India’s ‘Peddi’ Faces Backlash Over Depiction Of Female Lead, Director Agrees To Modify Scenes, Specialty Box Office

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The Telugu film 'Peddi' opened as India's top Telugu release of 2026 this weekend, but arrived amid a social media firestorm over its depiction of the female lead. Critics accused the film of objectifying its actress in specific scenes. In a rare concession, writer-director Buchi Babu Sana agreed Saturday to modify the contested footage. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Indian cinema over how female characters are portrayed on screen.