Appearing alongside Varun Dhawan on the latest episode of Koffee With Karan (Season 9), Kapoor took direct ownership of the controversy. She admitted that her character's presentation amounted to "extreme objectification" and felt like a "violating experience," stating that the societal impact of such tropes on screen is a shame she will "always carry".
Janhvi's Admission: "That Shame I Will Always Carry"
Addressing host Karan Johar on why she maintained silence for months following the film's June theatrical release, Kapoor explained that she initially refrained from speaking to avoid undermining the hard work of the larger crew:
“I feel many people worked really hard on that film, and I really didn't know if there was anything to say. It weighs heavily on my conscience the sort of negative impact a narrative like that can have on our society. Specific to my gender. That shame I will always carry with me. Could I have done more? Could I have been more vigilant? 100% yes. Was it problematic, was it extreme objectification? Did it even propagate sexual assault narratively? Yes. But the only thing I can do is ensure that it doesn't happen again.”
"A Violating Experience": The On-Set Dynamic
Reflecting on the shoot, Janhvi detailed how the lack of script transparency and directorial execution created a deeply uncomfortable environment on set:
Camera Angles & Bound Scripts: Kapoor noted that actors working on certain regional commercial sets often do not receive bound scripts detailing exact framing:
“I don't like saying this because it sounds like I am shifting blame, but it's like you listen to the director and what he says. I was navigating how to make things less problematic as and when information was becoming available to me. In the South, very rarely there is a bound script. Very rarely do you see the camera angles. I should have taken advantage of my privilege. It was a violating experience in a way.”
Deterrent for Future Filmmakers: Acknowledging the public outrage that followed the release, she remarked:
“The good thing that came out of it is that maybe next time a director will rethink twice before presenting a lead actress this way.”
The Backstory: Why 'Peddi' Sparked Nationwide Backlash
Released on June 4, 2026, Peddi starred Ram Charan as an underdog rural wrestler. While the film saw solid commercial business, the introduction and romantic arcs surrounding Janhvi’s character drew widespread criticism:
Sensationalized Framing: Viewers and film critics called out the character's introduction sequence for framing her body through suggestive camera angles rather than establishing narrative substance.
Consent Issues in the Narrative: Strong objection was raised over a scene where Charan’s character persistently pursues Achiyyamma despite her visible disinterest and kisses her during a power outage without her consent.
Director's Initial Apology: Following public criticism upon release, director Buchi Babu Sana had issued a public apology on X acknowledging the concerns and announced slight trims to the contentious scenes.
Fraternity Take:
Janhvi Kapoor’s public ownership sets an important precedent for mainstream leading actors. While performers often avoid critiquing their own successful commercial releases to preserve working relationships with studios and directors, her candid self-critique addresses the systemic issue of how female characters are framed in high-budget spectacles—demanding greater agency, script clarity, and on-set accountability.
