Cultural Stereotypes Trigger Discussion in Bollywood's Latest Romcom

The release of 'Param Sundari,' a Bollywood film starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, has reignited discussions surrounding the portrayal of characters from southern India in mainstream cinema.

This romantic comedy centers on a love story between a woman from Kerala and a man from Delhi, navigating their cultural differences. However, the film has faced significant criticism for its one-dimensional and stereotypical representation of Kerala, particularly its female lead, Sundari.

Sundari's character is depicted wearing traditional jasmine flowers, speaks Hindi fluently despite being shown as a native Malayali, and her unusual hobbies include communicating with elephants—traits that many viewers argue lean heavily into outdated stereotypes.

The film garnered backlash soon after its trailer release, as critics pointed out Sundari's mispronunciation of her own name, echoing earlier controversies regarding poorly developed characters from Kerala in other films.

The film's navigation through common tourist attractions and cultural icons of Kerala has been dismissed as a superficial checklist of stereotypes, with one reviewer branding it as a feature-length ad for Kerala tourism devoid of any real cultural depth.

Though many are pleased with the film's attempt at cross-cultural representation, others express frustration over the lazy depiction of southern culture. Critics like Sowmya Rajendran described it as “generic, exhausting and offensive,” suggesting it perpetuates tired clichés masked in an exotic setting.

Despite its controversies, 'Param Sundari' has still managed to earn steadily at the box office. However, films with deeper narratives, such as the Malayalam superhero film 'Lokah,' are rising in popularity, pointing towards shifting viewer preferences in an era where authenticity matters more.

As Bollywood grapples with its identity amidst the emergence of regional cinema, this film serves as a critical lens into the intricate dynamics of culture and representation within the Indian film industry—a reminder that while artistic freedom is essential, so too is respectful representation of diverse cultures.