The conversation around Peddi and its portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character Achiyyamma continues to evolve, with lyricist Anantha Sriram now entering the discussion and making a case for protecting creative choices in filmmaking.
Speaking at the film’s success event on Sunday, Anantha responded to the recent criticism directed at director Buchi Babu Sana, whose depiction of Achiyyamma had drawn objections online. Many viewers had argued that the character’s writing leaned into objectification and denied her narrative agency, prompting the filmmaker to issue a public apology and announce changes to portions that audiences found inappropriate.
Without directly contesting viewers’ reactions, Sriram appeared uncomfortable with the expectation that creators must alter artistic decisions in response to public opinion.
“A character exists because someone imagined that character,” he said, arguing that storytelling inevitably reflects a filmmaker’s perspective. He questioned whether creative work risks becoming restrictive when acceptable modes of expression become increasingly standardised.
Sriram also spoke about the growing influence of digital discourse on cinema and suggested that public conversations often create pressure on filmmakers to justify creative intent. “There seems to be a belief now that only certain approaches are valid,” he said, before asking, “If directors cannot even imagine freely, what have we done to creativity?”
The lyricist further reflected on how audience responses differ depending on presentation, particularly in stories involving attraction, romance or desire. According to him, the line between artistic and vulgar is often treated inconsistently. He also suggested that Buchi Babu’s apology may have come from a place of sensitivity toward viewers rather than agreement with the criticism itself.
While Peddi continues to perform well commercially, debate around Achiyyamma’s portrayal has remained active online. The film stars Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, alongside Boman Irani, Divyenndu and Jagapathi Babu.
