‘Raayan’ actor Kalidas Jayaram slams ‘Param Sundari’ starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, calls it 'the worst film'

Actor Kalidas Jayaram, known for his performances in ‘Paava Kadhaigal’, ‘Vikram’ and ‘Raayan’, has strongly criticised the Hindi romantic comedy ‘Param Sundari’. The 2025 film, headlined by Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, performed moderately at the box office but sparked backlash for its portrayal of Kerala’s culture. Several Malayalam actors and viewers voiced concerns that the film leaned on stereotypes rather than authenticity. Kalidas’ remarks have now added to the ongoing debate surrounding the movie.

What did Kalidas Jayaram say about ‘Param Sundari’?

During a conversation with food blogger Iran Views, Kalidas did not mince words while sharing his reaction. He described ‘Param Sundari’ as the worst film he has recently watched. He expressed disappointment over the movie’s portrayal of Kerala’s culture and traditions, describing it as a bad attempt that misrepresented local customs. It should be noted that Kalidas, who hails from Perumbavoor, Kerala, is the son of actors Jayaram and Parvathy.

The controversy surrounding ‘Param Sundari’ had surfaced even before Kalidas’ comments. Actor and radio jockey Pavithra Menon highlighted what she described as inaccuracies in Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal of a Malayali woman, suggesting that casting a native actor could have ensured authenticity. Filmmaker Ranjith Sankar also pointed out that the film’s depiction did not reflect contemporary Kerala, which has evolved far beyond the clichés shown on screen. These reactions underscored a broader concern about regional misrepresentation in mainstream Hindi cinema.

Despite backlash, ‘Param Sundari’ finds its commercial footing

Veteran actor Renji Panicker offered a contrasting perspective, defending the makers’ intent. He noted that the film was designed primarily for audiences outside Kerala and aimed to deliver a lighthearted entertainer. 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 meets a woman from Kerala. Despite mixed reviews and controversy, the film reportedly earned around ₹85–89 crore worldwide, achieving moderate commercial success.

Kalidas Jayaram’s recent work

On the professional front, Kalidas was last seen in ‘Ashakal Aayiram’, a drama featuring him alongside his father Jayaram. The film explores the strained bond between a practical father and his social media-obsessed son, highlighting generational conflicts and financial struggles. Their on-screen pairing drew attention for mirroring aspects of real-life dynamics while delivering an emotionally layered narrative.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”