“Param Sundari” Review: Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor’s film wins on visuals, stumbles on story

Bollywood’s latest romantic comedy, Param Sundari, featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, is now playing in theatres. Directed by Tushar Jalota, the film tries to mix modern love with cultural traditions, but the responses from the audience have been conflicting thus far.

Story in short

The story revolves around Param (Sidharth Malhotra), a young Delhi businessman who creates a dating app. His father gives him a 30-day challenge to find his true love using his own app. He meets Sundari (played by Janhvi Kapoor), a simple and practical South Indian girl, via the app. There are funny and sad scenes because of how different their worlds are. Their differences in culture slowly turn into love as they spend time together. Kerala's stunning waterfalls enhance the charm of the plot.

What works

• Kerala’s beauty on screen: The movie shows Kerala like a postcard, complete with festivals and waterfalls. Many people believe that the film's real star is its locations.

• Music: Songs like Pardesiya enhance the story with their hooks and instant popularity.

• Lead pair’s charm: Sidharth and Janhvi complement each other well, and their presence brings freshness to the film.

What doesn’t work?

•    Poor chemistry: Despite their attractive appearance, some viewers don't think the romance is real or serious.

•   Predictable storyline: It's easy to predict what will happen next because the plot follows a familiar rom-com format.

•   Cultural stereotypes: The portrayal of South culture has faced criticism, especially Janhvi’s accent, which some found inauthentic.

Audience Reactions

There are differing opinions on social media. Some fans refer to it as a "fun, breezy entertainer", while others claim it reads more like a Kerala travel advertisement than a true love story.

Box Office & OTT Buzz

The movie's initial revenue at the box office was disappointing. But according to trade reports, it might reach a larger audience when it premieres on Prime Video, where a lot of Bollywood romantic comedies become a hit. 

Param Sundari is a film high on looks and music but low on emotions and originality. If you enjoy beautiful scenery and light-hearted romance, it’s a pleasant watch. But if you’re looking for depth, the film might leave you wanting more.