At its core, Param Sundari is an ambitious romantic comedy that attempts to blend modern technology with age-old ideas of love, destiny, and cultural identity. Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Maddock Films under the leadership of Dinesh Vijan, the film arrived in theatres on 29 August 2025 after a brief postponement. Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, the movie promised a refreshing North–South love story set against the lush backdrop of Kerala and the fast-paced life of Delhi.
From a distance, Param Sundari looks like a classic Maddock Films offering—romantic, visually pleasing, music-driven, and rooted in contemporary urban sensibilities. However, as the narrative unfolds, the film reveals both its strengths and its limitations, resulting in an experience that is engaging in parts but uneven as a whole.
Story & Concept: Love in the Age of Algorithms
The film introduces us to Param Sachdev, a privileged Delhi-based young man who spends his time experimenting with startup investments funded by his wealthy father. Param’s discovery of an AI-based matchmaking platform called Soulmates becomes the story’s central hook. To prove the app’s credibility, he signs up himself—only to be matched with Thekkepattu Sundari Damodharan Pillai, a homestay owner from Kerala who lives in her ancestral tharavad with her uncle, a Kalaripayattu practitioner.
On paper, the idea of an AI-driven romance bridging two culturally distinct worlds is timely and intriguing. The film deserves credit for attempting to merge technology with emotional storytelling, raising questions about whether algorithms can truly predict love. Unfortunately, while the concept is strong, the screenplay struggles to explore its full emotional and philosophical potential. The narrative often chooses convenience over depth, relying on predictable romantic-comedy tropes instead of allowing the characters and situations to evolve organically.
Performances: Earnest but Uneven
Sidharth Malhotra brings his familiar charm and sincerity to the role of Param. He fits comfortably into the urban, affluent Delhi persona and handles the lighter moments with ease. However, when the story demands emotional vulnerability or internal conflict, the performance occasionally feels restrained rather than layered.
Janhvi Kapoor, as Sundari, delivers a performance that is visually graceful and emotionally sincere in moments, but somewhat inconsistent overall. While she embodies Sundari’s independence and dignity, the writing limits her character to certain cultural stereotypes, preventing her from emerging as fully nuanced. The chemistry between the lead pair remains serviceable but never truly crackles, which ultimately weakens the romantic core of the film.
The supporting cast—particularly Renji Panicker as Bhargavan Nair and Abhishek Banerjee in a lighter role—adds texture and occasional warmth, offering brief glimpses of what the film could have been with sharper writing.
Direction, Visuals & Cinematography
One of Param Sundari’s undeniable strengths lies in its cinematography. Kerala is captured in all its scenic beauty—lush greenery, traditional homes, and serene backwaters—creating a visual contrast with Delhi’s urban energy. The camera work elevates several otherwise routine scenes, making the film visually immersive even when the narrative falters.
Director Tushar Jalota maintains a breezy tone throughout, but the film lacks tonal balance. Comedy, romance, and cultural commentary coexist, yet they rarely blend seamlessly. At times, the film wants to be a lighthearted rom-com; at others, it flirts with social commentary, without committing fully to either.
Music & Soundtrack: The Film’s Biggest Winner
If there is one department where Param Sundari truly excels, it is music. Composed by Sachin–Jigar with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, the soundtrack is melodious, contemporary, and emotionally resonant. Songs like “Pardesiya” and “Bheegi Saree” enhance the romantic atmosphere and linger long after the film ends.
The background score complements the emotional beats effectively, often doing the heavy lifting where the screenplay falls short. It is no surprise that critics and audiences alike found common ground in praising the film’s music.
Controversies & Cultural Representation
One of the more debated aspects of Param Sundari is its portrayal of Kerala and Malayali culture. While the film celebrates visual aesthetics, it also leans into stereotypes that feel outdated and simplistic. This approach sparked criticism and controversy, with many viewers feeling that the cultural representation lacked authenticity and sensitivity.
In a film that revolves around cultural differences, deeper research and more respectful storytelling could have elevated the narrative significantly.
Box Office & Overall Impact
At the box office, Param Sundari opened with a worldwide collection of ₹10.36 crore on its first day and went on to become an average grosser. While not a commercial failure, it did not achieve the breakout success expected from a film with such a popular cast and production banner.
The film’s mixed-to-negative critical reception reflects its internal contradictions—strong technical elements paired with a weak narrative foundation.
Final Verdict by Movie Ka Ticket
Param Sundari is a film with good intentions, appealing music, and beautiful visuals, but it struggles to translate its promising concept into a compelling cinematic experience. It is enjoyable in parts, especially for fans of romantic dramas and melodious soundtracks, yet it leaves you wishing for sharper writing and deeper emotional exploration.
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