Days before director Buchi Babu Sana publicly apologised for the criticism surrounding Peddi, Janhvi Kapoor had already been raising concerns behind the scenes, her fan clubs have claimed.
The actor’s fan clubs have shared screengrabs of text messages, seemingly sent by the actor to them. They seem to suggest that Janhvi repeatedly objected to the way certain scenes featuring her character were being filmed. The chats have surfaced at a time when Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, is facing intense criticism over its portrayal of women and the hypersexualisation of its female lead.
The messages paint a picture of an actor who was aware of the issue long before audiences began calling it out online.
Janhvi says she objected to certain camera angles
One of the most widely shared screenshots dates back to October 30. In the conversation, Janhvi claimed she had specifically asked for certain camera angles not to be used while filming. “I told him no b**b and waist shots,” Janhvi wrote.
She further revealed that Ram Charan had also intervened on her behalf. “And Ram sir is so sweet he also yelled at him and said you will not take such angles of her ever again. So he got upset.”
According to the chats, the him in question was director Buchi Babu Sana. The messages have gained attention because they appear to show that concerns regarding the visual presentation of her character were raised internally during production itself.
The scenes that sparked controversy
Since the film’s release, viewers has criticised the way Janhvi’s character, Achiyyamma, is introduced on screen. Many pointed to sequences that focus heavily on her body rather than establishing her as a character. Other scenes involving Peddi (Ram Charan) and Achiyyamma have also come under scrutiny, particularly moments that viewers felt crossed boundaries around consent and agency. The backlash quickly grew online, with many questioning whether such portrayals still have a place in contemporary mainstream cinema.
‘It keeps happening in the south’
In another part of the conversation, Janhvi appeared to address what she believed was a larger industry issue. “It keeps happening in the south,” she wrote.
The fan club also referenced the criticism faced by Kiara Advani in Game Changer and compared the reactions. The actor then added, “No, in this what they were taking was worse. But Ram sir said no way, stop.”
When a fan questioned why actresses working with the same hero seemed to repeatedly face similar situations, Janhvi reportedly responded again with the same observation that it keeps happening in the South Indian industry.
A conversation about consent
Perhaps the most striking part of the leaked exchange revolves around consent. At one point, a fan suggested opening a school to educate people. The actor also hinted at the frustration she was experiencing while trying to communicate her concerns. She said, “You have no idea what I’ve been dealing with. Trying to make them understand.”
The chats also reveal that actor’s parents also come on set; she gave example of Sreeleela. She also said that if her father Boney Kapoor comes on set, then it becomes extreme. Janhvi also alleged the distrust of how scenes are ultimately filmed and edited. When a fan advised her against approving certain scenes involving body doubles because audiences would still assume it was her, Janhvi replied, “Ya I’ve said this but you know how it is here. They’ll say close up and put camera on your cleavage. U can’t trust anything.”
As the conversation continued, Janhvi appeared emotionally exhausted by the situation. In one message, she wrote, “No more film. We are done.” While many asked if the chats are real, the fan club took to another post to share a video of the conversation.
HT could not independently verify if the messages were indeed sent by Janhvi herself.
The apology came after public criticism
On Saturday, director Buchi Babu Sana released a statement addressing the controversy surrounding Peddi. “As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected,” he wrote.
He acknowledged the criticism directed at certain portions of the film and apologised to viewers who felt uncomfortable. “We have heard the feedback regarding certain scenes in Peddi and have taken it seriously,” he said, adding that the team would make changes to the concerned portions.
“If any part of the film has been perceived that way, we respect those sentiments, understand the concerns being raised, and sincerely apologize.” The filmmaker also noted that cinema evolves alongside audiences and that storytellers must remain mindful of changing perspectives and sensitivities.
A bigger conversation beyond the box office
Despite the controversy, Peddi continues to perform strongly at the box office, reportedly collecting more than ₹150 crore worldwide within two days of release.
