The recent release of the Telugu film *Peddi* has ignited significant controversy over the portrayal of its female lead, Achiyyamma, played by Janhvi Kapoor. Critics and audiences have raised concerns about the objectification of Kapoor’s character, particularly highlighting an introductory scene where the camera lingers on various parts of her body before revealing her face. This sequence has been criticized for prioritizing the male gaze over meaningful character development. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amid-backlash-over-janhvi-kapoors-objectification-in-peddi-ratna-pathak-shahs-old-comments-go-viral-why-am-i-not-standing-up/articleshow/131558803.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Resurfacing of Ratna Pathak Shah’s 2018 Remarks**
Amidst this backlash, a 2018 video featuring actress Ratna Pathak Shah has resurfaced, gaining widespread attention. In the clip, Shah discusses the responsibility of female actors in choosing roles that do not objectify them. She stated, “Everyone who decides to act in a film, every woman… those women should also stand up and say ‘no, I don’t feel doing a part like this’.” Shah acknowledged the challenges faced by women in the industry, noting that not all have the financial security to decline such roles. She added, “Particularly since I have got a mummy or daddy to bankroll this, at least at this time I won’t. Silk Smitha didn’t get a chance to say that.” ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amid-backlash-over-janhvi-kapoors-objectification-in-peddi-ratna-pathak-shahs-old-comments-go-viral-why-am-i-not-standing-up/articleshow/131558803.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Janhvi Kapoor’s Stance on Consent and Objectification**
In a related development, an interview from April 2026 featuring Janhvi Kapoor has resurfaced amid the *Peddi* controversy. During the interview, Kapoor expressed her discomfort with the sexualization of individuals without their consent, stating, “Sexualising someone without their consent, I’m not okay with that.” She emphasized the importance of respecting boundaries and the need for actors to assert their comfort levels on set. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/sexualising-someone-without-their-consent-im-not-okay-with-that-janhvi-kapoors-old-interview-resurfaces-amid-peddi-backlash-over-achiyyammas-portrayal/articleshow/131529711.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Director Buchi Babu Sana’s Response**
Director Buchi Babu Sana has addressed the criticism surrounding *Peddi*, expressing surprise at the negative reception of certain scenes. He admitted, “I had not anticipated that the scenes would be perceived so negatively by audiences.” Sana acknowledged the need for more careful consideration in the portrayal of female characters in future projects. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/well-be-more-careful-peddi-director-buchi-babu-sana-reacts-to-criticism-over-janhvi-kapoors-character-portrayal/amp_articleshow/131536103.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Industry Conversations on Female Representation**
The controversy surrounding *Peddi* has sparked broader discussions about the representation of women in cinema. Actress Bhumi Pednekar highlighted the industry’s responsibility in shaping societal attitudes, stating, “We need to become more responsible… every time you are smacking a girl’s butt, there are going to be 10 boys in a small little village in India doing the same thing and they think it’s okay.” ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amid-backlash-over-janhvi-kapoors-objectification-in-peddi-ratna-pathak-shahs-old-comments-go-viral-why-am-i-not-standing-up/articleshow/131558803.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Conclusion**
The backlash against *Peddi* underscores the ongoing challenges in the film industry regarding the objectification and representation of women. The resurfacing of Ratna Pathak Shah’s 2018 remarks and Janhvi Kapoor’s recent statements highlight the importance of consent and the need for actors to have agency in their roles. As the industry continues to evolve, these conversations are crucial in fostering a more respectful and equitable environment for all artists.
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