The theatrical release of Buchi Babu Sana’s sports drama Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, has ignited a wave of discussion across digital platforms. While audiences have praised Ram Charan’s commanding screen presence in the cricket and wrestling-driven narrative, fans have expressed strong disappointment over the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character Achiyamma.
Janhvi Kapoor has a massive fan following online. Hence, the debate on internet centered on her character dynamics presented in Peddi. Fans have highlighted sequences where dialogue and camera angles lean heavily into the unnecessary depersonalization of the female lead. In one widely criticized scene, the male protagonist tracks her by physical attributes rather than her face. Furthermore, a sequence where the protagonist initiates physical contact despite the female lead’s onscreen objections, sparking a debate on consent.
A user tweeted on X, “Director’s sensibilities aside, what happened to the lead actors’ sensibilities when it came to that sequence. It’s very bizarre.” A second user compared the framing to restrictive close-ups meant to force specific audience reactions. Adding to the controversy, a viral social media screenshot claims that Kapoor reportedly ‘liked’ an Instagram post calling her role the “most expensive disrespect” to an actress. Consequently, Peddi has reignited a critical, broader debate regarding the presentation and disrespect towards women in mainstream commercial cinema.
While Janhvi Kapoor maximizes her limited screen time, the screenplay struggles to integrate her character seamlessly. Relying on repetitive, surface-level tropes rather than narrative depth, the writing mirrors structural issues seen in Devara, ultimately limiting the role’s impact within the core plot.
Peddi, starring Ram Charan in the lead role, was released in theaters on June 4, 2026. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the sports action drama features Shiva Rajkumar, Janhvi Kapoor, Divyenndu, and others.
2 Malayalam and Tamil OTT Releases to Watch This Week
1. Patriot
Cast: Mammootty, Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathi, Rajiv Menon, Darshana Rajendran, Zarin Shihab
Director: Mahesh Narayanan
Genre: Spy Action Drama
Runtime: 3 hours
Language: Malayalam
Where to watch: ZEE5
Streaming Date: June 5, 2026
Patriot follows Dr. Daniel James, a scientist who uncovers a vast surveillance conspiracy involving the spyware Periscope and tech giant Shakthi Solutions. After leaking classified data and fleeing to London, he continues exposing the network through his online platform.
Years later, with the help of retired Colonel Rahim Naik and former officer Michael Devassy, Daniel takes on Shakthi Sundaram, the mastermind behind the operation. As the conspiracy unravels and Shakthi’s empire collapses, Daniel delivers justice, leaving behind a final question: Will history remember him as a traitor or a patriot?
2. Carmeni Selvam
Cast: P. Samuthirakani, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli, Abhinaya, Karthik Kumar, Badava Gopi
Director: Ram Chakri
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 2 hours and 24 minutes
Language: Tamil
Where to watch: Prime Video
Streaming Date: June 3, 2026
Carmeni Selvam follows Selvam, a driver who dreams of owning a taxi business and building a house with his wife, Shanthi. However, mounting financial troubles, family hardships, and unexpected expenses push him into debt.
