08 June,2026 01:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Jagapathi Babu on Janhvi Kapoor (Pics/Google Images)
Filmmaker Buchi Babu Sana's Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, has sparked controversy among audiences. Many viewers are criticising the hypersexualised portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character. As discussions grow louder, Jagapathi Babu, who also starred in Peddi, defended Janhvi and urged trolls not to bother her.
As per Eenadu, the actor addressed the criticism and said, "Don't troll artists in matters of cinema. Unfortunately, that girl did as the director told her. Sometimes it misfires. I support Janhvi Kapoor in this matter. Don't target her personally. Don't bother her mentally by trolling her."
A few days ago, Peddi director Buchi Babu Sana apologised for the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character following criticism over objectification. Acknowledging audience concerns, he promised modifications to certain scenes.
As per Eenadu, the actor also opened up about the response to his role and said, "After the release of Peddi, a big director called me. Why didn't anyone recognise you even though you played a great role in Peddi? If the same role had been played by actors from another language, they would have highlighted it better. They would have offered them 20 films."
He added, "If I did it in Kannada, they would have respected me there. I also asked Buchi Babu the same question after the release of Peddi. Why aren't you talking about me now? Are you forgetting me? I asked. I gave my life for the film Peddi. That's why I have the right to ask for recognition. I have never asked this for other films. Peddi is a film that still deserves recognition."
Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor's Peddi continues to post strong numbers at the box office, with the film crossing Rs 233 crore worldwide in just four days. The sports action drama, set in rural Andhra Pradesh during the 1980s, follows the journey of a lower-caste villager who turns to wrestling in a bid to earn recognition and dignity for his community.
Apart from Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, the film also stars Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyenndu, and Boman Irani in key roles. The film features music by A. R. Rahman and cinematography by Ratnavelu.
