Peddi row: Buchi Babu confirms misleading Janhvi Kapoor shots have been removed

Janhvi Kapoor and Buchi Babu (Pic/Instagram)

The release of Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, has sparked a major debate online. While audiences have largely praised Ram Charan's performance in the sports drama, many have also expressed disappointment over the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character. Director Buchi Babu has now assured that he has removed the misleading shots.

Buchi Babu on Janhvi's portrayal in Peddi

In an interview with Indian Express, the filmmaker said, "In my opinion, a lot of people misread Janhvi Kapoor's track as unnecessary in an otherwise good story."

Comparing it with his previous film, Buchi Babu explained that with Peddi, the approach was deliberately different. "In this film, I went a little radical because Peddi comes from a remote place, somewhere far away in the hills. I wanted to show the rawness and later correct it in the end, saying that this guy is this way because of his upbringing and environment. For such a character, he thinks he has to marry the woman he loves."

He also admitted where it went wrong. "In this process, a few shots turned misleading. We have taken corrective measures to remove them, and we have removed them."

Among the scenes criticised as objectifying Janhvi was her introduction shot, in which the camera hardly remains focused on her face and keeps moving from her navel to her waist and cleavage. Another scene shows Charan's Peddi kissing her without consent.

As discussions grow louder, Jagapathi Babu, who also starred in Peddi, defended Janhvi and urged trolls not to bother her. He said, "Don't troll artists in matters of cinema. Unfortunately, that girl did as the director told her. Sometimes it misfires."

Peddi box office

Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor's Peddi continues to post strong numbers at the box office, with the film crossing Rs 315 crore worldwide in just five 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.