Mumbai: Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the portrayal of women in the film Peddi, stating that while cinema has often treated women unfairly, criticism of such portrayals should also consider the broader context of storytelling.
Her comments come amid a debate over the representation of female characters in mainstream cinema, particularly following criticism directed at Peddi and its depiction of actress Janhvi Kapoor’s character.
Cinema’s lens on women has been harsh, says Kangana
Speaking in an interview, Kangana acknowledged that the film industry’s portrayal of women has often been problematic.
She noted that popular songs and cinematic portrayals over the years have frequently presented women through a lens that can be viewed as unfair or objectifying.
According to the actor, the line between sensuality, seduction and vulgarity can sometimes become blurred in entertainment, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Kangana said such portrayals have long been a part of commercial cinema, making the debate a complex one rather than a straightforward issue.
Objectification not limited to films
While discussing the issue, Kangana argued that objectification of women extends beyond cinema and is present in everyday society.
She suggested that women encounter inappropriate behaviour in public spaces and that such problems cannot be attributed solely to the entertainment industry.
At the same time, she maintained that filmmakers should remain conscious of how female characters are represented on screen and the impact such portrayals can have on audiences.
Calls for balance in criticism
Kangana also cautioned against what she described as excessive online outrage and trolling.
She said criticism and course correction are important when necessary, but argued that audiences should first understand the context and narrative purpose of a scene before passing judgement.
According to her, some stories may involve morally grey characters or situations that are relevant to the plot, and these aspects should be considered when evaluating a film.
The actor stressed that not every depiction of sensuality or sexuality should automatically be viewed as exploitation, as such themes can form part of artistic storytelling.
Peddi faces scrutiny over character portrayal
The controversy centres on Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, which was released in theatres on June 4, 2026.
A section of viewers has criticised the introduction of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyyamma, arguing that the sequence focuses excessively on her physical appearance before revealing her identity and role in the story.
Critics contend that the scene objectifies the character rather than establishing her personality or narrative significance.
The film has also faced discussion over certain romantic sequences, with some viewers expressing concerns about how issues of consent and personal agency are portrayed.
Debate divides audiences
While some audience members have criticised the film’s presentation of its female lead, others have defended the scenes as part of a conventional cinematic romance narrative.
Supporters argue that individual sequences should be assessed within the context of the entire story rather than in isolation.
The debate has sparked wider discussions on social media about gender representation in Indian cinema, the portrayal of female characters and the responsibilities of filmmakers.
Ongoing discussion on representation in cinema
The Peddi controversy has once again brought attention to evolving audience expectations regarding women’s representation in films.
As viewers increasingly demand stronger and more nuanced female characters, filmmakers continue to face scrutiny over how women are depicted on screen.
Kangana’s remarks add another perspective to the debate, highlighting both the industry’s historical shortcomings and the need to evaluate artistic choices within their narrative context.
Conclusion
Kangana Ranaut has acknowledged that cinema has often portrayed women through a harsh and unfair lens while cautioning against judging films without understanding their broader narrative intent. Her comments come as Peddi continues to generate debate over female representation, consent and the balance between artistic expression and responsible storytelling.