Bollywood has found itself at the centre of controversy over representation issues as Janhvi Kapoor, daughter of the late superstar Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor, is facing backlash for her role as a Malayali woman in the upcoming film Param Sundari.
The 27-year-old actress, often labeled a nepo baby because of her powerful family background, was announced as the lead in director Anurag Basu’s cross-cultural love story set in Kerala.
But the casting choice quickly drew criticism on social media, with many arguing that Bollywood continues to sideline South Indian talent in favour of star kids from film dynasties.
Fans and critics questioned why an actor with authentic Malayali roots was not chosen, especially given the film’s heavy cultural context.
The backlash reflects a larger issue. South Indian characters have often been reduced to caricatures in Hindi films.
Over the decades, Bollywood has portrayed them through exaggerated accents, comic relief roles, and simplified identities.
Critics point out that while Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema are celebrated internationally for their nuanced storytelling, Bollywood still struggles with authentic cultural representation.
Janhvi Kapoor’s casting has also reignited the long-running nepotism debate.
Bollywood has repeatedly been accused of prioritizing children of stars over fresh, deserving talent.
Despite receiving mixed reviews for her acting in films like Dhadak and Mili, Kapoor continues to land high-profile roles, a fact that frustrates aspiring actors without industry connections.
Film analyst Rajiv Menon told Film Companion: “There’s nothing wrong with Janhvi taking on a challenging role, but Bollywood needs to ask itself why it repeatedly sidelines regional talent. Authenticity matters, especially when you’re portraying a culture as rich as Kerala’s.”
Directed by Anurag Basu, Param Sundari is described as a love story exploring Kerala’s landscapes, traditions, and heritage.