'Wink Girl' Priya Prakash Varrier as a Background Extra in Param Sundari? Netizens React, Say She Was a Better Fit for Janhvi's Role
The debate around Bollywood's casting choices has once again
ignited, this time with the release of the film Param Sundari starring
Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra. The film, which has already been under
fire for its portrayal of Malayali culture, is now facing fresh criticism after
a popular actress was spotted in a blink-and-miss role.
A viral video from the film's climax has been circulating on
social media, showing "wink girl" Priya Prakash Varrier in a
red-and-white saree, walking silently in the background behind Sidharth
Malhotra. Her unexpected and minor appearance has shocked fans, leading to a
massive online debate and raising questions about her career trajectory.
From Viral Sensation to Background Extra: A Shock for
Fans
Priya Prakash Varrier became a national sensation overnight
in 2018 with a single wink in the Malayalam film Oru Adaar Love. Her
fame earned her the title of "national crush" and propelled her into
the limelight, leading to lead roles in several films across different
languages. However, her non-speaking role in Param Sundari has left her
fans bewildered and disappointed.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and
Reddit, a flurry of reactions followed the viral clip. Many users expressed a
sense of shock and sadness, with one fan commenting, "She deserves better.
From viral sensation to background?" Others speculated that her role may
have been a bigger one that was edited out in the final cut of the film.
The Priya Prakash Varrier vs. Janhvi Kapoor Debate
The most prominent reaction from netizens is the assertion
that Priya Prakash Varrier would have been a more suitable choice for the lead
role of a Malayali girl, which was played by Janhvi Kapoor.
- Cultural
Authenticity: The film has already been criticized by a segment of the
audience, including Malayali influencers, for its clichéd portrayal of
their culture and for Janhvi Kapoor's "incomprehensible"
Malayalam diction. Netizens argue that casting a talented Malayali actor
like Priya Prakash Varrier would have addressed this issue and brought
more authenticity to the character.
- Casting
Choices: The debate has further fueled the ongoing discussion about
Bollywood's preference for star kids over actors with a strong regional
filmography and proven talent. Users have expressed frustration, stating
that "She would have been better for taking up Janhvi Kapoor's role.
I just can't stand Bollywood!"
- Janhvi's
Performance Under Scrutiny: While some audience reviews praise
Janhvi's on-screen chemistry with Sidharth Malhotra, others find her
performance and portrayal of the character to be underwhelming and lacking
in depth, further strengthening the argument that a more culturally appropriate
casting choice was needed.
Bollywood's Casting Conundrum
The controversy surrounding Priya Prakash Varrier's cameo in
Param Sundari highlights a larger issue within the Hindi film industry.
While it is a commercial decision for filmmakers to cast well-known names to
ensure a wider reach, it often comes at the cost of cultural accuracy and
opportunities for deserving talent from other regional industries.
For now, Priya Prakash Varrier has not yet commented on her
appearance in the film. Her brief role, however, has unexpectedly stolen the
spotlight and sparked a significant conversation online, reminding everyone
that even a single frame can create a major buzz and lead to a crucial debate
about representation and casting in Bollywood.

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