As debate around Peddi’s portrayal of women continues to dominate online conversations, actor Jagapathi Babu has come out in support of his co-star Janhvi Kapoor, urging audiences to direct criticism at the film rather than individuals involved in it.
The actor, who played Appalasuri in Buchi Babu Sana’s sports drama, said it was unfair to hold Janhvi personally accountable for creative decisions that ultimately rest with the filmmaker.
Speaking to Telugu360 Digital, Jagapathi Babu argued that actors often step into projects with trust in a director’s vision and perform roles accordingly. “It’s unfair to go after that girl. We don’t know what her personal opinion was or whether she agreed with every decision creatively,” he said.
He further stressed that performers do not always dictate how their characters are conceived or presented onscreen. “It’s not as though she insisted on it. She did what the director asked her to do. As actors, we work within the world the director creates. Sometimes things connect, sometimes they don’t,” he said, adding that he stood by Janhvi amid the criticism.
His comments arrive days after director Buchi Babu Sana publicly responded to criticism over the depiction of Janhvi Kapoor’s character Achiyamma. The filmmaker apologised to viewers who found certain portions uncomfortable and announced that changes would be made to the theatrical cut.
Peddi had drawn criticism from a section of viewers who accused the film of hypersexualising Janhvi’s character. Despite the director’s apology and promise of revisions, some of the questioned portions reportedly continue to remain in theatrical screenings.
Calling for restraint in public discourse, Jagapathi Babu said viewers are free to like or dislike a film but should avoid turning criticism into personal attacks. “If you have an opinion, express it about the film. Don’t isolate an artist, troll them, or cause mental distress,” he said.
Starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles, Peddi has continued to draw audiences despite the controversy surrounding it. The film's box office collections have reached a total India gross of Rs 200 crore.
