Peddi Lyricist Defends Buchi Babu Amid Jahnvi's Controversy

The controversy surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal in Peddi shows no signs of fading. While director Buchi Babu Sana recently apologised and promised to make changes following criticism, noted lyricist Anantha Sriram has questioned whether such an apology was necessary in the first place.

Speaking at the film’s event on Sunday, Anantha Sriram came out strongly in support of the director’s creative choices. He argued that Achiyyamma’s character was a product of Buchi Babu’s imagination and that filmmakers should have the freedom to shape characters according to the story’s setting and narrative requirements.

Taking aim at social media criticism, the lyricist observed that online reactions are increasingly influencing creative decisions in cinema. He questioned why expressions of attraction are often appreciated when presented in refined language but branded offensive when conveyed through the dialect and mannerisms of a rural or tribal character.

According to Sriram, judging such scenes solely through the lens of sensitivity could eventually limit creative freedom in commercial filmmaking. He suggested that Buchi Babu’s apology stemmed from his respect for audience sentiments rather than any wrongdoing on his part.

“Directors may find it difficult to make bold or unconventional points in mainstream cinema if they are expected to satisfy every section of the audience,” he remarked.

Peddi has faced criticism from a section of viewers over what they described as the hyper-sexualised portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyyamma. Certain romantic sequences also sparked backlash, with critics alleging that objectionable behaviour was being presented as romance.

In response to the controversy, Buchi Babu apologised and assured audiences that necessary modifications would be made and even a new versions is going to hit screens this week.