Kalidas Jayaram Delivers Scathing Critique of 'Param Sundari' Over Kerala Portrayal
Actor Kalidas Jayaram, celebrated for his roles in acclaimed projects like 'Paava Kadhaigal', 'Vikram', and 'Raayan', has launched a strong condemnation of the Hindi romantic comedy 'Param Sundari'. The 2025 film, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, achieved moderate box office results but ignited significant backlash for its representation of Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
Growing Backlash from Malayalam Industry and Viewers
Numerous Malayalam actors and audiences have expressed deep concerns, arguing the film relies heavily on stereotypes rather than authentic cultural depiction. Kalidas Jayaram's recent remarks have substantially amplified this ongoing controversy, adding a prominent voice to the critical discourse.
What Did Kalidas Jayaram Say About the Film?
During an interview with food blogger Iran Views, Kalidas did not hold back in sharing his candid reaction. He described 'Param Sundari' as the worst film he has watched recently. The actor, who hails from Perumbavoor in Kerala and is the son of veteran actors Jayaram and Parvathy, expressed profound disappointment.
He criticized the movie's portrayal of Kerala's traditions and customs, labeling it a poorly executed attempt that fundamentally misrepresents local culture. His comments underscore a personal connection to the region, lending weight to his critique of the film's authenticity.
Controversy Predating Kalidas' Comments
The debate surrounding 'Param Sundari' had already surfaced before Kalidas voiced his opinion. Actor and radio jockey Pavithra Menon highlighted inaccuracies in Janhvi Kapoor's portrayal of a Malayali woman, suggesting that casting a native actor could have ensured greater cultural fidelity.
Filmmaker Ranjith Sankar also pointed out that the film's depiction fails to reflect contemporary Kerala, which has evolved far beyond the outdated clichés presented on screen. These reactions collectively emphasize a broader, persistent concern about regional misrepresentation in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Defense and Commercial Performance of 'Param Sundari'
Veteran actor Renji Panicker offered a contrasting perspective, defending the filmmakers' intentions. He noted that the movie was primarily crafted for audiences outside Kerala, aiming to deliver a lighthearted, entertaining experience rather than a culturally precise narrative.
Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, 'Param Sundari' follows a Delhi-based man who uses an AI matchmaking app and encounters a woman from Kerala. Despite receiving mixed reviews and sparking controversy, the film reportedly earned approximately ₹85–89 crore worldwide, achieving a moderate level of commercial success.
Kalidas Jayaram's Recent Professional Endeavors
On the professional front, Kalidas was most recently seen in 'Ashakal Aayiram', a dramatic film featuring him alongside his father, Jayaram. The movie delves into the strained relationship between a pragmatic father and his social media-obsessed son, exploring themes of generational conflict and financial hardship.
Their on-screen collaboration attracted significant attention for mirroring certain real-life dynamics while delivering a narrative rich with emotional depth and complexity.
