Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal of Achiyyamma in Peddi faced criticism from a section of viewers who felt that the actor was oversexualised, with unnecessary focus on her “waist, midriff and backside.” These concerns sparked widespread discussion online, eventually prompting the makers to revisit the film and remove some of the scenes in question.
Janhvi Kapoor has now addressed the Peddi controversy on Koffee with Karan season 9. The actress reflected on being part of a film narrative that she now considers problematic. She acknowledged that she found it difficult to speak up during the process but also took responsibility for her own decisions. She further expressed hope that the experience would encourage filmmakers to reconsider how women are portrayed in cinema.
Janhvi Kapoor breaks silence on Peddi controversy
When Karan asked Janhvi how she felt about the whole controversy that took place after Peddi, she responded, “I felt many things, Karan. I think the reason I was so apprehensive about talking about it was that many people worked very hard on that film, and I really did not know what to say or whether there was anything to say. I must take ownership of my part in whatever that fiasco was, because the thought that this narrative could impact negatively on our society, specifically on my gender, weighs heavily on my conscience.”
Janhvi feels guilty for not speaking up strongly
Janhvi feels that she could have challenged those scenes or insisted on changes rather than accepting the situation as it unfolded. She further added, “I think that shame is something I will always carry with me. Could I have done more? Could I have been more vigilant? Could I have made a bigger scene? A hundred per cent, yes. Was it problematic? Was it extreme objectification? Did it even propagate sexual assault narratively? Yes. But the only thing I can do is ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”
Janhvi also explained the difficulty of navigating creative authority while trying to protect her own comfort and boundaries. “I feel that I went through the process of really beating myself up. I kept thinking that I should have been more vigilant and should have made a bigger scene. Again, I don’t like saying this because it seems like I am shifting blame, but you know how it is: whatever the director says, you have to be professional and listen to them. So, I was really navigating how to make things less problematic to the best of my ability as more information became available to me. In the South, there is rarely a bound script, and you very rarely see camera angles mentioned in those scripts,” she said.
Janhvi said that, coming from a place of privilege, she could have challenged the decision rather than remain silent. She added, “That said, I also need to take responsibility for my part in it. I do come from a place of privilege, and I should have taken advantage of that because I am going to face criticism for being privileged, so I might as well have leveraged it.”
Janhvi talks about discomfort during those scenes
When Karan asked whether she felt let down by the director Buchi Babu, she denied, saying she does not want to be seen as a victim or shift all the blame on someone else. The actress said, “No. God, I get so conscious when I speak about it because I don’t want to sound like I am playing the victim. I mean, it was a violating experience in a way. I feel both of you have been with me through the process of trying to articulate my discomfort throughout the shoot and even during post-production.”
What does Janhvi hope should change?
With her experience, she hopes someone may think twice before presenting a lead actress this way. “I think the good thing that came out of all this is that maybe tomorrow, someone else will think twice before presenting a lead actress this way. I am glad that tomorrow, if someone says they are not comfortable with something, perhaps they won’t be made to look that way,” Janhvi concluded.
KWK S9: Janhvi Kapoor admits Peddi scenes were 'extreme objectification'
