Kangana Ranaut, currently promoting her upcoming film 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata', has weighed in on the ongoing 'Peddi' controversy. The actress acknowledged that cinema has historically portrayed women harshly but argued that objectification is a societal problem extending far beyond the film industry.
Kangana Ranaut on Objectification of Women in Cinema
As debates rage online over Janhvi Kapoor's character Achiyyamma in 'Peddi', Kangana shared her views in an interview with India Today. When asked why mainstream cinema continues to rely on hypersexualized female characters, she argued that objectification cannot be solely attributed to movies. She said, 'Women are objectified even if you go to a local train. So, to say that in movies they are objectified is such a wrong thing to say. If you go to a local train, the pushing, punching, even a local bus for that matter. It happens on the road also. So, anyway, it has nothing to do with movies.'
At the same time, Kangana acknowledged the film industry's failure in representing women. She added, 'But yes, the lens of movies has been very harsh to women. Whether it is item songs like 'Sexy-sexy mujhe log bole', whether 'Sarkailo Khatia', all those things.' She further noted, 'But the line sometimes between seduction, vulgarity, and that complete injustice to women kind gets blurred, knowingly or sometimes unknowingly. So, I think such is the nature of entertainment.'
Kangana Ranaut on Excessive Online Trolling
While calling for course correction where necessary, the 'Manikarnika' actress also criticized indiscriminate online outrage. She said, 'This kind of correction is needed, and at times it is too much trolling and prejudice. Because even sensuality is a part of art. And sexuality is also a depiction of a story. And the film industry is not your education subject; you are coming here for entertainment.'
Kangana emphasized that people should understand context before passing judgment. She shared, 'I am saying at large, I sometimes feel that today also we are in a place where the trolling of anything or everything is just so ruthless. We don't ask what exactly it is. What is the subject? Maybe that subject is grey; maybe that whole setup has some relevance to the plot. Without any of that, there is just trolling, trolling, trolling. So, even that is not good.'
'Peddi' Controversy
'Peddi' has faced criticism over Janhvi Kapoor's portrayal. In her character Achiyyamma's introduction scene, the camera pans across her body before revealing her face. The film is also scrutinized for certain romantic scenes between the leads.
More About 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata'
The film is based on the nurses of Cama Hospital in Mumbai who played a pivotal role in saving lives during the 26/11 terror attacks. Directed by Manoj Tapadia, the film also stars Girija Oak and Smita Tambe. 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata' will release in theaters on June 12, 2026.
