The trailer for
Janhvi Kapoor and
Sidharth Malhotra's upcoming romantic drama,
Param Sundari, has ignited a social media firestorm, with many viewers drawing parallels to Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone's 2013 blockbuster,
Chennai Express. With both films exploring a cross-cultural love story, the comparisons were inevitable. However, Janhvi Kapoor has now broken her silence, offering a thoughtful response that addresses the similarities while emphasizing the distinct identity of her film.
The Inevitable Comparison
The moment the Param Sundari trailer dropped, netizens were quick to point out the shared themes. A North Indian character (Sidharth Malhotra) falls for a South Indian girl (Janhvi Kapoor), echoing the central plot of Chennai Express. Visuals of a train journey, colorful cultural settings, and a romance that bridges two different worlds further fueled the comparisons, with many calling Param Sundari a "Gen Z version" of the SRK-Deepika starrer.
Janhvi's Thoughtful Clarification
In a recent interview, Janhvi Kapoor responded to the comparisons, calling them a "compliment" while also setting the record straight. She was quick to acknowledge the iconic status of Chennai Express, stating, "I love Chennai Express! I think it's a good reference. I take it as a compliment. The picture was released 10 years ago. Definitely, these two films are not the same!"
Janhvi further delved into the specifics of her character, highlighting a crucial difference that she feels has been generalized by the public. "Deepika played a Tamilian in the film, which, if you think about it, is a generalization happening from the people who are comparing the two films. I am from Kerala in the film, and not all people from the South can be grouped together. It's a different milieu altogether," she explained.
She emphasized that her character is not a generic South Indian girl but is specifically a "half-Tamilian, half-Malayali" from Kerala, giving the film a unique cultural backdrop that sets it apart. She also noted that these kinds of cross-cultural films are not released frequently, making each one special in its own way.
Sidharth Malhotra's Take
Janhvi's co-star, Sidharth Malhotra, also weighed in on the issue, echoing her sentiments. He stated that he doesn't mind the comparison at all, calling it a "compliment." He added that he is a big fan of Rohit Shetty's films and believes the comparisons stem from the "nostalgia factor" associated with Chennai Express.
The Broader Conversation on Representation
The comparison between the two films has also sparked a broader conversation about the portrayal of South Indian culture in Bollywood. While some viewers feel that Param Sundari leans into stereotypes, Janhvi's clarification on her character's specific background highlights the importance of nuanced representation. Her statement urges audiences to look beyond broad generalizations and appreciate the unique cultural details that make a story authentic.
In conclusion, while Param Sundari and Chennai Express may share a similar premise, Janhvi Kapoor's thoughtful response makes it clear that the two films are distinct entities. Her respect for the SRK-Deepika starrer and her conviction in her own film's unique identity have helped put the controversy to rest, paving the way for audiences to judge Param Sundari on its own merits when it releases.
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