New Delhi, June 7 -- Filmmaker Buchi Babu Sana has responded to mounting criticism over the depiction of women and romance in the upcoming Telugu film Peddi, acknowledging audience concerns and promising greater sensitivity in future representations.

Speaking to SCREEN, the director said he was taken aback by the overwhelmingly negative response to the portrayal of Achiyyamma, played by Janhvi Kapoor, and her relationship with Peddi, portrayed by Ram Charan.

"I had not anticipated that the scenes would be perceived so negatively by audiences," the filmmaker said.

The controversy emerged following promotional material and scenes from the film that sparked debate on social media, with critics arguing that Achiyyamma's character is introd...