‘Param Sundari’ stirs criticism over cultural insensitivity

The Sidharth Malhotra–Janhvi Kapoor starrer Param Sundari has once again found itself in the news, this time for reasons unrelated to its box-office performance. A particular scene featuring Janhvi Kapoor climbing a coconut tree has sparked sharp criticism online, with audiences accusing the makers of perpetuating lazy stereotypes about Kerala’s culture.

In the sequence, Janhvi’s character is seen effortlessly scaling a coconut tree to impress Sidharth’s character. While the moment was intended as a light-hearted flourish, it has been slammed by several viewers as caricatured and disconnected from the reality of Kerala life. Social media users were quick to point out that such “Bollywood logic” reduces a rich cultural identity into simplistic tropes for comedic or dramatic effect.

Critics argue that the depiction trivializes local traditions, especially since the film had not otherwise invested in authentically representing Kerala’s social fabric. “For a mainstream film in 2025, this is tone-deaf and unnecessary,” wrote one commentator on X (formerly Twitter). Memes mocking the scene have gone viral, with captions like “Kerala according to Bollywood” gaining traction.

The controversy comes at a delicate time for Param Sundari. After a lukewarm opening, the film showed some upward momentum at the box office, but negative chatter around cultural insensitivity could undermine that progress. Trade analysts warn that in an era of heightened awareness and regional pride, such backlash can influence a film’s reception, particularly in states where representation matters deeply to audiences.

This isn’t the first time Bollywood has faced criticism for stereotyping regional identities. From portraying Punjabis as perpetually boisterous to showing South Indians primarily through exaggerated accents and mannerisms, the industry has often been guilty of oversimplification. The Param Sundari episode has reignited that conversation, with many urging filmmakers to consult cultural experts and local voices when setting stories in specific regions.

Janhvi Kapoor herself has not commented on the backlash, though insiders suggest the team is monitoring the situation closely. For the actress, who is at a crucial point in her career, such controversies underline the risks of roles tied to sensitive portrayals.

Ultimately, whether the uproar significantly dents the film’s business remains to be seen. But the takeaway is clear: audiences today expect more than surface-level representation. Param Sundari’s coconut tree scene, intended as a quirky moment, has instead become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about Bollywood’s responsibility toward cultural authenticity.