Peddi extended version includes Janhvi scenes from June 17, not controversial bits

The makers of Peddi have announced an extended cut from June 17, adding back three deleted scenes, including two featuring Janhvi Kapoor's Achiyyamma, after backlash over her portrayal.

In Short

• The revised cut releases on June 17 with three restored scenes
• Two added scenes aim to deepen Achiyyamma's arc
• An additional Jagapathi Babu scene will also return to the extended cut

The makers of Peddi have announced an extended version of the Telugu sports drama following criticism over the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character, Achiyyamma. Director Buchi Babu Sana said the revised cut will release in theatres on June 17 and will include three scenes that were earlier left out of the film.

The decision comes after weeks of online backlash, with several viewers calling scenes involving Achiyyamma objectifying, unnecessary and harmful to the film. Speaking at a success meet in Hyderabad on Sunday, June 14, the director said the new version would include two scenes featuring Janhvi Kapoor's character and one scene featuring veteran actor Jagapathi Babu.

"We have already edited it. They will be added from this Wednesday. We have added a total of three scenes. There will be scenes related to the heroine and also one scene for Jagapathi Babu. All the missing elements will be included in it," Buchi Babu Sana said.

He added that the restored scenes would bring more emotional depth to Achiyyamma. "There are two more scenes related to Janhvi's character. After watching them, the audience will connect even more with the character. I believe that with that, Janhvi's character will reach another level," he said.

Released on June 4, 2026, Peddi opened strongly at the box office, earning around Rs 51 crore on its first day. However, criticism around Achiyyamma's portrayal emerged soon after release. Viewers pointed to her introduction scene, where the camera lingers on her body before revealing her face, and another sequence in which Ram Charan's character admires her, but the focus shifts to suggestive body framing instead of emotion.

A separate election campaign sequence involving public harassment also drew criticism, with some viewers describing it as "disgusting" and others questioning whether the film was presenting obsessive behaviour as romance.

Responding to the backlash, Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology. "As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected," he wrote, adding that the controversial scenes had been removed and that there was never any intention to disrespect any actor or character.

Despite the controversy, Peddi has continued its strong run at the global box office and has reportedly crossed Rs 307 crore worldwide. Also starring Ram Charan, Shiva Rajkumar, Boman Irani and Divyenndu, with music by AR Rahman, the film remains one of the biggest Indian hits of 2026.

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