Janhvi Kapoor responds to casting criticism for Param Sundari: 'I’m not a Malayali, neither was my mother'

Janhvi Kapoor, currently promoting her upcoming film Param Sundari, has addressed the debate surrounding her casting. The actor’s portrayal in the trailer, particularly her accent, has drawn criticism from a section of viewers and performers in Kerala who questioned whether she was the right fit for the role.

Malayalam actor-singer Pavithra Menon and digital creator Steffi were among those who voiced concerns online, arguing that the film might have benefitted from a Malayali actor to lend authenticity. The conversation has since sparked wider discussion about representation in mainstream cinema.

In a recent conversation with ET Digital, where she was joined by co-star Sidharth Malhotra and producer Dinesh Vijan, Janhvi clarified her character’s background. “Of course, I’m not a Malayali, and neither was my mother, but my character is actually half-Tamilian and half-Malayali,” she explained.

She added that the story itself offered her a chance to engage with a cultural space she has long admired. “I’ve always been very interested in that terrain and that culture, and I’m also a huge fan of Malayalam cinema as well,” Janhvi said.

The actor also spoke about what drew her to the film in the first place. “I was at a point in my life where I myself, more than an actor but as a member of the audience, was dying for just a rom-com. A light-hearted romantic movie where you have a smile on your face the entire time you are watching. Here was a story that gave me the chance to go towards my roots,” she said.

Param Sundari, directed by Tushar Jalota, follows a cross-cultural romance between two leads, one from Delhi and the other from Kerala. Besides Janhvi and Sidharth Malhotra, the film also features Rajeev Khandelwal and Aakash Dahiya in significant roles. It is scheduled to release on August 29.

While Janhvi’s comments may not silence all criticism, they underline the intent behind her participation in the film and the creative choices made by the makers. For now, much of the attention remains on how Param Sundari will navigate its cultural portrayals once it reaches audiences later this month.