Gayatri Chaganti comments on Janhvi Kapoor amid Peddi backlash: 'She doesn't miss a chance to sexualize every character'

Gayatri Chaganti on Janhvi Kapoor (Pics/Instagram)

Peddi was released in theatres on June 4. Since its release, the Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor-led sports drama has faced backlash over its portrayal of the female lead, with viewers accusing the film of objectifying her. While several celebrities have commented on a post condemning Janhvi's portrayal, actress Gayatri Chaganti has now weighed in on the debate.

Gayatri Chaganti on Janhvi Kapoor's portrayal in Peddi

A post on social media read, "Peddi: The Most Expensive Disrespect Ever Paid to a Leading Woman in Indian Cinema." Commenting on Recommendation Community's page (@recommendationcommunity) on Instagram, actress Gayatri Chaganti wrote, "If we're being real here, no one is hiring her for her acting chops. In fact, she doesn't miss any chance to sexualise every character through her costumes (irrespective of the backstory). Her body is her whole image. I am all for flaunting glamour when the character needs to. Go on, do your thing."

She further added, "But in a film like Param Sundari? Total unnecessary. All her 'traditional modest outfits' are still made to look sexy. Then she suddenly rips into an explicitly revealing saree for her engagement song, happening in rural Kerala. Not to forget Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. Her cleavage is seen even in the scenes where she's playing a teacher, a preschool teacher no less. I can name ten more such instances, but you get the picture."

For those unversed, Kapoor plays Charan's love interest, Achiyyamma, in the Buchi Babu Sana directorial. Netizens who watched the film on opening day have expressed their disappointment and disgust at the way Kapoor has been hyper-sexualised in the film. The audience pointed out that one of the scenes sees Kapoor's character getting kissed without consent.

Peddi box office

Meanwhile, Peddi has opened to strong numbers at the box office. According to the makers, the Ram Charan-starrer grossed over Rs 135.36 crore worldwide on its opening day.

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.