Param Sundari Movie Review: A Heartwarming Yet Familiar Rom-Com That Shines with Chemistry and Kerala’s Charm
Param Sundari, the 2025 Hindi romantic comedy directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, hit theaters on August 29, 2025, with a promise of reviving the classic Bollywood rom-com charm. Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, the film weaves a cross-cultural love story set against the picturesque backwaters of Kerala. With a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes, it aims to deliver a blend of humor, romance, and cultural clashes. But does it live up to the hype, or does it tread too familiar a path? Plot OverviewThe story follows Param Sachdev (Sidharth Malhotra), a wealthy Punjabi from Delhi with a penchant for startup ventures, none of which have hit the mark. When pitched a dating app called “Find My Soulmate” that uses AI to match people based on their “frequencies,” Param convinces his skeptical father (Sanjay Kapoor) to invest Rs 5 crore, but only if he can prove the app’s worth by finding his own match. The app pairs him with Sundari Damodaram Pillai (Janhvi Kapoor), a half-Malayali, half-Tamil Mohiniyattam dancer running a homestay in Nangiarkulangara, Kerala. Param, armed with charm and a rehearsed Malayalam song, travels to Kerala to win her over, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and cultural clashes.As their bond grows, a twist emerges: Sundari’s childhood friend Venu (Siddhartha Shankar), to whom she was promised by her late parents, re-enters her life, creating a love triangle. The narrative unfolds around Sundari’s dilemma—choosing between Param’s modern charm and her parents’ traditional wishes—culminating in a predictable yet heartwarming climax. The film leans heavily on the North-South cultural divide, echoing shades of Chennai Express and 2 States, but aims to carve its own identity with a mix of humor, romance, and Kerala’s scenic allure.PerformancesSidharth Malhotra delivers a charismatic performance as Param, embodying the suave yet slightly immature Punjabi munda with ease. At 40, he stretches to portray a younger entrepreneur, but his charm and sincerity carry him through, especially in scenes requiring emotional vulnerability. His efforts to blend into Kerala’s culture, from learning Kalari Payattu to climbing a coconut tree, add a refreshing layer to his character, though some moments feel forced.Janhvi Kapoor shines as Sundari, balancing confidence and innocence with a natural grace reminiscent of her late mother, Sridevi. Her Malayali accent, while drawing mixed reactions, adds authenticity to her role, and her expressive performance elevates key emotional scenes. However, her chemistry with Sidharth, while visually appealing, lacks the electric spark needed to sell the romance fully, a point critics have noted. Supporting actors like Manjot Singh as Param’s quirky friend and Inayat Verma as Sundari’s precocious sister steal scenes with their comic timing, while Renji Panicker and Sanjay Kapoor add gravitas to the familial dynamics.Direction and WritingTushar Jalota’s direction is competent, capturing Kerala’s lush backwaters and cultural nuances with a vibrant, postcard-like aesthetic. The cinematography by Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran is a standout, turning Kerala into a character in its own right, with sweeping shots of waterfalls, wooden houses, and serene landscapes. However, the screenplay, while light-hearted, treads a predictable path, relying on familiar rom-com tropes—cultural stereotypes, contrived misunderstandings, and a convenient love triangle. The writing feels immature at times, with dialogues that lean on cheesy Bollywood references (like an SRK-inspired “Kisi mahapurush ne kaha hai” line) rather than creating fresh emotional depth.The film’s attempt to address modern themes, like AI-driven matchmaking versus heartfelt love, is intriguing but underexplored. Emotional moments, particularly in the second half, feel rushed, and the resolution of Sundari’s conflict lacks the weight to leave a lasting impact. While the film doesn’t promise the intensity of Saiyaara (a 2025 romance benchmark), it struggles to match the emotional resonance of classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge or Jab We Met.Music and CinematographySachin-Jigar’s soundtrack is a high point, with tracks like “Pardesiya” (sung by Sonu Nigam), “Bheegi Saree,” and “Danger” becoming instant favorites. “Pardesiya,” in particular, evokes nostalgia with its soulful melody and clever integration as a background score, elevating key scenes. The music complements the film’s vibrant energy, though some argue it plays it safe, lacking the bold innovation of an A.R. Rahman composition (the film’s title is inspired by Rahman’s song from Mimi).The cinematography deserves applause for its visual storytelling. Kerala’s backwaters, festivals, and cultural elements like Kathakali masks and Onam celebrations are portrayed respectfully, barring a few stereotypical moments (e.g., a local scolding Param for jogging in shorts). These visuals make the film a love letter to Kerala, tempting viewers to book a trip to God’s Own Country.Reception and Box OfficeParam Sundari has received mixed reviews. Critics like Bollywood Hungama and News18 gave it 3.5/5 stars, praising its feel-good vibe, chemistry, and music, with some calling it “comfort food cinema” akin to “paneer butter masala”. However, others, like India Today (2.5/5) and Hindustan Times (0.5/5), criticized its lack of emotional depth and chemistry, labeling it a “polite handshake” rather than a sweeping romance. The Indian Express gave it a harsh 1.5/5, noting its reliance on clichés and failure to deliver on both “rom” and “com”.Audience reactions on social media are more positive, with fans lauding the lead pair’s performances and calling it a “breezy entertainer”. Early box office reports indicate a steady start, with Rs 45 lakhs earned by 12:40 PM on day one and an estimated opening of Rs 8–10 crore. With no major competition, strong word-of-mouth could push it toward a moderate hit, potentially reaching Rs 80 crore net.Final VerdictParam Sundari is a visually stunning, musically rich rom-com that delivers light-hearted entertainment but falls short of becoming a genre-defining classic. Its strengths lie in its vibrant setting, catchy soundtrack, and the earnest performances of Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor. However, a predictable plot, uneven writing, and inconsistent chemistry prevent it from reaching the heights of Bollywood’s best rom-coms. It’s a pleasant, one-time watch for fans of the genre or the lead actors, perfect for a weekend date night, but don’t expect it to linger in your heart like DDLJ or Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. If you’re craving a nostalgic, feel-good escape with a side of Kerala’s beauty, Param Sundari delivers just enough to satisfy.
Rating: 3/5
Param Sundari, the 2025 Hindi romantic comedy directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, hit theaters on August 29, 2025, with a promise of reviving the classic Bollywood rom-com charm. Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, the film weaves a cross-cultural love story set against the picturesque backwaters of Kerala. With a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes, it aims to deliver a blend of humor, romance, and cultural clashes. But does it live up to the hype, or does it tread too familiar a path? Plot OverviewThe story follows Param Sachdev (Sidharth Malhotra), a wealthy Punjabi from Delhi with a penchant for startup ventures, none of which have hit the mark. When pitched a dating app called “Find My Soulmate” that uses AI to match people based on their “frequencies,” Param convinces his skeptical father (Sanjay Kapoor) to invest Rs 5 crore, but only if he can prove the app’s worth by finding his own match. The app pairs him with Sundari Damodaram Pillai (Janhvi Kapoor), a half-Malayali, half-Tamil Mohiniyattam dancer running a homestay in Nangiarkulangara, Kerala. Param, armed with charm and a rehearsed Malayalam song, travels to Kerala to win her over, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and cultural clashes.As their bond grows, a twist emerges: Sundari’s childhood friend Venu (Siddhartha Shankar), to whom she was promised by her late parents, re-enters her life, creating a love triangle. The narrative unfolds around Sundari’s dilemma—choosing between Param’s modern charm and her parents’ traditional wishes—culminating in a predictable yet heartwarming climax. The film leans heavily on the North-South cultural divide, echoing shades of Chennai Express and 2 States, but aims to carve its own identity with a mix of humor, romance, and Kerala’s scenic allure.PerformancesSidharth Malhotra delivers a charismatic performance as Param, embodying the suave yet slightly immature Punjabi munda with ease. At 40, he stretches to portray a younger entrepreneur, but his charm and sincerity carry him through, especially in scenes requiring emotional vulnerability. His efforts to blend into Kerala’s culture, from learning Kalari Payattu to climbing a coconut tree, add a refreshing layer to his character, though some moments feel forced.Janhvi Kapoor shines as Sundari, balancing confidence and innocence with a natural grace reminiscent of her late mother, Sridevi. Her Malayali accent, while drawing mixed reactions, adds authenticity to her role, and her expressive performance elevates key emotional scenes. However, her chemistry with Sidharth, while visually appealing, lacks the electric spark needed to sell the romance fully, a point critics have noted. Supporting actors like Manjot Singh as Param’s quirky friend and Inayat Verma as Sundari’s precocious sister steal scenes with their comic timing, while Renji Panicker and Sanjay Kapoor add gravitas to the familial dynamics.Direction and WritingTushar Jalota’s direction is competent, capturing Kerala’s lush backwaters and cultural nuances with a vibrant, postcard-like aesthetic. The cinematography by Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran is a standout, turning Kerala into a character in its own right, with sweeping shots of waterfalls, wooden houses, and serene landscapes. However, the screenplay, while light-hearted, treads a predictable path, relying on familiar rom-com tropes—cultural stereotypes, contrived misunderstandings, and a convenient love triangle. The writing feels immature at times, with dialogues that lean on cheesy Bollywood references (like an SRK-inspired “Kisi mahapurush ne kaha hai” line) rather than creating fresh emotional depth.The film’s attempt to address modern themes, like AI-driven matchmaking versus heartfelt love, is intriguing but underexplored. Emotional moments, particularly in the second half, feel rushed, and the resolution of Sundari’s conflict lacks the weight to leave a lasting impact. While the film doesn’t promise the intensity of Saiyaara (a 2025 romance benchmark), it struggles to match the emotional resonance of classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge or Jab We Met.Music and CinematographySachin-Jigar’s soundtrack is a high point, with tracks like “Pardesiya” (sung by Sonu Nigam), “Bheegi Saree,” and “Danger” becoming instant favorites. “Pardesiya,” in particular, evokes nostalgia with its soulful melody and clever integration as a background score, elevating key scenes. The music complements the film’s vibrant energy, though some argue it plays it safe, lacking the bold innovation of an A.R. Rahman composition (the film’s title is inspired by Rahman’s song from Mimi).The cinematography deserves applause for its visual storytelling. Kerala’s backwaters, festivals, and cultural elements like Kathakali masks and Onam celebrations are portrayed respectfully, barring a few stereotypical moments (e.g., a local scolding Param for jogging in shorts). These visuals make the film a love letter to Kerala, tempting viewers to book a trip to God’s Own Country.Reception and Box OfficeParam Sundari has received mixed reviews. Critics like Bollywood Hungama and News18 gave it 3.5/5 stars, praising its feel-good vibe, chemistry, and music, with some calling it “comfort food cinema” akin to “paneer butter masala”. However, others, like India Today (2.5/5) and Hindustan Times (0.5/5), criticized its lack of emotional depth and chemistry, labeling it a “polite handshake” rather than a sweeping romance. The Indian Express gave it a harsh 1.5/5, noting its reliance on clichés and failure to deliver on both “rom” and “com”.Audience reactions on social media are more positive, with fans lauding the lead pair’s performances and calling it a “breezy entertainer”. Early box office reports indicate a steady start, with Rs 45 lakhs earned by 12:40 PM on day one and an estimated opening of Rs 8–10 crore. With no major competition, strong word-of-mouth could push it toward a moderate hit, potentially reaching Rs 80 crore net.Final VerdictParam Sundari is a visually stunning, musically rich rom-com that delivers light-hearted entertainment but falls short of becoming a genre-defining classic. Its strengths lie in its vibrant setting, catchy soundtrack, and the earnest performances of Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor. However, a predictable plot, uneven writing, and inconsistent chemistry prevent it from reaching the heights of Bollywood’s best rom-coms. It’s a pleasant, one-time watch for fans of the genre or the lead actors, perfect for a weekend date night, but don’t expect it to linger in your heart like DDLJ or Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. If you’re craving a nostalgic, feel-good escape with a side of Kerala’s beauty, Param Sundari delivers just enough to satisfy.
Rating: 3/5