Director Buchi Babu Sana has responded to criticism aimed at the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character in ‘Peddi’, acknowledging that some aspects of the film’s romantic storyline did not resonate with audiences as intended.
In a recent interview, the filmmaker said he was surprised by the extent of the backlash and admitted that he had not expected certain scenes to be viewed negatively. He explained that the romantic portions were conceived as light-hearted moments between the lead characters but accepted that many viewers interpreted them differently.
The criticism largely focused on the way Kapoor’s character, Achiyyamma, is introduced and portrayed throughout the film. Audience members and commentators argued that several scenes appeared to prioritise visual presentation over character development and raised concerns about how consent and interpersonal boundaries were depicted within the romance arc.
While ‘Peddi’ received appreciation for parts of its story, particularly its sports-drama elements and themes of community identity, the romantic subplot became one of the most debated aspects of the film. Discussions extended beyond the Telugu film industry, generating broader conversations about the portrayal of women in mainstream cinema.
Addressing the response, Buchi Babu said the feedback has encouraged him to think more carefully about writing female characters in future projects. He noted that the experience has highlighted the importance of ensuring that intended storytelling choices are received in the way filmmakers envision them.
