Janhvi Kapoor’s Casting in ‘Param Sundari’ Questioned by Malayali Actress Pavithra Menon
The recent trailer of Sidharth Malhotra’s upcoming film ‘Param Sundari’ starring Janhvi Kapoor has sparked controversy, with Malayali actress Pavithra Menon questioning the casting of the Bollywood actress in the movie. Menon, who is known for her roles in Malayalam films, has raised concerns about Janhvi’s heavy accent in the trailer, suggesting that a Malayali actor would have been a better choice for the role.
In an interview with a leading daily, Menon expressed her disappointment and frustration with the casting decision. “What’s the problem in hiring a Malayali actor? Are we less talented?” she asked. “This isn’t how it happens in Kerala. Like how I’m talking in Hindi, I can also speak Malayalam really well,” she added.
Menon’s concerns are not unfounded. The trailer of ‘Param Sundari’ shows Janhvi struggling to pronounce Malayalam words, which has led to criticism from fans and critics alike. While Janhvi has been praised for her acting skills in the past, her accent in the trailer has raised doubts about her suitability for the role.
The controversy surrounding Janhvi’s casting in ‘Param Sundari’ highlights the long-standing issue of representation in Indian cinema. For years, Bollywood has been criticized for its lack of representation of regional cultures and languages. The casting of a non-Malayali actor in a Malayalam film is seen as a continuation of this trend, where the voices and stories of regional communities are overlooked in favor of more popular or “mainstream” talent.
Menon’s comments also highlight the importance of representation and inclusivity in the film industry. By questioning the casting decision, she is not only speaking up for the Malayali community but also drawing attention to the broader issue of representation in Indian cinema.
The controversy surrounding ‘Param Sundari’ is not the first time that a Bollywood film has faced criticism for its casting decisions. In recent years, there have been several instances where films have faced backlash for casting non-regional actors in roles that could have been played by regional talent.
For example, the 2019 film ‘Kalank’ faced criticism for casting Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan in roles that were originally written for a Punjabi and a Bengali character respectively. Similarly, the 2018 film ‘Baaadshaho’ faced backlash for casting Ileana D’Cruz and Vidyut Jammwal in roles that were originally written for a Punjabi and a Rajasthani character respectively.
In each of these cases, the controversy surrounding the casting decision was not only about the individual actors but also about the broader issue of representation and inclusivity in the film industry. By questioning the casting decision in ‘Param Sundari’, Menon is drawing attention to this broader issue and highlighting the need for greater representation and inclusivity in Indian cinema.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Janhvi Kapoor’s casting in ‘Param Sundari’ is a reminder of the importance of representation and inclusivity in the film industry. By questioning the casting decision, Pavithra Menon is not only speaking up for the Malayali community but also drawing attention to the broader issue of representation in Indian cinema. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, it is essential that filmmakers prioritize representation and inclusivity, ensuring that the voices and stories of regional communities are heard and told.
