A new Bollywood film has reignited an age-old conversation around how India's largest and most influential film industry represents characters from non-Hindi speaking states. 'Param Sundari', a romcom starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, tells the love story between a woman from Kerala and a man from Delhi. Critics argue that the film oversimplifies cultural nuances, presenting a caricatured depiction of Kerala, especially through the character of Sundari - whose traits, from communicating with elephants to her clumsy handle on Malayalam, draw ire on social media. The film attempts to address stereotypes but is criticized for its overemphasis on cliched representations. Moreover, the current landscape in Indian cinema, with the rise of regional films and streaming platforms, starkly contrasts with Bollywood's traditional dominance, questioning the industry's approach to diverse narratives.