Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra’s *Param Sundari* Sets OTT Date

Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor’s romantic drama, *Param Sundari*, is set to make its debut on OTT platforms. After its theatrical release on August 19, 2023, just in time for the festive season of Ganesh Chaturthi, the film will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting from **October 24, 2023**. This marks an eight-week window since its cinema release, allowing viewers who missed it on the big screen to experience the film from the comfort of their homes.

The film, directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the banner of Maddock Films, features the fresh pairing of Malhotra and Kapoor. The story unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Kerala, showcasing a cross-cultural love story that captures the essence of two individuals from different parts of India discovering love despite their diverse backgrounds. Audiences have responded positively to the chemistry between the lead actors, which has been a significant draw for the film.

Controversy Surrounding *Param Sundari*

Despite its romantic appeal, *Param Sundari* has not been without controversy. The film has faced backlash from viewers, particularly among the Malayali community. Criticism arose after content creators reported that their critical posts on social media were deleted. Notably, singer and radio jockey Pavithra Menon vocalized her discontent with the film’s casting choices. In a now-deleted video, she questioned why a Malayali actress was not chosen for the lead role, highlighting cultural misrepresentations that she feels are perpetuated by Bollywood.

Menon stated, “Women in Kerala do not walk around wearing jasmine flowers and dancing Mohiniyattam,” expressing her frustration over the portrayal of Malayali culture. Following a copyright claim by Maddock Films, her original video was removed, but she later re-uploaded it, emphasizing that hiring local talent would better represent the community. “What’s the problem with hiring a proper Malayali actor? Are we less talented?” she asked, encouraging filmmakers to be more mindful of cultural nuances.

The debate surrounding *Param Sundari* has sparked broader discussions about cultural representation in Indian cinema. Many Malayali users have criticized Bollywood for what they perceive as stereotyping and misrepresenting their culture. This controversy is not the first for the film; earlier, the production faced backlash for filming a romantic scene inside a church, leading to demands from the Christian community for its removal from the soundtrack.

As the film prepares for its streaming release, it remains to be seen how these controversies will impact its reception on OTT platforms. The dialogues initiated by audiences regarding representation and authenticity may continue to resonate, influencing future filmmaking choices in the Indian film industry.