Peddi extended version includes Janhvi scenes from June 17, not controversial excerpts
The makers of Peddi have announced an extended cut from June 17, in which two deleted scenes, including Janhvi Kapoor’s Achiyamma, have been added back in, following the reaction over her portrayal.
creator of pedi An extended version of the Telugu sports drama has been announced following criticism over Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal of the character Achiyamma. Director Buchi Babu Sana said that the revised cut will be released in theaters on June 17 and will include three scenes that were previously cut out of the film.
The decision comes after weeks of online protest, with many viewers calling the scenes involving Achiamma objectionable, unnecessary and detrimental to the film. Speaking at a success meet in Hyderabad on Sunday, June 14, the director said that the new version will include two scenes featuring Janhvi Kapoor’s character and one scene featuring veteran actor Jagapathi Babu.
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Buchi Babu Sana said, “We have already edited it. They will be added from this Wednesday. We have added three scenes in total. There will be scenes related to the heroine and there will also be a scene for Jagapathi Babu. All the missing elements will be included in it.”
He said that the restored scenes would bring more emotional depth to Achiamma. He said, “There are two more scenes related to Jhanvi’s character. After watching these, the audience will connect with the character even more. I believe that this will take Jhanvi’s character to another level.”
Released on June 4, 2026, pedi Making a strong start at the box office, it earned around Rs 51 crore on the first day. However, criticism regarding Achiamma’s portrayal emerged soon after its release. Viewers pointed to her introduction scene, where the camera pans over her body before revealing her face, and another scene in which Ram Charan’s character praises her, but the focus becomes on the suggestive anatomy rather than the emotions.
A separate election campaign sequence involving public harassment was also criticized, with some viewers describing it as “disgusting” and others questioning whether the film was romanticizing obsessive behavior.
Responding to the backlash, Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology. He wrote, “As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire and connect with the audience. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or humiliated.”
Despite the controversy, pedi continues its strong performance at the global box office and has reportedly crossed the Rs 307 crore mark worldwide. Starring Ram Charan, Shiv Rajkumar, Boman Irani and Divyendu, with music by AR Rahman, the film remains one of the biggest Indian hits of 2026.