Targeting Janhvi in Peddi row is unfair, she did what director said: Jagapathi Babu

Actor Jagapathi Babu has defended Janhvi Kapoor amid online criticism over her role in Peddi, urging fans not to target her personally. He also said that an artist merely follows the director's orders, and it is unfair for her to be subjected to online trolling.

In Short

• Jagapathi Babu defends Janhvi Kapoor against personal criticism
• He urges viewers not to blame actors for director's choices
• Director Buchi Babu Sana apologises over character portrayal

As the conversation around Peddi and the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character continues online, actor Jagapathi Babu, who played a crucial role in the film, has stepped in to defend his co-star, urging people not to direct their criticism at her personally. He also requested people to refrain from singling out an artiste and causing them "mental distress."

Jagapathi Babu backs Janhvi Kapoor

Jagapathi Babu, who played Appalasuri in Buchi Babu Sana's Peddi, said Janhvi should not be held responsible for creative choices made in the film, adding that actors often work within a director's vision and cannot be singled out for decisions beyond their control.

Directed by Sana, Peddi has faced criticism from a section of viewers over what they described as the hypersexualisation of Janhvi's character. The backlash led the filmmaker to issue a public apology and announce changes to certain scenes in the theatrical version.

Speaking to Telugu360 Digital, Jagapathi Babu said, "As an artist, the only thing I would say is: please don't target the actor. It's unfair to go after that girl. We don't know what her personal views were or whether she agreed with every creative decision."

The 64-year-old continued, "It's not as if she pushed for it herself. She did what the director asked her to do. When an actor signs on and trusts a director's vision, they follow that vision. We do what the director tells us. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. He (Buchi Babu) may have his own reasons. I support Janhvi in this matter."

"If you like or dislike the film, comment on the film. But don't single out an artist, troll them, or cause them mental distress," he added.

Director Buchi Babu Sana shares an apology

Actor Jagapathi Babu's remarks come days after Buchi Babu Sana acknowledged the criticism surrounding the film and apologised to audiences who felt uncomfortable with the portrayal of Janhvi's character Achiyamma. He also vowed to make changes to the film.

Despite the backlash and Buchi Babu's apology, the portions criticised for their portrayal of women are still being shown in theatres.

Peddi has continued to perform strongly at the box office, crossing Rs 230 crore worldwide within four days of release. Set in rural Andhra Pradesh in the 1980s, the sports action drama follows a lower-caste villager who turns to wrestling in a bid to earn dignity and recognition for his community.

The film stars Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead, alongside Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyenndu and Boman Irani in key roles.

- Ends