Rashmika Mandanna has opened up about setting boundaries around on-screen appearances, saying she is uncomfortable with excessive skin show and prefers working with directors who respect her choices. During her appearance on ‘Koffee With Karan’ Season 9 alongside husband Vijay Deverakonda, the actor spoke about the challenges performers face when expressing discomfort over costumes and scenes. The conversation comes amid the online debate surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal in Ram Charan-starrer ‘Peddi’.

Rashmika Mandanna on Janhvi Kapoor’s ‘Peddi’ controversy

During the episode, which aired on October 21, 2026, host Karan Johar brought up the discussion around Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal in ‘Peddi’ and asked Rashmika whether she consciously set boundaries regarding how her characters were presented on screen.

Responding to the question, Rashmika said she was not comfortable with every kind of costume or degree of skin exposure, even when a role called for a particular look.

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“There are some things that I am not okay with. I know some characters sort of need something like a bikini or something like that, but even in that, I would say I am not very comfortable with exposing or skin show; I am not that kind of person,” she said.

The actor acknowledged that commercial films sometimes require performers to wear costumes they may not be entirely comfortable with. However, she emphasised the importance of communicating personal limits and working with filmmakers who are willing to respect them.

“But at the same time, there are lines that I draw for myself, which most often directors are okay with. Those are the kind of people I prefer working with,” Rashmika added.

Vijay Deverakonda says actors should feel comfortable saying no

Vijay Deverakonda joined the conversation, pointing out that discussing discomfort with filmmakers can be difficult for actors, particularly when a project is already underway.

“But then it is still challenging to have these conversations,” he said.

Rashmika agreed, explaining that performers need an environment in which they can raise concerns without worrying about how their questions might be received. She also revealed that she sometimes seeks Vijay’s advice before speaking up.

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“Correct, but you also need to make it easier for the actors to come and ask such questions because even I find it hard. Sometimes I have a conversation with Viju: ‘I want to say this, you think I can?’ And he is like, ‘Yes, you should,’” she said.

Vijay stressed that actors need a support system to remind them that refusing to do something they are uncomfortable with is an acceptable choice. He also pointed to the pressure performers can face after committing to a film, when raising objections may be interpreted as a lack of professionalism.

“They all need a support system to tell them that it is okay to put your foot down and say a ‘no’, because people can make you feel like you are an actress, you have signed this film, isn't this your job?” he said.

His remarks highlighted the difficult position actors can find themselves in when they feel obliged to agree to a scene or costume to avoid being labelled unprofessional.

Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal in ‘Peddi’ sparks online debate

Janhvi Kapoor’s appearance in the Ram Charan-starrer ‘Peddi’ has triggered an online discussion about the portrayal of women in commercial cinema. Viewers questioned the camera angles used in certain scenes and whether the presentation of her character risked objectifying the actor.

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The debate has brought renewed attention to questions of agency, consent and creative control on film sets, including the extent to which actresses can influence how their characters are presented on screen.

Screenshots purportedly showing private conversations between Janhvi and fan pages have also circulated on social media. The alleged messages suggested that the actor had expressed frustration with certain camera angles and the portrayal of her character. However, the authenticity of these screenshots has not been independently established, and the claims should be treated with caution.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s ‘Ranabaali’ box office update

The ‘Koffee With Karan’ appearance comes shortly after Rashmika and Vijay’s latest film together, ‘Ranabaali’, arrived in theatres on October 16, 2026. Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the period action drama features the actors in leading roles.

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According to Sacnilk’s October 21 update, ‘Ranabaali’ had collected an estimated Rs 36.20 crore in India net collections. Its worldwide gross stood at Rs 52.40 crore, comprising Rs 42.15 crore from India and Rs 10.25 crore from overseas markets.

The film has received mixed responses, with some viewers praising the lead actors’ performances and on-screen chemistry, while criticism has focused on the pacing, screenplay, violence and background score.