What Sona Mohapatra said about the Peddi controversy
Singer-songwriter Sona Mohapatra has weighed in on the ongoing debate around Janhvi Kapoor’s film Peddi, saying the public backlash against the movie’s portrayal of its female lead has given her a sense of hope. In a video shared on social media, Mohapatra said the response from audiences stood out to her in a big way.
“In the last few days, one thing has given me a strange relief. In our heavily promoted mainstream film, the backlash against the portrayal of the heroine has given me some hope and optimism,” she said. Referring to comments made by the filmmakers after the criticism, she added, “Seems like it had an impact on some of the filmmakers who are giving interviews that she is very innocent and some sections will be removed.”
The discussion began after director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology and announced that certain scenes from the film would be edited following criticism from viewers. Several social media users had objected to the way Janhvi Kapoor’s character was introduced and filmed, arguing that the camera focused excessively on her body before properly establishing her as a character.
Mohapatra calls out formulaic filmmaking
Although Mohapatra clarified that she had not watched Peddi or its predecessor Pushpa, she argued that many mainstream commercial films tend to follow a familiar template when it comes to female characters. “Now, I haven’t watched the latest Peddi or its mothership Pushpa, never planned to. But to be honest, we all know the formula and template of these films,” she said.
“The hero always lives a dignified life. And the heroine is just an extension of that story. Decoration to be sexualized, objectified. Toxic masculinity is called romance in such films.” She further criticized what she described as cinematic techniques that glorify problematic behavior. “Disrespect becomes swagger. Some low motion shots, some strategic camera angles, the heroine’s look me, look me, look me type of clothes, loud background music. We know the deal.”
Mohapatra noted that while misogyny often wins at the box office, something different has happened this time. “The interesting thing is that India’s people have apparently expressed their dissatisfaction. They are holding the filmmakers responsible,” she said.
Connecting cinema to societal change
The singer questioned whether audiences are becoming increasingly tired of stereotypical portrayals of women and formula-driven storytelling. “Are we really tired of these lazy, short cut, pathetic ideas of filmmaking? I hope so,” she said. Mohapatra also connected the conversation to broader social issues, arguing that films can influence public attitudes toward women.
“Whether it’s stalking or teasing, the news that comes every day, children’s rape, domestic violence. And I guess people are connecting how such films influence attitudes and behaviors in society,” she added. She pointed out that many screenplays often remove a female character’s agency in favor of familiar commercial tropes. “Delete the heroine’s agency from the screenplay. It will be a massacre.”
While recording the video on her way to the closing ceremony of the Kashish Film Festival in Mumbai, Mohapatra also highlighted the importance of independent storytelling. She praised the festival for continuing to celebrate diverse voices despite operating without the budgets and star power of mainstream cinema. “That Kashish survives gives me hope. As does this backlash on Peddi, forcing the filmmakers to apologize. Kudos, India.”
Concluding her remarks, Mohapatra said she believes the reaction to Peddi could indicate a positive shift in audience expectations. “As someone who has spent a lifetime telling stories through music and songs, I find this incredibly hopeful. Maybe we will demand better stories, better women characters. Is it possible? And maybe all this is a sign that we are becoming a better society. I would like to think so.”