The controversy surrounding Buchi Babu Sana’s sports action drama ‘Peddi’ continues to gather momentum, with criticism mounting over the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyyamma. Several viewers have taken issue with what they describe as the excessive sexualisation of the female lead, pointing to scenes that repeatedly focus on her body while the male protagonist speaks about her beauty.Actor Kangana Ranaut has now weighed in on the larger conversation around the objectification of women in cinema. While promoting her upcoming film ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’, Kangana was asked how she ensures that the characters she portrays are not objectified on screen.Responding to the question, she said in an interview with PTI, “By and large, as per my experience it has always been that when I agree to do a film, there are so many various perspectives… you can bring light to that and say, ‘Thoda sa aisa bhi sound kar raha hain yeh’. They may not want to objectify or something but aise toh koi bhi filmein nahi banana chah raha hain ki aao inko objectify kare (An actor can speak up and point out when it is souding different. No one would want to make films with the intention to objectify them).’”Kangana further explained that conversations with filmmakers often help address such concerns, adding, “Maine kya dekha hua hain ki woh log uss tarah se sochte nahi hain… ki oh achcha aisa lag raha hain. As a woman aap apna side rakh sakte ho. Ha, ye aisa lag raha hain, ki aap aisa kehna chah rahe hain aur ye achcha nahi lag raha and mostly sab agree karte hain ki nahi nahi hum ne actually socha nahi ki as a set of men hum logo ne jab likha tab nahi laga ki galat tha. Toh aisi baatein ho jaati hain. Agar aap kaam kar rahe hein kisi film pe toh its like a collaboration (I have seen that the makers do not think like that. As a woman one can put their perspective that this is looking different, that it is not looking good. Mostly, the others will agree with you. Because while writing the same set of room had not thought of it like that. So things like that can happen. When one has said yes to a film, it is a collaboration).”The criticism against ‘Peddi’ has particularly centred on its romantic track. Some viewers have argued that certain scenes fail to distinguish between romance and consent. One sequence that drew widespread attention shows Peddi, played by Ram Charan, pursuing Achiyyamma despite her apparent disinterest before kissing her during a power outage without her consent. The scene triggered heated discussions online, with many social media users describing it as assault and questioning why the behaviour is treated differently from similar actions by a character who is clearly depicted as a villain.Amid the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana issued a statement on Saturday addressing the concerns raised by audiences. “As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected,” he wrote.Meanwhile, Kangana is gearing up for the release of ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’, in which she plays a staff nurse whose tireless service and compassion often go unnoticed despite her crucial role in public welfare. The film follows the story of ordinary people who displayed extraordinary bravery to save more than 400 lives during a devastating terror attack. It is scheduled to arrive in theatres on June 12.
