Hyderabad: Actor Nithya Menen has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Peddi and the criticism over the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, stating that she is firmly against the objectification of women in cinema.
While clarifying that she has not watched the film, Nithya expressed support for Janhvi Kapoor and said the issue extends beyond regional cinema, reflecting a broader challenge faced by the global film industry.
Calls for stronger personal boundaries
Speaking about the controversy, Nithya Menen said actors should feel empowered to establish clear boundaries regarding the roles and scenes they are comfortable performing.
According to her, the pressure to create commercially successful films often contributes to the objectification of female characters, making it important for performers to voice their concerns when they feel uncomfortable.
She noted that actors should be able to stand firm and communicate when they are not comfortable with certain portrayals, adding that setting personal boundaries is a crucial aspect of an artiste’s professional journey.
Responsibility lies with performers too
Nithya emphasised that actors are not powerless in such situations and can assert themselves when necessary.
The actor said she has always been clear about the types of roles she is willing to take on and believes every performer must determine their own limits regarding on-screen representation.
She also advised aspiring actors, particularly women, to communicate their boundaries early in their careers. According to her, maintaining consistency in one’s choices makes it easier for concerns to be understood and respected within the industry.
Anu Aggarwal supports the discussion
Former actor Anu Aggarwal also joined the conversation, expressing support for the growing debate around the representation of women in films.
Reflecting on her own experiences in the industry, she stated that responsibility for dignified portrayals does not rest solely with audiences or filmmakers but also with actors who choose the stories they participate in.
Through a social media post, Aggarwal encouraged young actors to carefully evaluate scripts and have the courage to reject projects that compromise human dignity.
She stressed that meaningful change in storytelling can happen when both audiences and performers demand better representation.
What sparked the Peddi controversy?
The discussion gained momentum after viewers raised concerns about the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character Achiyyamma in Peddi.
Criticism focused on the manner in which the character is introduced and how the romantic relationship unfolds on screen. Several viewers argued that certain scenes depicted behaviour that normalised objectification and blurred the lines of consent.
The controversy intensified on social media, with many users calling for more responsible storytelling and greater sensitivity in the portrayal of women.
Director apologises, promises changes
Following the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana acknowledged the concerns raised by audiences and issued an apology.
In a statement shared publicly, he said the feedback had been taken seriously and confirmed that changes would be made to the portions of the film that attracted criticism.
The director maintained that there was no intention to objectify women and assured viewers that the team would address the issues highlighted by audiences.
Debate reignites discussion on representation
The controversy surrounding Peddi has reignited a wider conversation about gender representation in Indian cinema, with actors, filmmakers and audiences discussing the importance of consent, dignity and responsible storytelling.
Nithya Menen’s comments have added to the debate by highlighting the role actors can play in shaping on-screen narratives and encouraging performers to establish clear professional boundaries.
As discussions continue, the incident has become a focal point in the broader conversation about how women are portrayed in mainstream cinema and the responsibilities shared by filmmakers, actors and audiences alike.