The controversy surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s performance in the much-anticipated film Peddi shows no signs of cooling down. Fans and critics have been vocal about their displeasure, but now a key member of the cast has stepped up to shield the actress from the heat. Veteran actor Jagapathi Babu, who plays Appalasuri in the film, has publicly come to her defence, urging audiences to redirect their criticism.
Jagapathi Babu Speaks Out
In a conversation with a Telugu news outlet, the 64-year-old actor made it clear that blaming Janhvi for the film’s creative choices is unfair. He argued that actors rarely have the final say once they sign on to a director’s vision. “It’s unfair to go after that girl,” he said, adding that no one knows whether she personally agreed with every decision made on set. According to him, Janhvi simply did what the director asked of her, and targeting her individually is misplaced anger.
He was emphatic in his support: “Don’t target her personally. Don’t bother her mentally by trolling her. Sometimes it misfires. I support Janhvi Kapoor in this matter.” Babu stressed that the responsibility for the film’s content lies with the filmmaker, not the actors who trust and follow that vision.
The Actor’s Perspective on Creative Decisions
Babu elaborated on the dynamic between actors and directors, suggesting that once an actor commits to a project, they essentially hand over creative control. “When an actor signs on and trusts a director’s vision, they follow that vision,” he explained. This, he believes, should absolve performers of blame when audiences dislike certain aspects of the film. He urged people to consider that Janhvi may not have pushed for any particular scene or portrayal—she was simply executing her role as directed.
The Peddi controversy has been simmering ever since the film’s release, with some viewers accusing the movie of objectifying its female lead. Earlier, industry veterans like Jaya Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor also weighed in, slamming the depiction. However, Jagapathi Babu’s defence offers a rare counter-narrative from within the cast, highlighting the often-unseen pressures actors face.
Broader Message to Critics
Beyond defending Janhvi, Babu used the platform to deliver a broader message about online behaviour. “If you like or dislike the film, comment on the film. But don’t single out an artist, troll them, or cause them mental distress,” he advised. His words come at a time when trolling and online harassment have become rampant in the entertainment industry, often targeting actors for decisions they may not have made themselves.
Peddi stars Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles, with a supporting cast that includes Shiva Rajkumar, Divyenndu, Boman Irani, and Jagapathi Babu himself. The film has been a talking point not just for its box office performance but also for the intense debate around its treatment of female characters. As the discourse continues, Jagapathi Babu’s plea for empathy adds a human element to the ongoing row.