When cinema showcases the best of our culture in movies by taking a realistic view through a well-trained lens; it evokes a sense of nostalgia and makes it relatable for audiences. However, the opposite happens when a film stereotypes people or patronizes them.
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At the moment, Karan Johar’s latest project starring Sanya Malhotra and Abhimanyu Dassani is receiving flak online for allegedly stereotyping Tamilians. In the film ‘Meenakshi Sundareshwar’, Sanya and Abhimanyu play newly-weds who are in a long-distance marriage. Here’s a look at the teaser-
However, the film casually mentions Rajinikanth and plays Tamil songs in the background, which has resulted in people asking the makers for better representation. Here’s what people had to say about the movie-
Stereotyping at its best (worst)! Another bollywood film to stereotype south indians as vegetarian, folk song listening, Rajinikanth loving, pretentious English speaking people. Grow up guys!#MeenakshiSundareshwar
— Vignesh Venugopal (@vvignettist) October 12, 2021
It ain't south Indian, it's totally wrong, it's bullshit. I don't know why the bollywood doing this without any knowledge of South India and still portraying wrong about South. If u don't know pls don't do. This is not joke.
— L O K I (@msdlokesh1) October 12, 2021
Playing a kuthu song in the background doesn't make the trailer appear even remotely tamilian.
also what up with this talkin' bout rajnikanth with no context?Happy Stereotyping 😩#MeenakshiSundareshwar pic.twitter.com/o5jhXtZQxi
— dihurdeys (@Ruhid_Syed) October 12, 2021
Amongst all things that gets misinterpreted in Bollywood movies, Tamil representations got to be right up there. #MeenakshiSundareshwar
— Koushik Kannan (@KoushikKannan3) October 12, 2021
I dont know when will bollywood understand that all Tamil's are not brahmins. All Tamil's are not veg eaters. Even brahmins wont dress and talk like this now a days. And not all tamil songs are folk songs. And stop ur obsession with our superstar!#MeenakshiSundareshwar https://t.co/oSMamGPhO1
— Sandy (@dragondeenas) October 12, 2021
Some beg to differ and said it was a general story that they could relate to.
I have a friend with similar traits and guess what his name is sundaresh…. Also, it's not generalizing… It's just a random story…. Moreover it's fictional
— kkvibhute (@kshitij_vibhute) October 12, 2021
What’s your take on this? Tell us.