Mumbai: Amid criticism around Janhvi Kapoor’s ‘Peddi’ scenes, singer Sona Mohapatra has weighed in on the controversy, arguing that female characters are too often treated as objects of desire while problematic male behaviour is romanticised on screen.
Sharing a video addressing the criticism surrounding ‘Peddi’ and its director Buchi Babu Sana, Sona said public response to the film’s depiction of women has given her a sense of hope, suggesting that audiences are increasingly willing to question and challenge how female characters are portrayed in mainstream cinema.
“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. 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,” she said.
Highlighting a recurring trend in mainstream cinema, she said, “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.”
“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,” Sona added.
“The interesting thing is that India’s people have apparently expressed their dissatisfaction.”
According to Sona, women in films are often stripped of their individuality and decision-making power, with their roles shaped to fit formulas that are perceived as commercially viable.
“They are holding the filmmakers responsible. Are we really tired of these lazy, short cut, pathetic ideas of filmmaking? I hope so. Or maybe we are even connecting the dots around all the sad news of the crimes against the women,” the singer said.
“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. Because mostly in our films, it’s the case that it’s not a story. The writers don’t have to pay. No problem. Put in patriarchy,” she remarked.
“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. Sending you a lot of love.”
