Pavithra Menon Slams Janhvi Kapoor’s Casting
Controversies erupted over Janhvi Kapoor’s casting in Param Sundari led to questioning such casting by Malayali actress Pavithra Menon via an Instagram post with the caption, “Why try this hard?” But the video was taken down by Instagram and Menon again re-posted the video. The ensuing debate quickly developed into an examination of why Bollywood actresses such as Janhvi are now being cast for increasing roles in the South Indian film industry. What is the issue in casting a proper Malayali actress?
A casting mold in South Indian cinema has conformed to controversial beauty parameters, which are known to uphold fair skin and curvy figures. With powers being entertained in the commercial cinema for the celebrated fair skin, voluptuous figure of Janhvi Kapoor goes hand in hand with the particular commercial aesthetics.
Pavithra Menon’s criticism subtly pointed this out in questioning whether casting Bollywood actresses serves any purpose when it could actually be localised talent who actually represent regional diversity. Curvy figures have accorded acceptance to popular actresses like Anushka Shetty and Shruti Haasan, but the fair-skinned Bollywood stars often overshadow the dark-skinned and not-so-conventionally glamorous South Indian actresses.
The Bollywood actresses are often blessed with huge fan bases pan-India, which tremendously helps in securing the commercial prospects of any film in question. Janhvi Kapoor proceeds to be the daughter of Sridevi, an icon in both Bollywood and South cinema.
The presence of such actors in South cinema would definitely lend greater audience reach in particular in the Hindi-speaking market. This act is further propelled by social media, whereby actresses like Janhvi use millions of followers to build traction for their respective films. The South filmmakers harnesses the star power to garner audiences far and wide and then pile up on box-office revenues.
Fitness has emerged as a deciding factor in Indian cinema, an actress is supposed to fit modern parameters of beauty and maintain a lean and agile body. Janhvi Kapoor represents such an image; while, like other actresses, she is very rigorous regarding keeping fit while following training in strength and Pilates exercises.
So, fitness is playing to some extent an important part in South cinema where great energy with dance and action seems almost required, integrating performers fit enough to pull off complex choreography with charisma in terms of screen.
The casting of Bollywood actresses like Janhvi Kapoor in South Indian cinema reflects a strategic blend of commercial and aesthetic motives. But it also raises a debate over actual regional representation. Is this the future of South Cinema?
Also Read: Mrunal Thakur Finallly Responds To Bipasha Basu’s Body Shaming Backlash, ‘It Was A Playful Banter’
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