Janhvi Kapoor Addresses Param Sundari Casting Backlash Over Role

The vibrant trailer for the upcoming cross-cultural romance Param Sundari was meant to generate buzz. Instead, it ignited a firestorm of criticism aimed squarely at its leading lady, Janhvi Kapoor. The actor now directly addresses the significant online backlash surrounding her casting and portrayal, offering a new clarification about her character’s heritage in the film.

Following the trailer’s release, voices from Kerala, particularly from within the Malayalam entertainment industry, expressed strong disapproval. Critics, including actor-singer Pavithra Menon and content creator Steffi, lambasted the casting choice, calling the portrayal stereotypical and questioning the authenticity of Janhvi’s accent and depiction of a Malayali woman. The debate highlighted ongoing concerns about representation and casting authenticity in Indian cinema, where lead roles often go to Bollywood stars regardless of regional specificity.

How is the film industry addressing casting authenticity?

In the face of this growing controversy, Janhvi Kapoor has provided further context for her role. During a recent interview, the actor explained that her character is not entirely Malayali but is instead of mixed heritage. She stated that the character is specifically written as “half-Tamilian and half-Malayali.” This clarification appears to be an effort to contextualize her performance and address the core of the criticism levied against the project’s initial presentation.

Kapoor further expressed her personal admiration for Malayali culture and cinema, stating she has “always been very interested in that terrain” and is a “huge fan of Malayalam cinema.” She described the project as a fun, light-hearted romantic story that also allowed her to explore a cultural background connected to her own personal history, a sentiment she had previously shared when discussing the film.

Navigating the Cross-Cultural Narrative

Param Sundari is positioned as a classic romantic comedy that hinges on a cross-cultural relationship between its two leads. Sidharth Malhotra plays a character from Delhi who falls for Janhvi’s character from South India. The film, directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan, aims to deliver a feel-good experience for audiences craving a simple, enjoyable rom-com. Also featuring Rajeev Khandelwal and Aakash Dahiya in pivotal roles, the project is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 29. The filmmakers are undoubtedly hoping that the conversation shifts from pre-release controversy to the movie’s celebratory and comedic elements upon its launch.

The conversation surrounding Param Sundari underscores a significant and evolving shift in audience expectations, where authentic representation is increasingly demanded over star power, pushing the industry toward more nuanced and respectful casting decisions that honor cultural specificity.

Must Know

What is the Param Sundari casting controversy about?
The controversy stems from the casting of Bollywood actor Janhvi Kapoor to play a South Indian character. Following the trailer release, many viewers and figures from the Malayalam film industry criticized the decision as inauthentic and stereotypical, specifically taking issue with her accent and portrayal.

How did Janhvi Kapoor respond to the backlash?
Janhvi Kapoor addressed the criticism by clarifying her character’s background. She stated that her role is not a full Malayali but is instead written as a character of mixed South Indian heritage, specifically “half-Tamilian and half-Malayali.”

What is the film Param Sundari about?
Param Sundari is a Hindi romantic comedy that revolves around a cross-cultural romance between a man from Delhi, played by Sidharth Malhotra, and a woman from South India, played by Janhvi Kapoor. The film is directed by Tushar Jalota.

When is Param Sundari releasing?
The film is set to be released in theaters on August 29, 2025.

Who are the other stars in the Param Sundari movie?
Alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra, the film also features actors Rajeev Khandelwal and Aakash Dahiya in important supporting roles.