Amid Peddi row, Madhoo recalls when eve-teasing passed for romance in films

Amid the ongoing Peddi controversy over Janhvi Kapoor's portrayal, veteran actor Madhoo reflects on how Phool Aur Kaante glorified eve-teasing and why such depictions would face criticism today.

In Short

• Madhoo comments on changed audience views since 1990s films
• Phool Aur Kaante glorified eve-teasing then now seen as harassment
• Cinema evolves with society, earlier sexual violence scenes were common

As the debate around the portrayal of women in films intensifies following the backlash against Ram Charan-starrer Peddi, veteran actor Madhoo has weighed in on how audience perceptions have changed over the years.

The controversy erupted after the makers of Peddi faced criticism over the way Janhvi Kapoor's character Achiyamma was presented, with several social media users accusing the film of objectifying women.

Speaking exclusively to IANS amid the ongoing discussion, Madhoo pointed to her 1991 blockbuster Phool Aur Kaante as an example of how behaviours once romanticised on screen would be deemed unacceptable today. The actor said the film openly glorified eve-teasing, yet faced no public criticism at the time and went on to become one of the biggest hits of the decade.

Why Does Madhoo Believe Cinema Has Changed?

When asked whether women are objectified more in films today than in the 1980s and 1990s, Madhoo said cinema evolves alongside society and audience expectations.

Recalling older filmmaking trends, she noted that scenes depicting sexual violence were once common and widely accepted in mainstream cinema. According to her, such portrayals rarely attracted scrutiny then, whereas filmmakers today approach the subject with greater sensitivity and restraint.

What Did Madhoo Say About Phool Aur Kaante?

Using her own film as an example, Madhoo explained that the first few songs in Phool Aur Kaante revolved around a young man pursuing and teasing a woman on a college campus, behaviour that was portrayed as romantic.

"In Phool Aur Kaante, the first two songs are only eve-teasing. The boys are chasing on a college campus and whisling, and I am looking at it as romance, and we all looked at it as romance. I fall in love with the boy who is teasing me and harassing me. Today, you will call that and put him behind bars. If a boy chased you today in college and campus and did all this, it would not be accepted," she said.

She said audiences at the time viewed such actions as expressions of love, and her character eventually falls for the man pursuing her. However, she stressed that the same behaviour would now be recognised as harassment rather than romance.

How Does Society Influence Cinema?

Madhoo argued that films often mirror prevailing social attitudes. She said that while audiences once accepted and even celebrated depictions of eve-teasing, contemporary viewers are far more aware of issues surrounding consent and harassment.

The actor added that filmmakers can no longer portray such behaviour uncritically because it risks sending the wrong message to younger audiences. Reflecting on the changing landscape, Madhoo said the evolution of cinema is ultimately tied to the evolution of society itself, with films adapting to shifting conversations and cultural values.

About Peddi Controversy

The controversy surrounding Janhvi Kapoor's character, Achiyyamma, in Peddi stems from criticism that the film objectifies the female lead through its writing, camera work and romantic sequences. Several viewers accused the makers of reducing the character to a romantic interest rather than giving her meaningful agency in the story, while specific scenes and camera angles focusing on her body were called out for catering to the male gaze.

- Ends