Hyderabad: Veteran actor Jagapathi Babu has reportedly voiced support for actress Janhvi Kapoor amid the ongoing controversy surrounding her role in the Telugu film Peddi. As discussions about the film continue across social media platforms, the actor has urged audiences to avoid personal attacks and focus criticism on the work rather than the individuals involved.
The debate around Peddi has largely centered on the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyamma, with some viewers expressing concerns about how female characters are represented in the film. The discussion has also extended to director Buchi Babu Sana, who has faced criticism regarding certain creative choices and narrative elements.
Jagapathi Babu Speaks in Support of Janhvi Kapoor
According to reports, Jagapathi Babu addressed the growing backlash directed at Janhvi Kapoor and emphasized that actors perform roles based on a director’s vision.
Speaking about the criticism, he reportedly said:
“Don’t troll artists regarding cinema. Unfortunately, that girl acted as the director instructed. Sometimes it doesn’t work out. I stand by Janhvi Kapoor in this situation. Don’t attack her personally. Don’t distress her mentally through trolling.”
His comments have resonated with many fans and industry observers who believe that criticism of films should remain constructive and not turn into personal harassment.
Why Is Janhvi Kapoor Facing Criticism?
Following the release of Peddi, discussions emerged online regarding Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal of Achiyamma. Some viewers argued that the character lacked sufficient development and felt that certain aspects of the role focused more on visual appeal than storytelling depth.
In addition, several romantic scenes and dialogues featured in the film have sparked debate among audiences. Critics have questioned whether some narrative elements align with contemporary expectations around representation, relationships, and character agency in mainstream cinema.
These discussions have fueled broader conversations about:
- Representation of women in commercial films
- Character development in modern storytelling
- Audience expectations from contemporary cinema
- The role of filmmakers in shaping social narratives
While some viewers have criticized the film, others have defended it as a fictional work that should be interpreted within its creative context.
Director Buchi Babu Sana Responds to Feedback
As the controversy gained momentum, director Buchi Babu Sana reportedly acknowledged audience concerns and expressed regret over certain aspects that generated criticism.
According to reports, the filmmaker has confirmed that some scenes that drew negative reactions may be revised in future screenings. The move has been viewed as an effort to address audience feedback while maintaining the film’s overall narrative.
Social Media Debate Continues
The discussion surrounding Peddi highlights the increasing influence of social media on film reception. Today, audience reactions can quickly shape public discourse around movies, performances, and creative decisions.
However, Jagapathi Babu’s remarks have shifted part of the conversation toward the distinction between critiquing a film and targeting individuals involved in its production.
Many entertainment industry professionals have previously emphasized that while criticism is a natural part of cinema, personal attacks and online harassment can have serious emotional and professional consequences for artists.
Peddi Remains a Talking Point Among Audiences
Despite the controversy, Peddi continues to generate attention among moviegoers and remains a widely discussed release. The film’s performances, storytelling choices, and portrayal of key characters have kept it in the spotlight across entertainment circles.
As conversations continue, the reactions from audiences, filmmakers, and actors demonstrate how modern cinema is increasingly evaluated not only for its entertainment value but also for its social and cultural impact.
For now, Jagapathi Babu’s message is clear: criticism of films is fair, but personal trolling of artists should be avoided.

