The controversy surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s role in the Ram Charan-starrer Peddi has taken a new turn, with the actress receiving support from her makeup artist Savleen Kaur Manchanda and Telugu actor Dimple Hayathi. Both have argued that criticism over the depiction of female characters should be directed at filmmakers and creative decisions rather than actresses.

The debate began after audiences raised objections to the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyamma, alleging that the film focused excessively on her physical appearance instead of developing her role and narrative. The criticism quickly spread across social media, sparking discussions on the representation of women in mainstream cinema.

According to reports shared by Janhvi’s makeup artist, the actor had objected to certain scenes during the post-production stage. Savleen Kaur Manchanda claimed that Janhvi had already communicated her professional boundaries regarding specific camera angles during filming, but those concerns were allegedly not reflected in the final edit.

Savleen further alleged that the director chose to retain the scenes despite the actress's objections, prioritising commercial considerations over her consent and comfort.

Dimple Hayathi Questions Industry Practices

Telugu and Tamil actor Dimple Hayathi also came out in support of Janhvi Kapoor and questioned the tendency to blame actresses for how their characters are portrayed.

In a post on social media, Dimple said discussions around the writing of female characters were necessary and welcomed the fact that audiences were openly addressing the issue. She argued that actors often perform roles that are offered to them, while decisions regarding presentation and characterization are shaped by writers, directors and producers.

According to Dimple, the larger problem lies within a system that believes glamour and nudity are the primary ways to market films. She added that actresses are frequently confined to limited roles, whereas male actors enjoy greater freedom in hero-centric narratives.

Call for Better Representation

Dimple Hayathi said filmmaking is a collaborative process and that responsibility for weak female characters should not be placed solely on the performers. She stressed the need for healthier working environments and more meaningful opportunities for actresses to showcase their talent.

She added that if a female character lacks depth, accountability should rest with the writing and creative choices made by filmmakers rather than with the woman portraying the role.

Director Promises Changes

The controversy erupted after the release of Peddi, directed by Buchi Babu Sana and headlined by Ram Charan. Audience criticism was followed by social media posts from fan accounts claiming that Janhvi had earlier raised objections regarding certain camera angles.

As the debate intensified, director Buchi Babu Sana publicly apologised and reportedly assured viewers that the scenes considered objectionable would be modified.

The episode has reignited broader conversations within the industry about consent, creative control and the portrayal of women in commercial cinema. While opinions remain divided, many in the film fraternity believe the discussion could encourage more responsible storytelling and stronger female representation in future projects.