Janhvi Kapoor Faces Backlash for Role in Peddi: A Legacy Under Scrutiny
Controversy Surrounds Janhvi Kapoor's Performance in Peddi
Janhvi Kapoor has recently faced significant criticism for her portrayal in Buchi Babu’s film, Peddi. Reports suggest that the producers compensated her generously, with the intention of continuing her mother Sridevi’s legacy in the realm of blockbuster Telugu cinema alongside Ram Charan’s father, Chiranjeevi.
Chiranjeevi and Sridevi were celebrated as one of the most iconic duos in Telugu films, known for their captivating chemistry and hit dance sequences. Their most notable collaboration was the 1990 hit, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari. They also appeared together in films such as Mosagadu (1980), Rani Kasula Rangamma (1981), and S.P. Parasuram (1994).
However, following the release of Peddi, there seems to be a reluctance to see Sridevi’s daughter paired with Chiranjeevi’s son again. Anticipation was high prior to the film's debut, and the producers had even planned another project featuring Janhvi and Ram Charan, which has now been quietly shelved due to the audience's reaction to their on-screen chemistry in Peddi.
It’s important to note that Janhvi's screen time in Peddi is limited to about 15 minutes. During this brief appearance, she is dressed in revealing cholis and ghagras, engaging in provocative gestures towards the hero and the camera.
Her performance has been described as not only loud but also inappropriate, with Ram Charan's character gazing at her with evident desire.
A Hindi filmmaker, recognized for his artistic vision and for portraying heroines as divine figures, has expressed that Janhvi should take a step back. He remarked, “She is beautiful, but no one can replace Sridevi, not even her daughter. Expecting her to meet her mother’s legacy is quite unfair. The treatment she received in this film (Peddi) is unacceptable. Her costumes, expressions, and body language feel outdated. This is not her fault; she should take it easy. Telugu cinema may not be the right fit for her.”