Actor Aditi Balan has criticised the way Janhvi Kapoor’s character was written in Buchi Babu Sana’s ‘Peddi’, saying the female lead could have been given a more substantial role.
Speaking during an interview with Cine X, Aditi discussed the treatment of women in Indian films and brought up ‘Peddi’ as an example of what she felt was a missed opportunity.
She questioned why Janhvi’s character was written in a manner she considered problematic and argued that the role could have been developed with greater depth. According to Aditi, the character deserved more to do within the story instead of being limited largely to appearing, dancing and leaving.
Her remarks came while she was discussing how female characters have changed in Indian cinema. Aditi pointed to Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’ as an encouraging example, particularly because of the acceptance of female performers taking on action-oriented roles.
She also recalled the stronger female characters seen in some earlier films, including the works of filmmaker Balu Mahendra. In her view, women’s roles subsequently went through a phase where they were increasingly reduced to conventional romantic interests.
Aditi currently stars as Padmavathi in ‘GDN’, directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar and featuring R Madhavan. Her upcoming projects include ‘666 Operation Dream Theater’, alongside Shivarajkumar and Dhananjay, as well as ‘Non-Violence’ and ‘Bouma’.
Meanwhile, ‘Peddi’ director Buchi Babu Sana has previously responded to criticism surrounding the depiction of its female characters. Addressing the backlash, he said the intention was never to disrespect or objectify women and maintained that the filmmakers have always held women in high regard both within cinema and outside it.