When a film combines the lush beauty of Kerala’s backwaters, a love story crossing North–South boundaries, star power in the form of Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, and a vibrant soundtrack, expectations automatically rise. Param Sundari sets out to be a breezy romantic comedy but often feels more like a glossy travel brochure than a heartfelt love story.
A Visual Delight Without Emotional Depth
The first thing that strikes viewers about Param Sundari is how visually gorgeous it is. Every frame captures Kerala’s natural beauty—lush greenery, serene backwaters, and cultural festivities that look straight out of a tourism campaign. The cinematography ensures you stay visually invested, even when the story falters.
Yet this becomes a double-edged sword. Instead of complementing the romance, the visuals often replace it. The grandeur of the setting overshadows the lack of chemistry between the leads, leaving the audience with postcards rather than heartfelt moments.
A Familiar Story Wrapped in Tropes
At its heart, Param Sundari follows a formulaic rom-com structure: a Delhi boy meets a Kerala girl, their cultural differences create humorous situations, and eventually love blossoms. While this could have been charming, the treatment remains predictable and shallow.
The humor is largely situational and often relies on stereotypes about Malayali culture and North Indian brashness. Though some moments draw laughs, others feel forced and exaggerated. What could have been a witty exploration of cross-cultural relationships ends up recycling clichés, diluting the emotional core of the film.
Performances: Charming Yet Uneven
Sidharth Malhotra slips easily into his role. He is charismatic, natural, and provides the stability the film often lacks. His comic timing and screen presence make his character instantly likeable.
On the other hand, Janhvi Kapoor delivers an energetic performance but struggles with authenticity. Her accent and dialogue delivery feel strained, which distracts from her otherwise sincere effort. While she lights up the screen in emotional and dramatic moments, the disconnect in her language prevents the audience from fully embracing her character.
Together, Sidharth and Janhvi share an amiable presence, but their romantic chemistry doesn’t sizzle. They appear more like good travel companions than lovers, which undercuts the film’s emotional promise.
Music: The Real Hero
One of the strongest elements of Param Sundari is its music. Sachin–Jigar’s soundtrack infuses freshness and energy, with songs like “Pardesiya,” “Danger,” and “Sundari Ke Pyaar Mein” standing out. These tracks are not just fillers; they elevate the narrative and bring back the lost romantic essence.
“Pardesiya,” in particular, feels timeless—playful yet heartfelt. The music often succeeds where the screenplay falters, creating moods that the storytelling alone cannot achieve. In many ways, the album is the soul of the film, reminding audiences why Bollywood romance has historically thrived on music.
Cultural Representation: A Missed Opportunity
Before its release, Param Sundari had already sparked conversations about cultural representation. The film attempts to showcase Kerala’s traditions but often falls into caricature and exaggeration. From accents to cultural rituals, the portrayal lacks nuance and sometimes appears cartoonish.
Audiences from Kerala may find parts of the film jarring, as the authenticity is sacrificed for humor and spectacle. What could have been a genuine celebration of Malayali culture instead feels like a Bollywoodized version designed for outsiders, which explains why some viewers see it as more of a tourism campaign than a heartfelt love letter to Kerala.
The Promotional Backlash
Interestingly, much of the noise around Param Sundari was not just about the film itself but its promotions. From Janhvi Kapoor’s language slip-ups in interviews to controversies around her temple visits and fashion choices, the film’s publicity became entangled in debates about privilege and sensitivity.
Instead of building anticipation, these promotional missteps diverted attention away from the actual film. Audiences walked into theatres carrying preconceived notions, which may have further shaped the mixed reception the movie received.
Audience Reception: A Mixed Bag
Reactions to Param Sundari are sharply divided. Some viewers appreciate its light-hearted, feel-good vibe and the nostalgic return to Bollywood-style rom-coms. For them, the film offers escapism—bright visuals, catchy music, and a breezy pace.
Others, however, point out its lack of emotional depth and authenticity. For them, the romance feels undercooked, the comedy forced, and the cultural representation shallow. While casual viewers may overlook these flaws, cinema lovers expecting layered storytelling will likely walk away disappointed.
Box Office Outlook
Despite the criticisms, Param Sundari opened to decent numbers. Its star cast, glossy appeal, and music have ensured a steady audience turnout. Early collections suggest that curiosity and star power can carry it through the opening weekend. However, long-term success will depend on word-of-mouth.
If audiences embrace it as a light entertainer, the film could perform moderately well. But if criticism about its lack of romance continues to dominate, its box office journey may plateau quickly.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works:
- Gorgeous cinematography that captures Kerala beautifully
- Sidharth Malhotra’s charming performance
- Foot-tapping, melodious soundtrack
- A breezy, feel-good vibe for casual viewing
What Doesn’t Work:
- Predictable and shallow storyline
- Lack of genuine chemistry between the leads
- Over-reliance on cultural stereotypes
- Promotional controversies overshadowing the film
- Missed opportunities to explore cross-cultural themes deeply
Final Verdict
Param Sundari is a film that shines brightest when viewed as a visual and musical experience rather than a romantic one. It is a cinematic postcard—beautiful to look at, pleasant to listen to, but emotionally underwhelming.
Sidharth Malhotra carries the film with ease, while Janhvi Kapoor tries her best but is let down by forced accents and a thinly written role. The pair never truly convinces as lovers, which leaves the audience emotionally detached from their journey.
For those looking for a simple, light-hearted escape with picturesque visuals and catchy songs, Param Sundari delivers. But for audiences seeking an authentic, heartfelt romance, the film falls short. In the end, it sells Kerala trips better than it sells love.
