Taapsee Pannu has spoken out against filmmakers who defend the objectification of women in movies by saying audiences demand it. The actress, known for her strong female-led roles, made these comments while discussing the recent backlash over films like Peddi and Toxic. She argued that the industry uses the “demand and supply” excuse to justify problematic content and that art takes a backseat when makers prioritise making money.
Pannu, who is currently promoting her Netflix action film Gandhari, said that social media criticism does not always translate into real-world change. She pointed out that even when people complain online, there is still a large audience that consumes and shares such content. Her remarks have added fuel to an ongoing debate about how women are portrayed in mainstream Indian cinema.
Makers Hide Behind the Demand and Supply Excuse
During an interview with Zoom, Pannu was asked about the objectification of women in films like Peddi and whether the success of such movies encourages makers to keep producing them. She responded by saying that the virtual world does not always affect the real world. According to her, so-called mass films are especially resistant to social media criticism.
“It’s demand and supply. People think that the public is demanding it, so we should give it to them, how else will we earn money. So art takes a back seat, craft takes a back seat. We did progress a lot before Covid where we were catching up with the best, now we are again slacking. And all the makers will blame the audience and that’s where we all actors fail to give a comeback. That’s a battle we will lose and only the audience has to help us win it.”
The actress emphasised that filmmakers often blame the audience for the content they create. She called it a battle that actors cannot win without the audience’s support.
Peddi and Toxic Spark Backlash Over Female Portrayal
The debate around women’s representation in films gained fresh momentum after the releases of Peddi and Toxic. Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, faced heavy criticism for the hypersexualisation of Kapoor’s character. Viewers slammed the camera work and certain romantic scenes that they found inappropriate.
Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups, starring Yash and Kiara Advani, also came under fire for its depiction of female characters. The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas, faced questions about its treatment of women within the story.
Pannu did not directly name any film or actor in her comments. However, social media users linked her statements to the ongoing discussions around both movies. Some interpreted her remarks as criticism of the type of roles offered to actresses in large-scale commercial films.
Actress Would Rather Retire Than Do Certain Films
In the same interview, Pannu made it clear that she would step away from acting rather than be part of certain films being made for female actors today. She spoke about the importance of having a filmography she can look back on with confidence.
The actress said she feels fortunate that she entered the Hindi film industry at a time when mainstream cinema offered a broader variety of stories and characters. She suggested that changing audience preferences should not determine the kind of work an actor chooses to do. According to her, an actor’s body of work remains part of their identity long after individual films have released, making project choices particularly important.
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Pannu’s History of Speaking Against Objectification
This is not the first time Taapsee Pannu has spoken about the objectification of women in cinema. In earlier interviews, she revealed that directors in South Indian films sometimes ask actresses to wear padded bras to enhance their physical appearance for the camera. She called such demands “embarrassing” and said they shift the audience’s attention away from a woman’s performance.
Pannu has also pointed out regional differences in how female bodies are treated on screen. She previously said that Hindi cinema focuses more on cleavage while South cinema emphasises the navel. Her comments have sparked debates about body objectification in Indian cinema.
The actress, who has played strong female characters in films like Pink, Mulk, Badla, and Thappad, continues to challenge conventional expectations. Her latest project Gandhari, which releases on Netflix in September 2026, places her in a central action role as a mother searching for her kidnapped daughter.
Also Read: Gandhari Review: Taapsee Pannu’s Action Thriller Gets Mixed Response from Critics
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