The recently released teaser for Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor's upcoming romantic drama, Param Sundari, has stirred up a storm in Kerala. While the teaser may have captivated many with its visuals and the stars' chemistry, it has also sparked significant criticism for what many viewers and performers from the state are calling a stereotypical and inauthentic portrayal of their culture. This backlash has once again highlighted a long-standing issue in Bollywood: the often-clichéd and inaccurate representation of South Indian communities.

A Caricature, Not a Character

The central point of contention for many Malayali viewers is Janhvi Kapoor's character, Sundari, and the way she is presented as a girl from Kerala. The teaser shows her with a heavy, exaggerated accent and in a style that many feel is a caricature rather than a genuine portrayal. Social media creators and local artists have voiced their disappointment, arguing that the film's depiction is reductive and relies on tired stereotypes.

A viral video by creator Steffi, for instance, perfectly captured the sentiment. In her post, she comically placed flowers on her head to mock the film's "Bollywood-approved" look for a Malayali girl, questioning why filmmakers resort to such clichés. This sentiment was echoed by others, including a Christian group that reportedly took offense at a "flirty" church scene in the film, further adding to the controversy. These criticisms are not just about a single scene or a character; they are a frustration with a pattern of misrepresentation that has long plagued Hindi cinema.

The Question of Authentic Representation

Another key aspect of the criticism is the casting choice itself. Many have pointed out that instead of hiring a Malayali actress who could bring authenticity to the role, the filmmakers chose to cast a Bollywood star. This is a common complaint from regional industries, where actors feel that their talent is overlooked in favor of bigger names who may not be able to do justice to the cultural nuances of the character. As one social media user put it, "As a Malayali, I understood all the Hindi she said, but not a single Malayalam word she said," highlighting the lack of authenticity in the accent and delivery.

The backlash extends to Sidharth Malhotra's character as well. Steffi's video questioned whether his portrayal of a Delhi boy, Param, was just another stereotype, suggesting that both sides of the "cross-cultural romance" might be based on tired tropes. This raises a larger question about how Indian cinema can move towards more nuanced and respectful storytelling, especially in a country with such rich and diverse cultures.

A Broader Conversation

The Param Sundari controversy has reignited a crucial conversation about cultural sensitivity in filmmaking. While creative liberties are a part of cinematic expression, many argue that it should not come at the cost of misrepresentation and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. As the film prepares for its release on August 29, it remains to be seen how the makers will address these concerns. For now, the voices from Kerala are a powerful reminder that audiences are no longer willing to accept lazy, stereotypical portrayals and demand more authentic and respectful stories on the big screen.
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