Janhvi Kapoor and Ram Charan’s ‘Peddi’ has become the talk of the town, but not just for its star power. The film’s promotional material has ignited a fierce debate about the objectification of women in Bollywood. While some fans are calling out the visuals as regressive, others believe the criticism is premature. Amidst all this noise, veteran actress Sonali Kulkarni has stepped in with a balanced perspective that’s worth hearing.
The Peddi Controversy: What’s The Fuss?
Ever since the first posters and clips of ‘Peddi’ dropped, social media has been divided. A section of viewers argued that the film reduces Janhvi Kapoor’s character to a glamorous prop, pointing to certain shots and promotional imagery. But supporters of the film say it’s unfair to judge a movie before its release, and that context matters. The debate has once again brought the issue of women’s representation in cinema into the spotlight.
This isn’t the first time a big-budget film has faced such criticism, and it certainly won’t be the last. But what makes this conversation interesting is how the industry itself is evolving, with more women-led stories and stronger female characters emerging alongside problematic portrayals.
Sonali Kulkarni’s Take: ‘Progress And Challenges Coexist’
Sonali Kulkarni, who has built a career on choosing substance over stereotypes, shared her thoughts exclusively. The actress, known for her powerful performances in films like ‘Mission Kashmir’, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, ‘Doghi’, ‘Mukta’, ‘Gulabjaam’, ‘Kaccha Limbu’, and the recently acclaimed ‘Manvat Murders’, believes that cinema is a reflection of society.
“We have come a long way. Cinema reflects the society it comes from, and both are continually evolving. Yes, the objectification of women has existed, and these are all valid discussions around the representation of women on screen. At the same time, there has been significant progress, with more women-led narratives, stronger female characters, and greater representation behind the camera,” she said.
Sonali added, “There are also many films today that are truly empowering. Change takes time, and we are currently in a phase where progress and challenges exist side by side. Acknowledging the positive shifts while continuing to push for improvement can help accelerate meaningful change.”
Her words come at a time when the industry is grappling with its own contradictions—celebrating films like ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’ and ‘Bulbbul’ while also producing content that objectifies women. Sonali’s perspective is a reminder that change is gradual, and every step forward counts.
Her Own Journey: Proof That Substance Works
Sonali Kulkarni’s career is a testament to the evolution she speaks about. From her early days in Marathi cinema to her breakthrough in Hindi films, she has consistently chosen roles that are layered and impactful. “Personally, the kind of meaty roles I have been fortunate to receive are absolutely to die for. Be it ‘Mission Kashmir’, ‘Dayra’, ‘Doghi’, ‘Mukta’, ‘Gulabjaam’, ‘Kaccha Limbu’, ‘Manvat Murders’, and many more, I have always been given substantial weightage and screen time. I have received immense appreciation from both audiences and critics, and that has made me feel stronger and deeply grateful,” she shared.
The actress has balanced commercial and meaningful cinema effortlessly, proving that female characters don’t need to be glamorous to be memorable. Her filmography includes films that are both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, showing that substance and box office success can go hand in hand.
As the debate around ‘Peddi’ continues, Sonali’s voice adds nuance to the conversation. She acknowledges the challenges but also celebrates the progress. In an industry that often swings between extremes, her balanced take is a refreshing reminder that change is happening—even if it’s slow. And with actors like her leading the way, the future of women in cinema looks a little brighter.