Param Sundari Movie Review
Param Sundari is a Hindi romantic comedy that hit theaters on August 29, 2025, directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films. Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, the film promises a lighthearted clash of cultures with a North-meets-South love story set against the scenic backdrop of Kerala’s backwaters. Does it deliver the charm of a classic rom-com, or does it fall flat? Here’s a spoiler-free take.
Plot Overview
The story follows Param, a wealthy Punjabi from Delhi (Sidharth Malhotra), who gets entangled in a startup venture involving an AI-based soulmate-matching app. To prove its worth, he’s matched with Sundari, a half-Malayali, half-Tamil Mohiniyattam dancer (Janhvi Kapoor) living in a quaint Kerala village. Their cultural differences spark both humor and romance, but a twist involving Sundari’s childhood friend complicates their budding connection. The narrative weaves through light comedy, emotional moments, and the challenge of bridging two worlds.
Performances
Janhvi Kapoor shines as Sundari, bringing a natural grace and emotional depth to her role. Her portrayal of a strong-willed yet vulnerable woman carries shades of authenticity, and her Malayalam accent, while debated, adds character. Sidharth Malhotra, as Param, delivers a charming performance but occasionally feels restrained, lacking the spark needed to fully elevate the romance. Their chemistry is a mixed bag—moments of playful banter work well, but the emotional heft sometimes feels forced. Supporting actors like Sanjay Kapoor and Manjot Singh add warmth and humor, though their roles are underutilized.
Direction and Writing
Tushar Jalota crafts a visually appealing film, with Kerala’s lush landscapes serving as a vibrant backdrop. However, the screenplay, penned by Jalota, Gaurav Mishra, and Aarsh Vora, treads familiar territory. The North-South cultural divide has been explored before (think Chennai Express or 2 States), and while Param Sundari tries to carve its own path, it leans heavily on predictable tropes. The first half drags with uneven pacing and gags that don’t always land, but the second half picks up with more engaging drama. The writing could have benefited from sharper dialogue and deeper emotional stakes to avoid feeling clichéd.
Music and Cinematography
The soundtrack by Sachin-Jigar, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, is a standout. Songs like “Pardesiya” (sung by Sonu Nigam) and “Bheegi Saree” (by Shreya Ghoshal and Adnan Sami) evoke nostalgic Bollywood romance and are already fan favorites. The background score enhances key scenes, adding a breezy charm. Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran’s cinematography captures Kerala’s beauty vividly, making the setting a character in itself.
What Works
The film excels as a feel-good entertainer when it embraces its lighthearted roots. Janhvi’s performance, the music, and the vibrant visuals create a pleasant, family-friendly vibe. Fans of old-school Bollywood rom-coms will find moments reminiscent of Shah Rukh Khan’s classics, with playful nods to films like Dil To Pagal Hai. The cultural interplay, while not groundbreaking, offers enough humor and heart for a weekend watch.What Doesn’t
The predictable plot and lack of fresh storytelling hold Param Sundari back from being a genre-defining rom-com. The chemistry between the leads, though decent, doesn’t consistently ignite the screen, and Sidharth’s one-note performance limits the emotional payoff. Some gags feel forced, and the portrayal of Kerala’s culture occasionally veers into caricature, which may irk viewers seeking authenticity.
The predictable plot and lack of fresh storytelling hold Param Sundari back from being a genre-defining rom-com. The chemistry between the leads, though decent, doesn’t consistently ignite the screen, and Sidharth’s one-note performance limits the emotional payoff. Some gags feel forced, and the portrayal of Kerala’s culture occasionally veers into caricature, which may irk viewers seeking authenticity.
Verdict
Param Sundari is a charming, if unremarkable, romantic comedy that banks on its leads’ appeal, soulful music, and picturesque setting. It’s a safe, crowd-pleasing film that doesn’t reinvent the wheel but delivers enough laughs and heart for a one-time watch. Perfect for fans of Sidharth and Janhvi or those craving a nostalgic Bollywood romance, it’s a pleasant escape, though it won’t linger long in memory.
Rating: 3/5 stars
A breezy, feel-good rom-com that’s enjoyable but misses the spark of a classic.
