Ever since its release, Ram Charan's Peddi has been the centre of controversies for what audiences termed as "hypersexualised" and "vulgar" portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character Achiyamma in the sports action drama. After the backlash intensified, director Buchi Babu Sana apologised and clarified that there was never any intention to objectify or disrespect any female character in the film. However, the discussion continues to grow, highlighting the ongoing debate around representation and portrayal of women in mainstream cinema.
Amidst the row, Sai Pallavi's year-old video, speaking about how she selects her scripts has been going viral on social media. In the interview she gave ahead of the release of Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya and herself in the lead, the actor was seen underlining the importance of the "director's vision" along with the script and the filmmaker for her to choose any movie. "Previously, I used to feel that the script is very important, and then the director. Now, I feel that along with the director, the director's vision is also equally pertinent. The number of things that I look at to sign films has differed over time," she said.
When probed about the popular films she had rejected in the past, she said, "I'm sure they are great films and they have done really well, but sometimes, if you don't connect with the story, I feel you shouldn't take another person's opportunity. Someone else might have performed better. Just because I am not in sync and I don't give my 100 per cent, doesn't mean I should take it because it is mine," she explaining, underlining how the director and his vision make the entirety of the film.
"At the end of the day, it is the director who makes you and your film. What you sell as a person is just in the interviews and how people see you outside. But people are here to watch your movies," she added.
Her views have sparked discussions on social media with many praising her for choosing "strong roles" and rejecting movies with roles she isn't comfortable to play.
Earlier on Sunday, Nithya Menen expressed her views on the Peddi controversy, describing it as a widespread industry trend fuelled by the commercial demands of mainstream entertainment. She noted that actors should establish clearer boundaries and be willing to voice their discomfort when they feel a scene crosses a line.
Set against the backdrop of Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, the story of Peddi follows a determined young man who dreams of bringing recognition to his village and its people. His journey takes him through different sporting disciplines, including cricket, wrestling, and para sports, as he battles numerous challenges to achieve his goal.
With music by AR Rahman, the cast of Peddi also features Shivarajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyenndu and Boman Irani.
