Janhvi Kapoor Breaks Silence on Peddi Row at Koffee With Karan

Actor Janhvi Kapoor has finally addressed the backlash surrounding her film Peddi, calling the experience a “violating” one during her appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 9. Her candid remarks have revived the debate over how women are portrayed in mainstream cinema.

Janhvi Kapoor’s Candid Admissions

Janhvi admitted that her portrayal in the film involved extreme objectification. She acknowledged that the story could potentially promote sexual assault, a thought that weighed heavily on her conscience. She also said she regrets not speaking up more strongly at the time, adding that the shame of the film’s negative impact on her gender is something she will always carry.

Explaining her silence, Janhvi said she was initially apprehensive about speaking out because many people had worked hard on the project. She also felt pressured to follow the director’s lead to remain professional. Looking ahead, she vowed to ensure that such a situation or problematic representation never happens again in her career.

How the Peddi Row Began

After Peddi, which stars Ram Charan in the lead, reached theatres, viewers, critics and women’s rights groups criticised how Janhvi’s character was presented. Objections included close-up shots of cleavage and out-of-place costumes. The plot also drew backlash for scenes showing non-consensual behaviour framed as romance. In one widely trolled scene, Ram Charan’s character kisses Achiyyamma without consent and makes crude remarks about her body.

Responding to the outrage, director Buchi Babu Sana publicly apologised and arranged for the disputed portions to be trimmed or removed from theatres.

Peddi is now available to stream on Netflix. Meanwhile, host Karan Johar has revealed that Season 9 will be the final season of Koffee With Karan.