Janhvi Kapoor's Peddi row: Nithya Menen urges actors to set boundaries on screen

Actor Nithya Menen has weighed in on the debate around Peddi and the criticism over Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal in the film, saying she is against the objectification of women on screen. While admitting that she has not watched the Ram Charan-starrer, Nithya expressed solidarity with Janhvi and said the issue is not unique to the South Indian film industry, but part of a wider problem across cinema worldwide.

The discussion gathered pace after objections were raised over the presentation of Janhvi Kapoor’s character Achiyyamma in Peddi, prompting director Buchi Babu Sana to apologise and say changes would be made.

Speaking to Variety India about the criticism, Nithya Menen said the pressure to deliver commercially successful films often leads to the objectification of female characters.

“I wonder if actors should actually have better boundaries and the person who’s performing the scene should be able to put their foot down and say they are not okay with being objectified,” she said.

The actor added that setting personal boundaries is an important part of an artiste’s journey and that she has always been clear about the kind of roles she is willing to take up. The Mission Mangal actor said that every performer must decide where they draw the line.

“I also don’t believe that you end up helpless in a situation. You can assert yourself. It depends on what that person’s priority is,” she added.

Nithya also advised female actors to be upfront about their boundaries from the beginning of their careers. She said that if someone spends years doing a certain kind of commercial cinema and later objects to it, the industry may find it difficult to take those concerns seriously.

Anu Aggarwal backs Janhvi Kapoor

Former actor Anu Aggarwal also joined the conversation surrounding Peddi. In a social media post, she reflected on her own experience in the film industry and said that actors also share the responsibility of ensuring women are represented with dignity on screen.

Sharing a series of photographs on Instagram, Aggarwal wrote, “The recent conversations around Peddi reminded me of a choice I made long ago. I applaud today’s audience for speaking up and asking for more dignity in the portrayal of women. But responsibility does not rest only with the audience. Nor does it rest only with filmmakers.”

She went on to stress that actors must also be mindful of the stories they choose to tell.

Encouraging the younger generation of actors to stand by their principles, Aggarwal urged them to ask questions before committing to a project.

“Today, I encourage young actors and actresses to hear the story first. Ask questions. And if something compromises human dignity, have the courage to say no. Stories will change when audiences demand better,” she added.

Peddi row

The conversation around the objectification of women in cinema erupted after fans noticed the hypersexualised portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character in the latest release.

The objections centred on how Achiyyamma is introduced and how the relationship is developed on screen. Her character is introduced through a sequence in which the camera lingers on her body for several minutes without showing her face. The courtship that follows shows the hero telling his friends that he will touch Achiyyamma without her consent, entering her space and doing so, and later telling her, after she slaps him, that the touch was his way of expressing love. The arc then ends with her kissing him, and no one faces any consequences.

Following the row, director Buchi Babu Sana apologised and acknowledged audience concerns. In a statement shared on X, he said the team had taken the feedback seriously and would make changes to the portions that had sparked criticism.

Peddi released in theatres on June 4.