Param Sundari Movie Review: A Heartwarming Blend of Romance, Comedy, and Cultural Clash

A Tale of North Meets South

Param Sundari tells the story of Param, a spirited North Indian man played by Sidharth Malhotra and Sundari a strong-willed South Indian woman portrayed by Janhvi Kapoor. Set in the lush, serene landscapes of Kerala the film explores their unexpected romance sparked by a chance encounter. Their cultural differences Param’s loud heart-on-his-sleeve persona clashes with Sundari’s sophisticated and reserved demeanour create a rollercoaster of laughter, chaos and heartfelt moments. The narrative weaves a classic Bollywood trope of two lovers from opposite sides of the country navigating misunderstandings, family opposition and societal expectations to find love.

The story begins with Param a charming yet impulsive Delhiite, arriving in Kerala for work where he crosses paths with Sundari a cultured Malayali woman with a strong sense of identity. Their initial interactions are marked by humorous clashes, with Param’s boisterous North Indian ways rubbing Sundari the wrong way. However as fate brings them closer their differences become the foundation of a quirky and heartwarming romance. The film throws in a mix of comedic situations emotional depth and dramatic twists including a wedding scene that has been likened to classic Bollywood moments reminiscent of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s iconic chemistry. Supporting characters played by Rajeev Khandelwal and Aakash Dahiya add layers to the narrative ensuring the story remains engaging throughout its 2-hour-30-minute runtime.

Performances: Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor Shine

Sidharth Malhotra delivers a commendable performance as Param, bringing his signature charm and rugged appeal to the role. While some critics on platforms like Reddit have labelled him as “expressionless” in certain scenes his portrayal of a lively North Indian lad is both relatable and endearing. Sidharth’s comic timing, especially in scenes where he navigates the cultural nuances of Kerala is spot-on making Param a character you root for despite his occasional recklessness. His sculpted physique highlighted in the teaser adds to the visual appeal making him the quintessential Bollywood heartthrob.

Janhvi Kapoor fresh off her career-defining moment in Homebound at Cannes 2025, proves her mettle as Sundari. Her expressive eyes and graceful portrayal of a South Indian woman are captivating. Janhvi effortlessly balances sophistication with vulnerability making Sundari a character who is both strong and relatable. Her chemistry with Sidharth is one of the film’s highlights, with their dance sequences evoking nostalgia for classic Bollywood rom-coms. While some online chatter has critiqued her for attempting to emulate other actresses Janhvi’s performance in Param Sundari feels authentic and marks her growth as an actor.

The supporting cast including Rajeev Khandelwal and Aakash Dahiya adds depth to the story. Rajeev in a pivotal role, brings gravitas to the narrative while Aakash’s comedic flair keeps the audience entertained. Manjot Singh and Inayat Verma also contribute to the film’s light-hearted moments ensuring a well-rounded ensemble.

Direction and Screenplay: Tushar Jalota’s Vision

Tushar Jalota known for his nuanced storytelling brings a fresh perspective to Param Sundari. His direction strikes a balance between commercial Bollywood sensibilities and a grounded narrative that celebrates cultural diversity. The screenplay, while predictable at times is peppered with witty dialogues and heartfelt moments that keep the audience engaged. Jalota’s ability to capture the essence of Kerala’s backwaters and tea gardens adds a visual richness to the film making it a treat for the eyes. However some scenes feel stretched, and the pacing in the second half could have been tighter to maintain momentum.

The film’s title, inspired by the popular song from Mimi (also produced by Maddock Films) is a clever nod to its romantic and vibrant tone. Jalota’s decision to set the story in Kerala with its tranquil yet vibrant landscapes complements the film’s theme of bridging cultural divides. The wedding sequence in particular stands out for its emotional weight and visual grandeur reminiscent of classic Bollywood love stories.

Music and Soundtrack: A Soulful Treat

The music of Param Sundari composed by Sachin-Jigar with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya is a major highlight. The teaser’s soulful track featuring Sonu Nigam’s mesmerising vocals has already won hearts with fans clamouring for the full song’s release. The soundtrack blends traditional South Indian melodies with contemporary Bollywood beats creating a vibrant and emotional score that elevates the film’s narrative. Songs like the titular track and a romantic duet featuring Sidharth and Janhvi are likely to dominate playlists in 2025. The background score enhances the film’s emotional and comedic moments making it a complete audio-visual experience.

Cinematography and Production Design

The cinematography of Param Sundari is a standout feature capturing the lush greenery of Kerala’s backwaters and tea estates with breathtaking clarity. The vibrant colour palette and grand shots of the lead pair dancing amidst nature add a magical touch to the film. The production design from traditional Kerala sarees to North Indian kurtas authentically represents the cultural contrasts at the heart of the story. The temple and wedding sequences are visually striking with attention to detail that immerses the audience in the film’s world.

Themes and Cultural Representation

Param Sundari explores themes of love, cultural diversity and acceptance making it a relatable story for Indian audiences. The film’s portrayal of North-South cultural differences is both humorous and respectful though some Reddit users have expressed concerns about stereotypical depictions of South Indian culture such as the use of vibhuti or traditional attire. While the film leans into Bollywood’s larger-than-life style it avoids caricaturing either culture focusing instead on the universal language of love. The chemistry between Param and Sundari serves as a metaphor for unity in diversity a message that resonates deeply in today’s polarised world.

Box Office and Reception

While Param Sundari was initially slated for a July 25, 2025, release it was postponed to August 29 to avoid clashing with other major films like Dhadak 2 and Son of Sardaar 2. This strategic move by Maddock Films ensured a solo release allowing the film to capture audience attention without competition. Early reports suggest a strong opening with the film’s vibrant teaser and star power driving pre-bookings. However its box office performance will depend on word-of-mouth and critical reception in the coming weeks.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Chemistry: Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor’s on-screen chemistry is electric making their romance believable and engaging.

• Music: The soulful soundtrack especially Sonu Nigam’s track is a major draw.

• Visuals: Kerala’s scenic beauty is captured beautifully adding depth to the storytelling.

• Humour: The film’s comedic moments driven by cultural clashes are genuinely funny and relatable.

Weaknesses:

• Predictability: The storyline follows familiar Bollywood rom-com tropes, which may feel repetitive to some viewers.

• Pacing: The second half drags in parts with some scenes feeling unnecessary.

• Stereotypes: While respectful the portrayal of South Indian culture may feel exaggerated to some audiences.

Why You Should Watch Param Sundari

Param Sundari is a quintessential Bollywood rom-com that delivers on its promise of laughter romance and heartwarming moments. It’s a perfect watch for those who enjoy light-hearted love stories with a touch of cultural flavour. The film’s vibrant visuals catchy music and strong performances make it a must-watch for fans of Sidharth Malhotra Janhvi Kapoor and Bollywood cinema in general. Whether you’re looking for a fun date-night movie or a feel-good family entertainer Param Sundari has something for everyone.

Final Verdict

Param Sundari is a delightful addition to Bollywood’s romantic comedy genre blending humour, romance and cultural nuances with finesse. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel it offers a refreshing take on the North-South love story backed by strong performances and a captivating soundtrack. With a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes it’s a breezy watch that leaves you with a smile. If you’re a fan of feel-good cinema Param Sundari is worth your time.