The controversy over Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal in Peddi is refusing to die down.
Even after director Buchi Babu Sana publicly apologised and promised changes, lyricist Anantha Sriram has now questioned whether the filmmaker needed to say sorry at all.
Speaking at the film’s success meet on Sunday, Anantha Sriram strongly defended Buchi Babu’s creative freedom.
He argued that Achiyyamma’s behaviour was part of the director’s imagination and said filmmakers should be allowed to create characters according to the story and setting.
Anantha Sriram also took a swipe at social media critics, saying online opinions were increasingly influencing creative decisions.
He questioned why certain expressions of attraction are praised when presented in polished language but labelled vulgar when spoken by a rural or tribal character in his own style.
According to him, attacking such scenes in the name of sensitivity could eventually restrict creativity in commercial cinema.
The lyricist said Buchi Babu may have apologised out of politeness and because he did not want to hurt anyone’s feelings.
However, he warned that if filmmakers are forced to satisfy every section, they may no longer be able to make bold points in mainstream movies.
Peddi has faced criticism over what several viewers described as the hyper-sexualised portrayal of Janhvi’s character, Achiyyamma.
Certain romantic scenes also triggered backlash, with critics accusing the film of presenting objectionable behaviour as romance.
Following the outrage, Buchi Babu apologised and assured audiences that necessary changes would be made.
Despite the controversy, Peddi has continued its strong box-office run.
The film stars Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles, with Boman Irani, Divyenndu and Jagapathi Babu playing important characters.
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