Mumbai: Actress and politician Kangana Ranaut has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the film Peddi, saying that filmmakers do not always realize when certain creative choices may be perceived as objectifying women by audiences.
The debate erupted after the release of Peddi on June 4, with several viewers criticizing the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyamma. Social media users raised concerns over repeated close-up shots, suggestive camera angles, and certain dialogues involving the film’s lead character played by Ram Charan.
The backlash prompted director Buchi Babu Sana to announce changes to the disputed scenes. While apologizing to audiences, the filmmaker stated that it was never his intention to objectify women or make viewers uncomfortable.
Speaking on the controversy, Kangana emphasized the importance of communication between actors and directors during the filmmaking process. She said creative teams should openly discuss concerns regarding characterization and presentation, as some filmmakers may not immediately recognize how certain scenes could be interpreted by audiences.
According to Kangana, actors have a responsibility to share their perspective when they feel a scene or portrayal may be problematic. She noted that filmmaking is a collaborative effort and that constructive dialogue can often help avoid misunderstandings and improve the final product.
The controversy has fueled wider discussions within the film industry about the representation of women on screen, the use of the male gaze in cinema, and the responsibility of filmmakers to balance artistic expression with audience sensitivity.
As discussions continue online, Peddi remains at the center of a broader conversation about gender representation and evolving audience expectations in Indian cinema.
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