The song that divided opinions
Ram Charan’s latest sports drama ‘Peddi’ released on June 5, but even before hitting theatres, its song ‘Hellallallo’ had tongues wagging. Critics and social media users slammed the track for being overly sexualised, calling it vulgar and unnecessary. The controversy only grew after the film’s release, with many pointing out that Janhvi Kapoor’s character Achiyamma lacks depth and serves merely as a glamour prop.
Some viewers argued that the film normalises harassment and unwarranted advances, sparking a heated debate online. While the criticism hasn’t dented the box-office numbers — the film is reportedly doing well — supporters insist ‘Peddi’ is a rooted mass entertainer where the emotional and sporting highs outweigh the romance track.
Janhvi’s accidental like
The real plot twist came when Janhvi Kapoor briefly liked a post that criticised her character’s portrayal. The like was swiftly removed, but not before eagle-eyed fans caught it. The move has fuelled speculation: was it a genuine moment of agreement, or a cleverly orchestrated PR move? Only insiders know, but fans are applauding the actor for speaking up, even if indirectly.
Industry sources suggest that Janhvi has been aware of the criticism and is reportedly disappointed with how her role turned out. However, no official statement has been made by the actor or the film’s team. The incident has only added to the ongoing conversation about how female characters are written in mainstream Bollywood films.
Box office vs. backlash
Despite the controversy, ‘Peddi’ is holding its own at the ticket window. Early estimates suggest the film has crossed Rs 135 crore in its opening weekend, proving that strong performances and action sequences still draw crowds. But the debate over the portrayal of women in mass entertainers isn’t going away anytime soon.
Fans are divided — some feel the criticism is overblown and that Janhvi’s character is fine for a masala film, while others believe it’s high time filmmakers gave female leads more than just ornamental roles. As for Janhvi, the accidental like might just be the push needed to start a larger conversation about representation in Bollywood.