With Param Sundari's release on Friday, Bengalureans weigh in on the growing criticism over the film's cultural representation of South India

Netizens are having a field day as trolls and memes around Param Sundari take the internet by storm. The film, though initially won praises for its song Pardesiya, crooned by Sonu Nigam and Krishnakali Saha, and featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Jhanvi Kapoor against the lush backdrop of a beautiful tea plantation, it soon stirred a debate over the absurdly long name of the latter's character and, more significantly, its stereotyping of South Indians - something many argue goes well beyond artistic freedom. The row echoes the sentiments surrounding Bollywood films like Chennai Express, which was criticised for its portrayal of Tamil culture, and The Kerala Story, which received a National Award but faced backlash for its misrepresentation and exaggeration of certain cultural-political aspects.

As Param Sundari hit screens on Friday, influencers and enthusiasts buzz with opinions. Beyond the jokes and criticism, the question remains: Did Param Sundari perpetuate existing stereotypes, or can it be viewed as a mere source of entertainment?