Dimple Hayathi and Ashika Ranganath defend Janhvi Kapoor over Peddi film controversy

Telugu actress Dimple Hayathi has publicly extended her support to actress Janhvi Kapoor amid the growing controversy surrounding the film 'Peddi'. Hayathi stated that the responsibility for the portrayal lies with the film's creators and the industry system, rather than the actress herself, defending Kapoor against public backlash regarding the project.

The controversy emerged following the release of the film 'Peddi', which stars Ram Charan alongside Janhvi Kapoor. A section of the audience criticized Kapoor's portrayal in the movie, accusing the project of objectifying women. The criticism specifically targeted the film's camera work, dialogues, and the romantic sequences featuring Ram Charan and Kapoor.

Addressing the backlash, Hayathi took to her X account on Sunday to defend Kapoor and redirect the public's criticism toward the filmmakers and the broader industry structure.

In her social media post, Hayathi expressed support for the ongoing conversation surrounding how female characters are depicted. She wrote that she was glad people are speaking about how roles for actresses are written, noting the instinctive public response to blame the actress for performing the role she was offered.

Hayathi urged the public not to direct their blame at Kapoor. She stated that the blame should instead be placed on the system and the makers who believe that such portrayals are what sells to audiences. She added that actors must work within the specific opportunities they are presented with as they attempt to build their careers, secure roles in larger films, and reach wider audiences.

In addition to Hayathi, other figures have spoken out in defense of Kapoor. Actress Ashika Ranganath also defended Kapoor over the 'Peddi' portrayal controversy, similarly stating that the public should not blame the actress but should instead blame the system.

Kapoor's make-up artist also defended her amid the row, stating that she drew a professional line but the final edit of the film kept the footage anyway.

Meanwhile, the Ram Charan-starrer saw a 7.2 percent growth in its box office collection on its third day, even as Kapoor's alleged chats sparked debate.