Opinion: Why Is Only Peddi Being Targeted Over Heroine's Role?

When a film features a big star like Ram Charan, a director like Buchi Babu Sana, who delivered a successful film like Uppena and a heroine like Janhvi Kapoor, audiences naturally expect something special. People expect the heroine to have a strong character and an important role in the story. Even if the heroine has limited screen time, it is not a major problem. But the way her character is presented matters.

The criticism surrounding Peddi is not just about glamour or exposing the heroine. There are bigger problems with the way the characters are written. Showing a heroine as someone who has no objection to unwanted physical behaviour or presenting forced kissing as an expression of love is a serious concern. Why should such scenes be presented as romance. Both the director and the hero should think about how these scenes influence the audience.

At the same time, why is only Peddi being targeted because other qustion. Janhvi Kapoor has appeared in other films too. How was she presented in Devara? What about Kayadu Lohar's presentation in The Paradise? Many Bollywood films also show heroines through glamour-focused camera angles and unnecessary scenes. Why are these discussions becoming so intense only when it comes to Peddi.

There is another important issue. In Peddi, the hero reportedly forces a kiss on the heroine. Later, he saves her from another uncomfortable situation and the film presents him as a hero. This is a problem with the hero's characterisation and the way the story is written. It is not fair to put the entire responsibility on the heroine or the actress.

If stalking, unwanted kissing and sexual harassment scenes are wrong, then the criticism should apply to every film that shows such behaviour as love. It should not be limited to one movie or one actress. The same standards must apply to Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films.

Janhvi Kapoor has also spoken about objectification and camera angles in films. These are valid concerns, but audiences can also question how heroines are presented across the film industry.

Peddi may have problems in its storytelling and characterisation. That should definitely be discussed. But why should only Peddi face all the criticism is also a ping. The discussion should be about the way women are represented in cinema not about targeting one particular film or actress.