Have you noticed how Bollywood films sometimes miss the mark on portraying regional cultures? The recent trailer for Param Sundari, starring Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra, has stirred up quite a debate. At the center is Pavithra Menon, a Dubai-based singer and radio jockey, whose comments on the film’s depiction of Malayali characters went viral. But as things heated up online, Pavithra stepped in to set the record straight. Let’s dive into what really happened and why it matters.
What Started the ‘Param Sundari’ Controversy?
The trouble began when the trailer for Param Sundari dropped in August 2025. The film tells a cross-cultural love story between a Delhi boy, played by Sidharth Malhotra, and a Malayali woman, portrayed by Janhvi Kapoor. Scenes showed Janhvi’s character with heavy jasmine flowers in her hair and struggling with Malayalam words like “thenga” (coconut) and “mannuni” (idiot). Many viewers, especially from Kerala, felt this reinforced old stereotypes of South Indians.
Pavithra Menon, a popular Malayalam TV presenter, posted a video on Instagram criticizing these elements. She questioned why the filmmakers didn’t cast a talented Malayali actor for the role and highlighted the poor accent work. The video quickly gained traction but was soon removed by Instagram due to a copyright claim, sparking allegations of targeted takedowns. Other Malayali creators reported similar issues with their critical videos.
This wasn’t just about one film. Param Sundari also faced scrutiny for the age gap between its leads—Sidharth is 40, while Janhvi is 28—and for typecasting South Indians in caricatured roles. Pavithra’s post tapped into a larger conversation about authentic representation in Bollywood.
Pavithra Menon’s Side of the Story
In a recent interview, Pavithra clarified that her critique wasn’t personal. “It was not against Janhvi Kapoor,” she said. Instead, she focused on the “caricaturish characterisation” that feels outdated in 2025. She explained that while such humor might have flown in the 1990s, society has moved forward. “Look at how far the world has come and all we have achieved. So, to see that kind of off-putting caricaturish characterisation bothers us,” she told Hindustan Times.
Pavithra stressed she’s not an actor herself, so there’s no professional jealousy involved. “Honestly, I was not trying to steal anybody else’s job, but just saying, do the job properly.” She called for better dialect coaching, pointing out that Hollywood actors nail accents with proper training. Even though Param Sundari reportedly had a coach, the execution fell short in her view.
On a positive note, Pavithra shared that she’s met Janhvi during promotions in Dubai and finds her down-to-earth. Her message? Actors from anywhere can play diverse roles, but they need the right guidance to avoid stereotypes.
Why Cultural Accuracy Matters in Films
This incident highlights a recurring issue in Indian cinema. Bollywood has a history of simplifying regional identities for laughs, but audiences today demand more nuance. For tips on improving cultural portrayals, check out our guide on authentic representation in movies. Externally, resources like the South Asian Film Institute offer insights into better practices.
FAQ: Common Questions About the ‘Param Sundari’ Controversy
What did Pavithra Menon say about Janhvi Kapoor’s role in ‘Param Sundari’?
Pavithra criticized the stereotypical portrayal and accent, but made clear it wasn’t a personal attack on Janhvi. She advocated for accurate representations instead.
Why was Pavithra Menon’s video removed from Instagram?
It was taken down due to a copyright claim, amid reports of similar removals for other critics of the trailer.
Is ‘Param Sundari’ facing other criticisms?
Yes, including the age difference between Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, and broader typecasting of South Indian characters.
How has Janhvi Kapoor responded to the backlash?
As of now, Janhvi hasn’t publicly addressed the specific comments, but she continues promoting the film.
What can filmmakers do to avoid such controversies?
Hire dialect coaches, consult cultural experts, and cast diversely when possible to ensure respectful portrayals.
In the end, Pavithra Menon’s comments remind us that entertainment should unite, not divide, through better storytelling. If you’re a film fan, keep an eye on how Bollywood evolves—maybe even share your thoughts in the comments below. For more Bollywood updates, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media.
