The Telugu film Peddi debuted this weekend in India and the United States, drawing attention for both its box office performance and social media backlash over its depiction of the female lead.
Peddi, from Prathyangira Cinemas, earned $1.1 million from 755 North American locations in its opening weekend, pushing its cumulative total past $3 million including Thursday screenings. The film, set in rural Andhra Pradesh in the 1980s, stars Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor. Writer-director Buchi Babu Sana said Saturday he would modify certain scenes after critics accused the movie of objectifying Kapoor. Sana posted on X that cinema should entertain and inspire without making anyone feel disrespected. The controversy centered on dialogue, lingering camera shots, and a forced kiss scene. Kapoor's makeup artist shared posts indicating her concerns, and other actresses voiced support on social media. The film ranks as the top Telugu opener of 2026 in India.