Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has landed in hot water following the release of the trailer for her upcoming romantic comedy Param Sundari, set to release tomorrow, August 29, 2025. The film, directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Maddock Films, stars Janhvi as Thekkapatil Damodaran Sundari Pillai, a character of half-Tamilian and half-Malayali descent, alongside Sidharth Malhotra as a Delhi-based character, Param. While the trailer has sparked excitement for its vibrant visuals and fresh pairing, Janhvi’s portrayal, particularly her accent, has triggered widespread criticism from Malayali audiences, prompting her to defend her role and the creative choices behind it.
Accent Controversy Sparks Outrage
The controversy erupted soon after the Param Sundari trailer dropped, with social media platforms like X and Reddit buzzing with criticism of Janhvi’s attempt at a South Indian accent. Malayali viewers, in particular, called out her pronunciation as “inauthentic” and “stereotypical,” accusing the film of perpetuating outdated Bollywood tropes about South Indian culture. Influencer Divya Nair took to Instagram, slamming Janhvi’s diction as “unintelligible” and pointing out specific errors, such as mispronouncing the surname “Pillai” and using “Thekkapetta,” a Malayalam slang term for someone who has been dumped, as part of the character’s name. “It’s 2025, and Bollywood still thinks Malayalis only wear sarees with jasmine flowers and speak in exaggerated accents,” Nair wrote.
Malayalam singer-actor Pavithra Menon amplified the criticism, questioning why the filmmakers did not cast a Malayali actress for the role. “We have so many talented actresses like Keerthy Suresh, Sai Pallavi, or Nithya Menen. Why not give them a chance?” Menon said in a now-deleted Instagram video. She argued that Janhvi’s portrayal leaned heavily on clichés, such as references to Mohiniyattam and traditional attire, without capturing the nuances of Malayali identity. Netizens echoed these sentiments, with one X user commenting, “Janhvi’s accent in Param Sundari is like a caricature. Bollywood needs to stop this nonsense.”
Janhvi Kapoor’s Defense
Addressing the backlash during a promotional event, Janhvi clarified that her character, Sundari, is not fully Malayali but of mixed heritage. “Sundari is half-Tamilian and half-Malayali, which is why her mannerisms and accent reflect that blend,” she told ET Digital. Drawing a personal connection, Janhvi noted that her late mother, Sridevi, was Tamilian, and the role allowed her to explore her South Indian roots. “I’m a huge fan of Malayalam cinema, and I wanted to bring grace and strength to this character. It’s a fun, lighthearted story, and I’m grateful to be part of it,” she added.
Janhvi revealed that she underwent training in Mohiniyattam and worked with dialect coach Sheba Raju to prepare for the role. Raju defended Janhvi’s performance, stating, “Her accent is perfect for the character’s mixed background.” The actress also emphasized the film’s cross-cultural narrative, which explores the comedic and romantic dynamics between a North Indian boy and a South Indian girl, as a key reason for her interest in the project.
Censorship Allegations Fuel Debate
The controversy took a new turn when critical videos by Pavithra Menon and Divya Nair were removed from Instagram due to copyright strikes, reportedly linked to Maddock Films and a third party. Menon shared a screenshot of the notice, captioning it, “Silencing voices won’t hide the truth.” Nair similarly alleged censorship, intensifying accusations that the Param Sundari team was attempting to suppress negative feedback. These incidents have sparked broader discussions about Bollywood’s sensitivity to criticism and its handling of cultural representation.
Bollywood’s Representation Issues
The Param Sundari controversy has reignited debates about Bollywood’s portrayal of South Indian identities. Critics argue that Hindi cinema often reduces Malayali characters to stereotypes, a trend seen in films like Chennai Express and The Kerala Story. “As a Malayali, I could understand Janhvi’s Hindi perfectly, but her Malayalam was a mess,” one Reddit user remarked. Others questioned why the filmmakers, despite shooting in Kerala, did not employ a local dialect coach or cast a South Indian actress to ensure authenticity.
Supporters of Janhvi, however, argue that her casting aligns with the character’s mixed heritage and that actors should not be restricted by their regional identity. “Janhvi’s Tamilian roots through Sridevi make her a fitting choice,” one fan posted on X. Sidharth Malhotra, during promotions, praised a scene where Sundari educates Param about India’s linguistic diversity, calling it a highlight of the film.
Additional Controversy: Music Plagiarism Claims
Adding to the film’s woes, the Param Sundari song Danger has been accused of plagiarizing the Pakistani track Laal Suit from the drama Mannat Murad. Social media users have pointed out similarities in the melody, further tarnishing the film’s pre-release buzz.
What’s Next for Param Sundari?
Despite the controversies, Param Sundari is generating anticipation for its lighthearted narrative and the chemistry between Janhvi and Sidharth. The film promises a colorful exploration of cultural differences, with Janhvi’s Sundari described as a strong yet humorous character. However, the accent backlash and censorship allegations have cast a shadow over its release. As audiences await the film’s debut, the debate over Janhvi’s portrayal underscores ongoing challenges in Bollywood’s approach to regional representation. Whether Param Sundari can overcome the criticism and win over viewers with its charm remains to be seen.
