Ram Charan's much-awaited sports drama Peddi has opened to strong box office numbers and largely positive reviews for its scale, performances and emotional storytelling. However, the film has also found itself at the center of a heated debate over the portrayal of its female lead, Janhvi Kapoor.
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi follows the journey of a man fighting for identity and dignity for his marginalized community. Critics have praised the film's ambitious narrative, emotional core and Ram Charan's commanding performance, with several reviewers calling it one of his strongest outings in recent years.
While Ram Charan has received widespread acclaim, many viewers have expressed disappointment over the writing of Janhvi Kapoor's character, Achiyamma. Social media users have criticized the film for giving her limited narrative importance, arguing that her role serves more as a visual presence than a fully developed character.
The criticism intensified online after several viewers accused the film of relying on outdated portrayals of women and excessive glamorization. Some audience members described the romantic track as one of the weaker aspects of the film, claiming it slows the narrative and fails to give Janhvi's character meaningful agency.
Adding fuel to the discussion, fans noticed that Janhvi Kapoor briefly "liked" a social media post criticizing her character's treatment in the film before the interaction was later removed. The move sparked speculation about whether the actress shared similar concerns regarding her role.
Interestingly, an older interview of Janhvi Kapoor has resurfaced amid the controversy. In the interview, the actress spoke about the importance of consent and her discomfort with the objectification of women, comments that many social media users are now linking to the ongoing debate surrounding Peddi.
Despite the criticism, Peddi has emerged as a commercial success, posting an impressive opening-day collection worldwide and reinforcing Ram Charan's box-office pull. The film's performance suggests that while audiences are connecting with its larger themes and star power, conversations about female representation continue to shape its public reception.
As Peddi continues its theatrical run, the film stands as both a box-office winner and a reminder that modern audiences are increasingly demanding stronger, more nuanced roles for women in mainstream cinema.