyamma, before later removing the reaction.
The controversy began when a social media post describing Peddi as “the most expensive disrespect to a leading woman in Indian cinema” started gaining traction online. The post alleged that Janhvi’s character had been reduced to a decorative role and lacked substantial involvement in the film’s core story. Fans soon noticed that Janhvi had briefly liked the post before the interaction disappeared, triggering speculation about whether she agreed with the criticism.
While the actor has not publicly commented on the matter, her brief interaction with the post became a major talking point among fans. Some interpreted it as a subtle acknowledgment of the criticism, while others argued that social media activity should not be overanalysed. The removal of the like only added to the speculation, with many wondering whether it was accidental or intentional.
The debate comes amid broader criticism directed at the film. Since its release, several viewers have expressed dissatisfaction with how Achiyamma was written, claiming the character exists largely to support the male protagonist’s emotional journey rather than having one of her own. Critics on social media have argued that many scenes involving Janhvi appear designed primarily to emphasise glamour rather than character development.
Some users went further, accusing the film of objectifying the actress. Viral posts criticised what they described as an excessive focus on the heroine’s appearance and romantic chemistry at the expense of narrative depth. The criticism quickly expanded beyond Peddi, evolving into a broader discussion about how female characters continue to be written in commercial cinema despite growing calls for more balanced storytelling.
The controversy is particularly notable because Peddi was one of Janhvi Kapoor’s biggest Telugu projects to date. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film stars Ram Charan in the title role and was positioned as a major pan-India release. Reports indicate that the production was mounted on a massive scale, with a reported budget of around ₹300 crore, making it one of the most expensive Telugu films in recent years.
For Janhvi, the project represented another significant step in her expansion beyond Hindi cinema. The actor, daughter of legendary star Sridevi, had previously appeared in Telugu cinema and was expected to play a major role in Peddi’s narrative. However, audience reactions suggest many viewers felt those expectations were not met.
The debate arrives just days after Janhvi spoke about how audiences are often quick to judge films and performances. During a promotional interaction, she described filmmaking as an “act of service” and said feedback from viewers helps artists improve their work. The actor emphasised that public criticism, while sometimes harsh, remains an important part of the creative process.
Neither Janhvi Kapoor nor the makers of Peddi have issued an official statement addressing the latest controversy. However, the actor’s brief social media interaction has ensured that conversations about Achiyamma’s role continue to dominate online discussions around the film.