Mumbai
Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor's upcoming film, 'Param Sundari,' has faced strong objections from members of the Christian community following the release of its trailer. The controversy centres on a scene depicting the actors flirting inside a church, which a Christian group, the Watchdog Foundation, deems disrespectful and offensive.

The Watchdog Foundation has formally written to several authorities, including the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Mumbai Police, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, and the Maharashtra government. They are demanding the immediate removal of the scene from both the film and its promotional videos. Advocate Godfrey Pimenta of the Watchdog Foundation asserted that a church is a sacred place of worship and should not be used as a "stage for indecent content". This portrayal, he stated, offends the sensibilities of the Catholic community.

The group has also questioned the CBFC's clearance of the scene, highlighting the board's responsibility under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, to balance artistic expression with respect for religious feelings. Pimenta warned that "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings may attract legal scrutiny under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita". The Watchdog Foundation has warned of public protests and demanded an FIR against the producer, director, and actors of 'Param Sundari' if the scene is not removed.

Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan, 'Param Sundari' is scheduled for release in theatres on 29 August. The film's release date has been postponed twice before.