the singer Sona Mohapatra has had weight in the ongoing debate about the portrait of Janhvi KapoorThe Telugu character in ‘Peddi’ argued that mainstream cinema often reduces women to decorative figures while glorifying toxic masculinity in the name of romance.Known for his outspoken opinions, Mohapatra shared a video on social media in which he responded to the criticism leveled at ‘Peddi’ and its director, Buchi Babu Sana. He said the public’s reaction to the film’s portrayal of his hero had given him optimism, as audiences seemed to be questioning long-held filmmaking tropes.“In the last few days, one thing has given me a rare relief. The backlash against the hero’s portrayal in our much-promoted flagship film has given me hope and optimism. It seems that it influenced some of the filmmakers who are giving the interview that it’s very innocent and they’re going to cut some parts.”While clarifying that he has not seen “Peddi” or its predecessor “Pushpa”, Mohapatra said he is familiar with the story-telling that is often seen in such films.“Now, I haven’t seen the last Peddi or its mothership Pushpa, never planned. But to be honest, we all know the formula and template of those movies. The hero always lives a decent life. And the hero is just an extension of that story. A decoration to be sexualized, to be objectified. Toxic masculinity is called romance in movies like this.”He also criticized certain cinematic techniques used to portray problematic behavior as entertainment.“The disrespect turns into arrogance. Some low shots, some strategic camera angles, the look of the hero, look, look, the type of clothes, the loud background music. We know the deal. And in most cases, misogyny wins at the box office. But this time something different happened.’According to Mohapatra, the most significant aspect of the controversy is that the audience is no longer silent.“The interesting thing is that the people of India have apparently expressed their displeasure.”The singer argued that many filmmakers continue to rely on patriarchal narratives instead of creating nuanced female characters with agency and depth.“Filmmakers are taking care. Are we really tired of these lazy, short, pathetic ideas of filmmaking? I hope so. Or maybe we’re connecting the dots around all the sad news of crimes against women.”“Bullying or teasing, the news that comes every day, child rape, domestic violence. And I think people are connecting with how these kinds of films affect society’s attitudes and behaviors. Mostly it happens that there is no story in our films. Writers don’t have to pay. There is no problem. Put it in the patriarchy.”“Eliminate the hero’s agency from the script. It’s going to be a massacre.”Mohapatra then drew a contrast between mainstream commercial cinema and the Kashish Pride Film Festival, whose closing ceremony he was attending in Mumbai at the time.“And while I’m saying this, I’m off to the closing ceremony of the Kashish Kher Festival, here in Mumbai.”“A film festival that I have been associated with for years. I have worked there. I have celebrated this festival, I have supported it.”Reflecting on how the festival lasted despite limited resources, he praised the commitment to the true story.“And what amazes me is this. Kashish is still going. Year after year, despite not having the kind of budget, star power or machinery that this kind of mainstream Indian cinema enjoys. And I am very proud and grateful for that. Because courage and authenticity matter. Because stories about real people matter.’In conclusion, he expressed the hope that the audience would be increasingly drawn to honest narratives, over superficial hero worship and propaganda.“And I’d like to hope that viewers, queer, straight, young, old, male, female, or in between, will finally connect to the truth. Not propaganda. No fantasy. Not insecurity dressed up as macho heroism. The fact that Kashish is alive gives me hope. Like this backlash against Peddi, forcing the filmmakers to apologize. Congratulations, India.”Enthusiastic about the audience’s response, Mohapatra added, “As someone who has spent my whole life telling stories through music and songs, I find this incredibly hopeful. Maybe we’ll be asking for better stories, better female characters. Is it possible? And maybe this is all a sign that we’re becoming a better society. I’d like to think so. I’m sending you lots of love.”
