Amid 'Peddi' controversy, Kangana Ranaut says, 'Women are objectified even if you go to local train'

Kangana Ranaut, who is currently busy with the promotions of her film 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddaata', has shared her thoughts on the ongoing 'Peddi' controversy. The actress acknowledged that cinema has long been harsh in its portrayal of women. She also argued that objectification is a broader societal issue that extends well beyond the film industry.

Kangana Ranaut on objectification of women in cinema

As the debate around the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character Achiyyamma in 'Peddi' continues to rage online, Kangana Ranaut shared her views in conversation with India Today. Asked why mainstream cinema continues to rely on hypersexualised female characters, Kangana argued that objectification cannot be pinned solely on 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 Ranaut also acknowledged the fact about the movie industry's failure when it comes to 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 went on to add, "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 called out 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 stated that people should understand the context before passing judgement. The actress 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' is being criticised over Janhvi Kapoor's portrayal in the movie. In her character, Achiyyamma's introduction scene, the camera pans across her body before revealing her face. The movie is also being scrutinised over certain romantic scenes between the leads.

More about 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata'

The film is based on nurses of the Cama Hospital in Mumbai who played a pivotal role in saving lives during the terror attacks of 26/11 in the city. Directed by Manoj Tapadia, the film also stars Girija Oak and Smita Tambe. The movie will release in theatres on June 12, 2026.