Amid Janhvi Kapoor's Peddi Controversy, Nithya Menen REACTS To Women’s Objectification In Films

As

debate continues over Janhvi Kapoor's portrayal in Peddi, with some viewers accusing the makers of objectifying the female lead, actress Nithya Menen has weighed in on the larger issue of women’s representation in cinema. Although she admitted she has neither watched the film nor followed the controversy closely, Menen emphasised that objectification is not limited to South Indian cinema. She argued that the problem stems from the hyper-commercialisation of films, where content designed to attract audiences often takes precedence over artistic responsibility stressing the importance of actresses setting personal boundaries and standing by their convictions.

Nithya Menen on women objectification in films

Speaking to Variety India, Nithya Menen defended the South Indian film industry and shared, "I don’t think we can isolate and say that this only happens in South Indian cinema. That is not true. I feel it’s everywhere. It’s a trend and everybody follows it.”She believed the issue stems from the increasing commercialisation of cinema. “I feel the root of the problem lies in the hyper-commercialization of cinema. Whatever works commercially and titillates the audience is often indulged in for mass success. Is it too much? Absolutely,” she said, adding that performers should be able to set boundaries and refuse scenes that make them uncomfortable.

Menen stressed that actresses should have strong convictions and be clear about the kind of roles and scenes they are willing to perform. According to her, decisions regarding such portrayals ultimately come down to an actor's priorities and their sense of responsibility as an artist.She also argued that female actors should establish their boundaries early in their careers and remain consistent about them. Acknowledging that her choices may have cost her certain films and genres, Menen said she is comfortable with those trade-offs, explaining that she values staying true to her principles over pursuing fame at any cost.

Why Janhvi Kapoor is facing backlash for Peddi?

The controversy surrounding Peddi largely stems from criticism of how Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyamma, has been written and portrayed on screen. Several viewers have accused the film of objectifying the female lead, pointing to scenes in which the camera repeatedly focuses on her body even during moments that are meant to highlight her personality or emotional connection with the protagonist. Netizens argue that this approach prioritises visual appeal over meaningful characterisation.

The film’s romantic storyline has also drawn scrutiny, with audiences questioning the depiction of certain interactions between the lead characters. Many social media users have complained that behavior they consider intrusive or non-consensual is being portrayed as romantic, sparking a wider discussion about how relationships and consent are portrayed in mainstream films. Netizens have noted that Achiyamma is given little narrative agency, with her role largely revolving around the male protagonist rather than allowing her a distinct character arc.