Param Sundari (film)

Last updated

Param Sundari
Param Sundari poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTushar Jalota
Written byTushar Jalota
Gaurav Mishra
Aarsh Vora
Produced by Dinesh Vijan
Starring
Cinematography Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran
Edited byManish Pradhan
Music by Sachin–Jigar
Production
company
Distributed by Pen Marudhar
Release date
  • 29 August 2025 (2025-08-29)
Running time
136 minutes [1] [2]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹60 crore [3]
Box officeest.₹65.48 crore [4]

Param Sundari is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films. [5] The film stars Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. [6] [7] The story follows Param, a North Indian boy from Delhi, who searches for his soulmate through an AI app, which leads him to Sundari, a South Indian girl from Kerala.

Contents

Initially slated to release on 25 July 2025, the film was released on 29 August 2025. [8] It received mixed to negative reviews from critics with praise for the soundtrack and cinematography ; mixed reviews about performances and chemistry between the lead pair and criticism for the story and screenplay. It also received criticism for its stereotypical portrayal of Kerala and Malayali people. [9] [10] [11]

Plot

Param is a young man from a wealthy family who enjoys investing his father’s money in new startups. While searching for a unique investment opportunity, he discovers an app called Soulmates, which uses advanced technology to find one’s perfect match. To prove a point to his father, Param tests the app and is matched with Thekkepattu Sundari Damodharan Pillai, a homestay owner in Kerala who runs her ancestral Tharavad (family house) along with her uncle, Bhargavan Nair, a practitioner of Kalari Payattu. As Param and Sundari meet and their worlds collide, their lives begin to intertwine in unexpected ways as they navigate cultural differences and explore the possibility of love.

Cast

Production

The film was first reported to be in development in November 2024. [12] It was officially announced on 24 December 2024 by Maddock Films. [13] The film's title was inspired from famous song of the same name by A. R. Rahman from Mimi , which also producer by Maddock Films. [14]

Filming

The Kerala schedule began on 19 January 2025 [15] and wrapped on 18 February 2025. [16] [17]

Soundtrack

Param Sundari
Soundtrack album by
Released25 August 2025
Recorded2024–2025
Genre Feature film soundtrack
Length21:33
LanguageHindi
Label Universal Music India
Sachin–Jigar chronology
Maalik
(2025)
Param Sundari
(2025)
Thama
(2025)

The film's soundtrack is composed by Sachin–Jigar while the lyrics are written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The audio rights of the film were acquired by Universal Music India. The first single titled "Pardesiya" was released on 30 July 2025. [18] The second single titled "Bheegi Saree" was released on 8 August 2025. [19]

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(S)Length
1."Pardesiya" Sonu Nigam, Krishnakali Saha, Sachin–Jigar 3:51
2."Bheegi Saree" Shreya Ghoshal, Adnan Sami, Sachin–Jigar3:22
3."Danger" Vishal Dadlani, Parvathi Meenakshi, Sachin–Jigar2:47
4."Sunn Mere Yaar Ve"Aditya Rikhari, Sachin–Jigar3:12
5."Chand Kagaz Ka" Vishal Mishra, Sachin–Jigar4:16
6."Sundari Ke Pyar Mein"Sumonto Mukherjee, Sachin–Jigar4:05
Total length:21:33

Marketing

The first look of the film was unveiled on 24 December 2024. [20] The film's teaser trailer was released on 29 May 2025. [21] [22] The film's trailer was released on 12 August 2025. [23]

Release

The film was originally set to release on 25 July 2025 [24] however it was postponed to 29 August 2025. [25]

Home media

The post theatrical streaming rights of the film is acquired by Amazon Prime Video. [26]

Reception

Box office

The film grossed 10.36 crore worldwide on its opening day. [27]

Critical response

Param Sundari received mixed to negative reviews from critics. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 8%, based on reviews from 12 critics. [28]

Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "On the whole, PARAM SUNDARI makes for a pleasant Bollywood rom-com. The story may follow a familiar template, yet the treatment ensures a breezy, light-hearted watch that connects well with the youth through its mix of emotions, romance, music, and drama. At the box office, the film is likely to open decently and has the potential for a healthy theatrical run." [29] Yatamanyu Narain of News18 rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "In the end, Param Sundari is a comfort food cinema. Paneer Butter Masala, idli-sambar, choose your metaphor. Familiar, yes, but warm, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. It may not aspire to gourmet innovation, but it fills the heart with the uncomplicated sweetness of first love, and the nostalgia of a genre once adored but now endangered. It leaves you smiling, maybe even believing, however briefly, in the miracle of soulmates, algorithm or no algorithm." [30]

Tanmayi Savadi of Times Now rated the film 3 stars out of 5 and wrote "Param Sundari is a visual and musical treat. Pardesiya is already a chartbuster, and it sounds even better in theatres. Kerala’s beauty is breathtaking and the cinematography is on point. At 2 hours and 16 minutes, Param Sundari is a balanced film. If you’re a fan of rom-coms, without stressing much on its legacy, Param Sundari is a decent one-time watch." [31] Dhaval Roy of The Times Of India rated the film 3 stars out of 5 and wrote "What works in the film's favour are the picturesque Kerala backdrops, tender moments, and Sachin-Jigar's music-particularly Pardesiya, Danger, and Sundari Ke Pyaar Mein. The humour is light in parts, though not every gag works equally well." [32]

Radhika Sharma of NDTV rated the film 3 stars out of 5 and wrote "Though a must-watch for all Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor fans, Param Sundari is not serving anything new in the romantic comedy genre. While it never promised to be a Saiyaara (a film set in the same umbrella genre of romance but not an intense drama), this new film is not as engaging." [33] Vineeta Kumar of India Today rated the film 2.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Rom-coms are meant to be a guilty pleasure, the kind you sneak back to when you want comfort. 'Param Sundari', unfortunately, is the kind you forget about the moment the lights come back on. If a love story can’t sell love, what exactly is it selling?" [34]

Taher Ahmed of Deccan Herald gave the film 2 out of 5 stars, describing it as "old wine in a new bottle" filled with stereotypes, and added that the film lacked substance and the performances fell flat. [35] Amar Ujala, writing in Hindi, gave the film 2 out of 5 stars and stated that "Param Sundari was good only till the trailer, dull story and Sidharth's fake expressions will give you trouble", while also noting that the film's strength lies in its music. [36] Lachmi Deb Roy of Firstpost rated the film 2 stars out of 5 and wrote "The film has its heart in the right place as it addresses multiple issues especially how today’s generation decides everything on the basis of AI and algorithms and doesn’t listen either to their heart or head. But towards the end the film does get overtly exhausting with its so-called forced cuteness and simplicity." [37] Shubra Gupta of The Indian Express rated the film 1.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Sidharth Malhotra-Janhvi Kapoor film struggles to find both rom and com", saying there is no sizzle between Sidharth and Janhvi while also mentioning that the writing was bland and full of bumper-sticker lines. [38]

Kartik Bhardwaj of Cinema Express rated the film 1.5 out of 5, writing that "Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor’s rom-com goes south from the get go", calling it an unoriginal and dated idea, and opining that Malhotra and Kapoor lacked good chemistry. [39] Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times rated the film 0.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Overall, if rom-coms are meant to sweep you off your feet, Param Sundari barely manages a polite handshake. Sometimes, technology may help you find a soulmate, but no algorithm can save a film that forgets to make you feel." [40] Debanjan Dhar of Outlook India rated the film 0.5 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Sidharth Malhotra And Janhvi Kapoor Are The Year’s Dullest Duo In Kerala-Tourism-Ad Disaster", opining that in the film, the north-south India chasm is called up for silly, flat comedy and that Siddharth and Janhvi shared the most leaden chemistry. [41] Rahul Desai of The Hollywood Reporter India in his review wrote "The culture-clash romcom, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, has no identity of its own" , opining it to be a soulless and derivate romcom and called the love triangle witless. [42]

References

  1. "Param Sundari". Central Board of Film Certification . Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  2. "EXCLUSIVE: No visual cut in Param Sundari but CBFC mutes 'church', 'father', 'bloody'". Bollywood Hungama . 26 August 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  3. "Son Of Sardaar 2 To Param Sundari, Bollywood Bets Big In July With Rs 550 Crore On New Releases". ndtv. 31 August 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  4. "Param Sundari Box Office Collection". Bollywood Hungama . 29 August 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  5. "Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor to star in 'Param Sundari'". The New Indian Express . 25 December 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  6. "Param Sundari: Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor set to star in cross-cultural love story. See first look". Hindustan Times . Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  7. "Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra enjoy scooty ride, check out 'Param Sundari' BTS pics". The Times of India . 22 April 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  8. "It's official! Sidharth Malhotra-Janhvi Kapoor starrer Param Sundari to release on August 29". Bollywood Hungama. 30 July 2025. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
  9. "Love lost in tropes? Param Sundari sparks debate on South Indian portrayals in Bollywood". The Times of India. 22 August 2025. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  10. "Janhvi Kapoor's Malayali girl act in Param Sundari gets a thumbs down in Kerala: 'Can't get more stereotypical'". Hindustan Times. 16 August 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  11. Hemachandran, Anjali; Ram, Sruthi (30 August 2025). "Prep before Rep: Bengalureans react to social media outrage over Param Sundari". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  12. "Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor's next gets its title!". The Times of India . 2 October 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  13. Ramachandran, Naman (24 December 2024). "Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor's 'Param Sundari' From Maddock Films Set for Summer 2025 (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety . Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  14. "Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor's next gets its title!". The Times of India . 2 October 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  15. "Sidharth Malhotra Begins Shooting For His Next Rom-Com Param Sundari In Kerala, Shares Photo". News18 . Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  16. "Sidharth Malhotra wraps Kerala shoot schedule of Param Sundari with Janhvi Kapoor, see pics". Moneycontrol . Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  17. "Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor SPOTTED on 'Param Sundari' sets; co-stars shoot romantic scene - WATCH". The Times of India . 11 February 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  18. "Param Sundari Song Pardesiya Out: Sidharth Malhotra And Janhvi Kapoor's Track Wins Hearts". News 18. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
  19. "Janhvi-Sidharth's steamy chemistry wins over rain in Bheegi Saree". India Today. 8 August 2025. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  20. "Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor's 'Param Sundari' first look out". The Hindu . 24 December 2024. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  21. "Param Sundari teaser: Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor bring rom-coms back, fans can't get over Sonu Nigam's song". Hindustan Times . 29 May 2025. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
  22. "Param Sundari first look: Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor in another 'north meets south' Bollywood flick. Watch". The Indian Express . 29 May 2025. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
  23. "Param Sundari trailer: Janhvi Kapoor eclipses Sidharth Malhotra; don't miss scene where she annihilates 'North Indians'". Hindustan Times . 12 August 2025. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  24. "CONFIRMED Sidharth Malhotra to romance Janhvi Kapoor in Maddock Films' Param Sundari; Tushar Jalota directorial to release on July 25, 2025". Bollywood Hungama . 24 December 2024. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  25. "Param Sundari release postponed, makers announce new date for Sidharth-Janhvi's film". India Today. 30 July 2025. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
  26. "Param Sundari OTT release announced: Where to watch Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor's rom-com after theatrical run". The Economic Times. 29 August 2025. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  27. "Param Sundari Box Office Collection". Bollywood Hungama . 30 August 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  28. "Param Sundari | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
  29. Network, Bollywood Hungama News (29 August 2025). "Param Sundari Movie Review: PARAM SUNDARI is a pleasant rom-com". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  30. "Param Sundari Review: Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor's Chemistry Crackles In Heartfelt Rom-Com". News18. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  31. "Param Sundari Movie Review: Janhvi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra Bring Onam Festivities Early With Sweet Rom-Com". Times Now. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  32. "Param Sundari Movie Review: Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor's charming chemistry anchors this rom-com". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  33. "Param Sundari Review: This Rom-Com Is An Unabashed Love Letter To Shah Rukh Khan's Films". NDTV. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  34. Kumar, Vineeta. "Param Sundari review: Sidharth-Janhvi can sell Kerala trips, not love". India Today. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  35. Ahmed, Taher (29 August 2025). "Param Sundari Review: Sidharth Malhotra & Janhvi Kapoor Fail to Impress in Predictable Rom-Com". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  36. "Param Sundari Review: ट्रेलर तक ही ठीक थी 'परम सुंदरी', फीकी कहानी और सिद्धार्थ के नकली एक्सप्रेशन देंगे तकलीफ" [Param Sundari Review: The film was good only till the trailer; dull story and Sidharth's fake expressions will give you trouble]. Amar Ujala (in Hindi). 29 August 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  37. "Param Sundari Movie Review: Janhvi Kapoor & Sidharth Malhotra's kind of 'wicked pairing' was the major highlight". Firstpost. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  38. "Param Sundari movie review: Sidharth Malhotra-Janhvi Kapoor film struggles to find both rom and com". The Indian Express. 29 August 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  39. Bhardwaj, Kartik. "Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor's rom-com goes south from the get go". Cinema Express. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  40. "Param Sundari movie review: Janhvi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra's rom-com about soulmates has no soul". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  41. Dhar, Debanjan. "Param Sundari Review: Sidharth Malhotra And Janhvi Kapoor Are The Year's Dullest Duo". Outlook India. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  42. "'Param Sundari' Movie Review: Imitation Is Not The Best Flattery". The Hollywood Reporter India. Retrieved 29 August 2025.