The ‘Peddi’ problem that can’t be fixed – and won’t go away

Buchi Babu Sana’s Peddi stars Ram Charan as a master of three different sports. Charan’s eponymous hero excels in cricket, wrestling and running, using his athletic prowess to bring recognition to his village. Released on June 4 in Telugu, Hindi and other languages, Peddi received mixed reviews for its preposterous plotting, punishing length and, most of all, Janhvi Kapoor’s overly sexualised heroine Achiyamma.

The straight-backed, chest-out Achiyamma is the kind of oopmhy and ornamental heroine who continues to turn up in films. The only purpose she services is to entice Peddi.

The social media backlash to Peddi prompted verbal gymnastics and public posturing. Sana offered a mea culpa, claiming that he would trim the contentious scenes.

“I have always had immense respect for women, both on and off screen, and it was never our intention to objectify or disrespect any female character,” Sana said in a social media post. “Every woman deserves to be respected, valued, and represented with dignity.”

As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable...

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