Imagine a bustling Delhi entrepreneur, armed with a flashy dating app and a cocky grin, crash-landing into the serene backwaters of Kerala, where a fiery Malayali woman guards her homestay and her heart with equal fierceness. That’s the spark that ignites Param Sundari, a romantic comedy that twirls through cultural clashes, heartfelt moments, and a soundtrack that’ll have you humming long after the credits roll. Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, this Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor starrer, released on August 29, 2025, is a colorful postcard of love, laughter, and lessons in connection. Here’s our take for NRIGlobe.com on why this film is a breezy, if slightly flawed, charmer.

A Story That Bridges Worlds

Param Sundari spins a tale as old as time—boy meets girl, worlds collide, love blooms—but with a modern twist. Param (Sidharth Malhotra), a suave but slightly aimless Delhiite, is chasing the next big startup idea: a soulmate-finding app that promises to algorithmically crack the code of love. When his skeptical father (Sanjay Kapoor) challenges him to test the app himself, Param’s digital quest lands him in a quaint Kerala village, face-to-face with Sundari (Janhvi Kapoor), a grounded, no-nonsense woman running a homestay while juggling family responsibilities and a painful past.

Their story unfolds like a vibrant Onam sadya—each scene a new flavor, blending sweet banter, spicy cultural misunderstandings, and a dash of emotional tang. The first half is a riot of clashing cultures: Param’s urban swagger trips over Kerala’s rustic charm, leading to hilarious moments like his attempt to master a Malayalam song or survive a Kalaripayattu lesson to impress Sundari. Just as their chemistry starts to simmer, a twist—Sundari’s childhood betrothed, Venu (Siddhartha Shankar)—throws a wrench into their budding romance, setting up a second half that leans into drama and heartfelt choices.

What makes the storytelling stand out is its restraint. The script, penned by Jalota, Gaurav Mishra, and Aarsh Vora, doesn’t overplay the cultural differences for cheap laughs. Instead, it weaves them into a narrative that feels lived-in, with silences and glances that speak louder than words. It’s a story that reminds you love isn’t an algorithm—it’s a messy, beautiful dance of timing and trust.

Performances That Shine, But Don’t Always Spark

Sidharth Malhotra slips into Param’s shoes with effortless charm, playing the lovable man-child with a mix of swagger and vulnerability. He’s at his best in the lighter scenes, tossing out witty one-liners and SRK-inspired charm that make you root for him. Janhvi Kapoor, however, steals the spotlight as Sundari. Her performance is a revelation—graceful yet fierce, vulnerable yet strong, she brings a Sridevi-esque warmth to the role, though her Malayalam accent occasionally feels forced. Their chemistry? It’s a slow burn, bubbling with potential but never quite exploding into the fiery passion you’d hope for in a rom-com. The supporting cast—Sanjay Kapoor’s comic flair, Manjot Singh’s buddy energy, and Inayat Verma’s adorable spark—adds warmth, though some characters feel undercooked.

A Visual and Musical Feast

If Param Sundari were a dish, it’d be a feast for the eyes and ears. Cinematographer Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran paints Kerala’s backwaters, coconut groves, and tea estates like a love letter to the state, making every frame a travel ad you didn’t know you needed. From the lush greens of Alappuzha to Delhi’s neon buzz, the visuals mirror the characters’ emotional arcs with stunning clarity. The costumes—Param’s city-cool tees versus Sundari’s elegant saris—tell their own story of contrast and connection.

The real soul of the film, though, is its music. Sachin-Jigar’s soundtrack is a banger, with Pardesiya (sung by Sonu Nigam) soaring as a romantic anthem that’s already a chartbuster. Bheegi Saree drips with monsoon romance, while Sunn Mere Yaar Ve and Chand Kagaz Ka tug at the heartstrings. The title track, Sundari Ke Pyaar Mein, is a vibrant celebration of love that’ll have you dancing in your seat. These songs don’t just play in the background—they lift the story, making every emotion hit harder.

Where It Stumbles

For all its charm, Param Sundari isn’t flawless. The plot treads familiar rom-com territory, echoing films like 2 States or Chennai Express, and some twists feel predictable. The love triangle with Venu lacks depth, and the second half drags slightly as it leans into melodrama. Critics have also pointed out the film’s reliance on Kerala stereotypes—think coconut trees, Kathakali, and Mohiniyattam thrown in like a tourism brochure. While the film tries to be culturally sensitive, it occasionally slips into a North Indian gaze that feels shallow, drawing flak from some South Indian audiences for oversimplification. Janhvi’s accent, too, has sparked debate, with some calling it inauthentic.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Despite its hiccups, Param Sundari is a feel-good rom-com that delivers on its promise of heart, humor, and hummable tunes. It’s a reminder that love doesn’t need an algorithm—just a little courage and a lot of heart. For NRIs craving a slice of Bollywood magic, this film is a nostalgic trip to the rom-coms of yesteryears, wrapped in modern sensibilities. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s the kind of movie that leaves you smiling, maybe even booking a trip to Kerala.

Rating: 3.5/5
A vibrant, soulful rom-com that’s like a warm hug—familiar, comforting, but not without its quirks. Perfect for a weekend watch with family or friends.

Sources: Bollywood Hungama, India Today, Times Now, NDTV, Filmfare, Movie Talkies

Related posts:

Bollywood vs. Hollywood: How NRI Teens Juggle Pop Cultures Mahesh Babu Praises Sitaare Zameen Par: Aamir Khan’s Film Wins Hearts with Emotional Depth Andre Agassi’s Wimbledon 2025 Commentary Wins Hearts with Insightful Analysis Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR Set the Screen Ablaze in War 2’s Electrifying Dance Battle