August 29, 2025–
Param Sundari Movie Review and Box Office: A Colorful Rom-Com That Splits Critics and Charms Audiences
Bollywood welcomed one of its most high-profile romantic comedies of the year with the release of Param Sundari. Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Maddock Films, the movie pairs Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor in a story that mixes modern romance with cultural traditions, lavish visuals, and a sprinkle of technology. The film also features Akshaye Khanna and Abhishek Bachchan in pivotal roles.
Plot and Theme
Param Sundari is set against the lush landscapes of Kerala and revolves around the lives of Param (played by Sidharth Malhotra) and Sundari (Janhvi Kapoor). The twist comes in the form of a quirky dating app called Find My Soulmate, which uses sound frequencies to connect people. The app matches Param and Sundari, leading to a cross-cultural romance filled with comedic misunderstandings, family drama, and heartfelt moments.
The film attempts to position itself as a modern rom-com with an old-world Bollywood flavor, echoing elements of Shah Rukh Khan’s classic love stories, while adding a contemporary tech-driven twist.
Performances and Music
The chemistry between Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor has been widely appreciated. Critics and fans describe their pairing as natural, energetic, and one of the strongest aspects of the film. Their light-hearted banter and emotional moments resonate well with audiences who enjoy a breezy romantic ride.
The music album, composed by Sachin–Jigar, is another major highlight. Songs such as Pardesiya and Bheegi Saari are already topping charts, bringing both youthful energy and traditional melodies into the narrative. The background score has also been praised for enhancing Kerala’s scenic beauty and the film’s overall romantic tone.
Visually, the film delivers a spectacle. From Kerala’s houseboats and backwaters to vibrant dance sequences, the cinematography has been described as postcard-worthy. Many social media users have even joked that the movie doubles as a “tourism ad for Kerala.”
Critical Reception: Divided Opinions
Despite its charm, Param Sundari has drawn mixed to polarized reviews from critics.
- Positive Reviews:
- Bollywood Hungama (3.5/5) called the film “pleasant and youth-friendly,” highlighting its relatable comedy and breezy storytelling.
- News18 (3.5/5) praised it as “comfort cinema,” likening it to a bowl of popcorn—easy, light, and enjoyable.
- NDTV (3/5) described the movie as an “unabashed love letter to Bollywood romance,” pointing out its nostalgic nods to Shah Rukh Khan-style love stories.
- Critical Voices:
- The Indian Express (1.5/5) criticized the film for lacking both “romance and comedy,” saying its writing is bland and predictable.
- India Today (2.5/5) appreciated the visuals but said the love story feels superficial and emotionally hollow, remarking, “They may look like lovers, but we never believe it.”
- Hindustan Times (0.5/5) gave one of the harshest verdicts, claiming the film struggles to generate even basic sparks of chemistry, calling it a “rom-com without the rom or the com.”
- HighOnFilms described it as “dead on arrival,” criticizing shallow character development and cultural stereotyping, though it acknowledged the soundtrack as a saving grace.
- Firstpost (2/5) said the film exhausts itself midway, weighed down by clichés and forced humor.
This divide shows a clear gap between audience enjoyment and critical expectations.
Audience Response: Lighter, Happier Reviews
While critics were split, audience reactions leaned more positive. On social media, fans described Param Sundari as a “fun rollercoaster ride,” praising the vibrant setting, catchy songs, and Malhotra-Kapoor’s chemistry. Many called it a “breezy entertainer” perfect for a weekend watch with family and friends.
Several early reviews from netizens even dubbed it a “rom-com at its best”, noting that its strength lies in simplicity and escapism rather than depth.
Box Office Report
The film opened to moderate but promising numbers at the box office:
- Trade tracker Sacnilk estimated the Day 1 collection at around ₹10 crore net across India.
- Advance bookings crossed 10,000 tickets on release day, suggesting steady anticipation.
- Analysts noted that the film’s family-friendly appeal and strong music could help it grow over the weekend despite mixed reviews.
- Overseas markets, particularly in the Middle East and North America, also reported decent occupancy thanks to Sidharth Malhotra’s fan base.
Whether the film sustains beyond the first weekend will depend on word-of-mouth publicity, especially in urban multiplexes.
OTT Release and Future Reach
According to trade sources, Param Sundari is expected to premiere on Prime Video by late October 2025, after its standard eight-week theatrical window. This OTT release is likely to expand its reach to a larger global audience, particularly among younger viewers who consume rom-coms digitally.
Final Word
Param Sundari is a romantic comedy that thrives on star power, music, and visuals, but falters when it comes to depth and originality. For casual viewers, it serves as a lighthearted, colorful escape, packed with catchy songs and lively chemistry. For critics and cinephiles, however, it falls into the trap of being style without substance.
In the end, the film reflects a truth about Bollywood rom-coms in the 2020s—audiences may not always need a groundbreaking story, but they still crave charm, music, and emotion. Param Sundari delivers on some of these counts, while missing the mark on others.
Source: Times of India – Param Sundari Movie Review & Live Updates
