Bollywood film ‘Param Sundari’ faces backlash for stereotypes of Kerala culture

The release of the Bollywood romcom ‘Param Sundari’, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, has sparked a debate about cultural representation in Indian cinema. The film tells the story of a romance between a woman from Kerala and a man from Delhi, highlighting the cultural differences between the northern and southern regions of India. However, the portrayal of Kerala in the film has drawn criticism for relying on cliched stereotypes. Critics have pointed out that the lead character, Sundari, played by Kapoor, is depicted in a way that reinforces overused tropes, such as wearing jasmine flowers in her hair, climbing coconut trees, and communicating with elephants. Her poor Malayalam also adds to the unrealistic representation. The film has been likened to a ‘tourist advertisement’ for Kerala, with exaggerated depictions of the state’s backwaters and festivals. While some viewers from outside Kerala found the film entertaining, others, especially from Kerala, have accused it of cultural insensitivity. This debate reflects broader concerns about how India’s regional cultures are represented in mainstream Bollywood films. The article also touches on similar issues in past films, such as ‘Chennai Express’ and ‘Mary Kom’, which were criticized for casting choices and portrayal of regional identities. As Bollywood faces increasing competition from regional films, critics argue that it’s important to move beyond stereotypes and ensure more authentic portrayals of diverse cultures.