Param Sundari (2025), directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, hit theaters on August 29, 2025, bringing a refreshing North-meets-South romantic comedy to Bollywood fans. Starring Sidharth Malhotra as Param, a charming Punjabi entrepreneur, and Janhvi Kapoor as Sundari, a spirited Malayali dancer, the film blends humor, romance, and Kerala’s picturesque backwaters. With a chart-topping soundtrack by Sachin-Jigar and stunning cinematography, it has sparked buzz but received mixed reviews. Here’s our take on the film’s highs, lows, and what makes it a breezy watch.
Plot and Performances
Param Sundari follows Param (Sidharth Malhotra), a Delhi-based tech investor who stakes his father’s money on a dating app, “Find My Soulmate.” To prove its worth, he tests it and is matched with Sundari (Janhvi Kapoor), a Mohiniyattam dancer from Kerala’s Nangiarkulangara. Their cultural differences spark a chaotic yet charming romance, filled with light-hearted banter and emotional moments. A twist arrives when Sundari’s childhood friend Venu re-enters, complicating her choices. Janhvi shines with grace, her Malayali accent drawing mixed praise, while Sidharth delivers a suave performance, though some critics note their chemistry lacks spark. Supporting actors Manjot Singh and Inayat Verma steal scenes with their comedic flair.
Strengths: Visuals and Music
The film’s biggest triumph is its breathtaking Kerala backdrop, captured by cinematographer Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran. From lush backwaters to vibrant festivals, the visuals make you want to book a trip to God’s Own Country. Sachin-Jigar’s soundtrack, featuring hits like “Pardesiya” by Sonu Nigam and “Bheegi Saari” by Shreya Ghoshal and Adnan Sami, elevates the film’s emotional and romantic beats. Fans on social media have called “Pardesiya” a “nostalgic gem,” with its background score enhancing key scenes. These elements make Param Sundari a visual and musical treat, perfect for rom-com lovers.
Weaknesses: Predictable Plot and Pacing
Despite its charm, Param Sundari struggles with a predictable storyline and uneven pacing. Critics have noted the screenplay follows a familiar template, borrowing from classics like Chennai Express without adding fresh depth. The second half drags, with some scenes feeling forced, and the emotional payoff lacks impact due to rushed resolutions. A review from a leading publication called it “a 2-hour endurance test” with “wooden dialogues,” though others praised its light-hearted vibe as “comfort food cinema.” The film’s reliance on clichés, like cultural stereotypes and SRK-inspired tropes, may not resonate with audiences seeking originality.
Critical and Audience Reception
Param Sundari has earned mixed reviews, averaging 3 out of 5 stars from critics. Bollywood Hungama lauded its “breezy, youthful” appeal, predicting a healthy box office run, while India Today criticized the lack of chemistry, stating, “If a love story can’t sell love, what is it selling?” Social media reactions are more positive, with fans on X calling it a “feel-good entertainer” and praising Janhvi’s “career-best” performance. A special Mumbai screening on August 27, 2025, saw influencer Simone Khambatta declare, “Rom-com at its BEST! Nothing not to love about Param Sundari.” Early box office reports estimate an opening of ₹8-10 crore, with weekend growth expected.
Box Office and Cultural Impact
With advance bookings selling over 10,000 tickets in 24 hours, Param Sundari shows promise, especially after the underperformance of War 2 and Coolie. Its cross-cultural narrative, blending Punjabi swagger with Malayali grace, taps into the pan-Indian trend, though some critiques highlight shallow portrayals of Kerala’s culture. The film’s nod to AI-driven matchmaking adds a modern twist, but its heart lies in old-school Bollywood romance, evoking nostalgia for Shah Rukh Khan classics. Fans have compared it favorably to Chennai Express, with one X post claiming it “charts its own course.”
Why Watch Param Sundari?
Param Sundari is a light, family-friendly rom-com that delivers vibrant visuals, catchy music, and a feel-good vibe, despite its predictable plot. It’s a perfect weekend watch for fans of Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor, and classic Bollywood romance. While it may not reinvent the genre, its charm and Kerala’s beauty make it a pleasant escape. Stay tuned to FilmyDeva for more Bollywood reviews, updates, and news!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Param Sundari about?
Param Sundari is a romantic comedy about a Punjabi entrepreneur (Sidharth Malhotra) and a Malayali dancer (Janhvi Kapoor) whose cultural differences spark a chaotic yet heartwarming love story.
Who directed Param Sundari?
The film is directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films.
Is Param Sundari worth watching?
It’s a fun, family-friendly rom-com with stunning visuals and music, ideal for fans of light-hearted Bollywood films, though it lacks originality.
