Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor Address Controversy Over 'Hellallallo' Dance Number
Mixed Reactions to 'Hellallallo'
The dance track Hellallallo from the upcoming sports drama Peddi, featuring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor alongside Shruti Haasan, has sparked a variety of responses online. Some viewers have likened it to a "hangover of Pushpa," while others have raised concerns about the song's sensual choreography in a film promoted as a family-friendly inspirational story. A few critics even labeled the dance moves as "vulgar." In light of the backlash, both lead actors expressed that they were largely unaware of the controversy surrounding the music video. Janhvi, however, stated that she does not perceive the song as inappropriate, while Ram Charan emphasized the team's genuine intentions.
Insights from Janhvi Kapoor and Ram Charan
Janhvi Kapoor Discusses the Controversy
In an exclusive interview with a prominent media outlet, Janhvi shared, "I was unaware that the song had provoked such a reaction. As an actor, I believe it's essential to trust the director's vision. Within the context of the film and the characters, it made sense to me. I didn't find the song vulgar; it felt like we were simply dancing."
Ram Charan added, "While filming, we didn't feel any discomfort. Our intentions were pure, aligned with the character's needs and the song's essence. We never crossed any lines that would make it inappropriate for children to watch."
Janhvi Kapoor on the Dance Experience
Comfort Level During Filming
When asked if she felt uneasy while shooting the song, Janhvi disagreed, stating that discomfort would arise if the creators aimed to 'titillate' the audience. "I don't believe that was the director's intention with this song," she clarified. She emphasized that the dance was about energy and vivacity, noting that similar expressive dance styles exist in both Hindi films and Western pop culture. "If the ownership and agency are present, I don't see why it should offend anyone unless the intent is purely objectification. I wasn't the only one dancing; Shruti was too. The perception lies in the eyes of the beholder," she remarked.
Janhvi acknowledged that she has felt uneasy in scenarios where women are objectified without justification but reiterated that actors must fully trust their directors, which was the approach taken during the song's filming.
Ram Charan Compares 'Hellallallo' to 'Naatu Naatu'
Enjoyment in Performance
Ram Charan expressed, "If I enjoyed performing Naatu Naatu with Mr. Jr NTR, I felt the same joy while dancing with Janhvi and Shruti. I don't see a distinction between these two songs." He further commented, "I am unsure how the song was interpreted in such an objective manner, as that was never our intention. If that is the takeaway, it concerns me, but our goal was different."
The film Peddi is set to hit theaters on June 4, directed by Buchi Babu Sana, and features a cast that includes Dr. Shiva Rajkumar, Divyendu, Boman Irani, and Japathi Babu.