Param Sundari, which explores a cross-cultural romance, features Janhvi Kapoor as Sundari, a Malayali girl. While some praised a scene in which her character addresses stereotypes about South Indians, several Malayali audiences pointed out that the character itself falls into a stereotype. Malayalam actress-singer Pavithra Menon called out the makers for misrepresenting Malayalis in Hindi cinema

The recently released trailer of Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor's romantic drama Param Sundari has sparked a debate on cultural representation. Malayalam actress and singer Pavithra Menon took to Instagram to call out the film's makers for continuing the trend of misrepresenting Malayalis in Hindi cinema and for not casting actors from Kerala to play local characters. However, she deleted the video within hours of posting it.

The film, which explores a cross-cultural romance, features Janhvi as Sundari, a Malayali girl. While some viewers praised a scene in which her character addresses stereotypes about South Indians, several Malayali audiences pointed out that the character itself falls into a stereotype.

On Thursday (August14), Pavithra shared a video in which she is heard saying, "I am a Malayali, and I watched the trailer of Param Sundari, and this is what I think." She played a clip from the trailer where Janhvi's character introduces herself in heavily accented Hindi, "Main Thekkapatil Damodaran Sundaram Pillai Kerala se."

Reacting in surprise, Pavithra said, "Wait, what? Before we go further into the trailer, I want to address this - 'What's the problem in hiring a proper Malayali actor?' Hum kam talented hote hain kya (Are we less talented)?"

Switching between Hindi and Malayalam, she added, "This is not how it happens in Kerala. Like how I am talking in Hindi, I can also speak Malayalam really well. Is it so hard to find a Malayali to play the role in a Hindi movie?"

Further addressing the issue of stereotypes, Pavithra stated, "We have done such things in Malayalam films of the '90s when we had to show Punjabis (does an exaggerated balle balle). But now it's 2025. I think everybody knows how a Malayali talks, and how they are as normal as anybody else. We don't just wear jasmine flowers and do Mohiniyattam everywhere."

In her caption, Pavithra clarified, "I mean no hate to Janhvi here but why try this hard?" Her post resonated with many followers, who supported her call for authentic representation in films. However, she deleted the video.

Netizens react to Pavithra's video

A user commented, "Haha so bloody true… didn’t we cast Wamiqa Gabbi in Godha to portray a Punjabi girl !!! Anyway no point in searching for sense in Bollywood… Kerala Files for example."

"On point darling 👏," commented another user.

"Not only Malayalam but also Bengalis. There is a notion in Bollywood that all the Bengali girls just wear saree, bindi and kohl. They always sing Tagore's. And most horrific part is the fake Bengali accent. Why dude why?! We also have so many talented actress in Bengali. But still they choose some random Bollywood actresses who can't even portray it," read another user.

A section of users also criticsed Pavithra for the video and called her 'jealous'.

About Param Sundari

Meanwhile, Param Sundari is all set to hit the silver screens on August 29. The film was earlier supposed to release in July, however, it got pushed reportedly due to the mammoth success of Saiyaara.

Param Sundari is a cross-cultural love story, and while Sidharth will be seen playing a happy-go-lucky North Indian Param, Janhvi will essay the role of South beauty, Sundari. The film marks the first time that the two will be seen sharing the screen, and it has been directed by Tushar Jalota.