Amid Peddi row, Kangana Ranaut says women actors can flag problematic scenes

Amid the ongoing debate surrounding the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character in Peddi, actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has said that women actors should speak up if they feel uncomfortable with a scene. She added that filmmakers are often open to hearing a female perspective and may not always realise how certain scenes come across to audiences.

Ranaut, who is currently promoting her upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, shared her views on objectification in cinema during an interview with the news agency PTI. According to her, filmmaking is a collaborative process and actors can contribute by offering perspectives that may not have been considered during the writing stage.

"You can bring light to the scene and say, 'It is sounding like this'. They may not want to objectify because nobody wants to make film where they are like, 'Let's objectify'. What I have seen is that they don't think that way," Ranaut said PTI.

The actor said that women performers can help creators understand how certain scenes may be perceived by audiences.

"So as a woman, you can share your perspective and say, 'Yes, this is how it feels like or it is not looking nice'. Mostly they agree with you and say, ‘No, we actually didn't think it like that. As a set of men when we were writing it in a closed room, we didn't think it would be so bad’. These things happen. If you are working on a film, if you have accepted it, then it's like a collaboration," she added.

Her comments come at a time when Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, is facing criticism from sections of viewers over its depiction of Janhvi's character, Achiyyamma.

Much of the discussion has centred on the character's introductory scene, in which the camera focusses on her body before revealing her face. Critics have argued that the sequence places greater emphasis on visual appeal than on establishing the character.

The film has also drawn scrutiny over certain romantic interactions between Charan and Kapoor. Some viewers have questioned whether the scenes blur the lines around consent and agency, while others have debated the intent behind the portrayal.

Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi released in theatres on June 4, 2026. Amid the ongoing criticism, the director has said that certain scenes will be removed from the current theatrical print of the film.

Meanwhile, Kangana is gearing up for the release of Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, which marks her latest project as both an actor and producer. The film is scheduled to release on June 12.