Singer and songwriter Sona Mohapatra has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Peddi, saying the public backlash against the film's portrayal of its female lead has given her hope that audiences are becoming more conscious of how women are represented in mainstream cinema.
The discussion began shortly after director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology and announced that certain scenes from the film would be edited following criticism from viewers. Several social media users had objected to the way Janhvi Kapoor's character was introduced and filmed, arguing that the camera focused excessively on her body before properly establishing her as a character.
Reacting to the controversy in a video shared on social media, Mohapatra said the response from audiences stood out to her. “In the last few days, one thing has given me a strange relief. In our heavily promoted mainstream film, the backlash against the portrayal of the heroine has given me some hope and optimism,” she said.
Referring to comments made by the filmmakers after the criticism, she added, “Seems like it had an impact on some of the filmmakers who are giving interviews that she is very innocent and some sections will be removed.”
Although Mohapatra clarified that she had not watched Peddi or Pushpa, she argued that many mainstream commercial films tend to follow a familiar formula when it comes to female characters. “Now, I haven’t watched the latest Peddi or its mothership Pushpa, never planned to. But to be honest, we all know the formula and template of these films. The hero always lives a dignified life. And the heroine is just an extension of that story. Decoration to be sexualized, objectified. Toxic masculinity is called romance in such films.”
She further criticized what she described as cinematic techniques that glorify problematic behaviour. “Disrespect becomes swagger. Some low motion shots, some strategic camera angles, the heroine’s look me, look me, look me type of clothes, loud background music. We know the deal. And in most cases, misogyny wins in the box office. But this time, something different has happened.”
According to Mohapatra, the most significant aspect of the controversy is that viewers have openly expressed their dissatisfaction. “The interesting thing is that India’s people have apparently expressed their dissatisfaction. They are holding the filmmakers responsible.”
The singer questioned whether audiences are becoming increasingly tired of stereotypical portrayals of women and formula-driven storytelling. “Are we really tired of these lazy, short cut, pathetic ideas of filmmaking? I hope so,” she said.
View this post on Instagram
Mohapatra also connected the conversation to broader social issues, arguing that films can influence public attitudes toward women. “Whether it’s stalking or teasing, the news that comes every day, children’s rape, domestic violence. And I guess people are connecting how such films influence attitudes and behaviors in society.”
She added that many screenplays often remove a female character’s agency in favour of familiar commercial tropes. “Delete the heroine’s agency from the screenplay. It will be a massacre.”
While recording the video on her way to the closing ceremony of the Kashish Film Festival in Mumbai, Mohapatra also highlighted the importance of independent storytelling. She praised the festival for continuing to celebrate diverse voices despite operating without the budgets and star power of mainstream cinema. “That Kashish survives gives me hope. As does this backlash on Piddi, forcing the filmmakers to apologize. Kudos, India.”
Concluding her remarks, Mohapatra said she believes the reaction to Peddi could indicate a positive shift in audience expectations. “As someone who has spent a lifetime telling stories through music and songs, I find this incredibly hopeful. Maybe we will demand better stories, better women characters. Is it possible? And maybe all this is a sign that we are becoming a better society. I would like to think so.”
More Pages: Peddi Box Office Collection , Peddi Movie Review
BOLLYWOOD NEWS - LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2026 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.