Kangana Ranaut says actors must speak up if they feel objectified amid Janhvi Kapoor's Peddi backlash

Kangana Ranaut. Pic via Yogen Shah

Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut recently opened up about the ongoing discussion surrounding the portrayal of women in films amid the debate surrounding Janhvi Kapoor's Peddi controversy, where she was objectified in the film, facing massive backlash from audiences over her portrayal in it.

Kangana Ranaut on the objectification of women

During an interview with PTI, Kangana responded to the question, saying, "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 sounding different. No one would want to make films with the intention to objectify them)."

Kangana further explained how 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)."

About the Peddi controversy

After the online backlash surrounding the alleged oversexualisation of Janhvi Kapoor in Peddi, director Buchi Babu Sana responded publicly and apologised on social media. He also confirmed that the scenes will be edited in the film.

Buchi Babu Sana wrote, "As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. We have heard the feedback regarding certain scenes in Peddi and have taken it seriously. I have always had immense respect for women, both on and off screen, and it was never our intention to objectify or disrespect any female character."