Romantic comedies are back on the big screen, and audiences seem ready to welcome them with open arms. After years dominated by action-packed thrillers and spy dramas, cinema finally offers a softer escape. Instead of brooding heroes and high-stakes battles, Param Sundari delivers a refreshing tale of love, humour, and cultural charm. Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Maddock Films, the film looks familiar at first glance but manages to find its own heartbeat.
A Modern Hero With Old Problems
The story follows Param Sachdev, played by Sidharth Malhotra. He is a suave Punjabi entrepreneur, but his life feels hollow as he chases algorithms and venture capital. His father’s fortune shrinks because of risky startup bets. That’s when Param meets Shekhar, an idealistic coder played by Abhishek Banerjee. Shekhar has created an app called Soul Mates, which claims to identify your one true love through data. Skeptical at first, Param agrees to try the app when his father threatens to take away his independence. The deal is simple: find love in one month, or lose everything.
Journey to Kerala
The algorithm leads Param to a small town in Kerala. He sets out with his cheerful sidekick Jaggi, played by Manjot Singh. The film’s middle section turns into a colourful postcard of Kerala. Viewers see toddy-drunk drivers, lush backwaters, coconut groves, and vibrant Mohiniattam dance rehearsals. In this scenic world, Param meets Sundari, portrayed by Janhvi Kapoor. True to her name, she is graceful and magnetic. Sparks fly instantly, and their first meeting feels electric.
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Wooing Sundari
Param hides behind excuses, claiming he just wants to “escape city chaos.” But his real mission is clear—he must win Sundari’s heart. He tries everything quoting Mohanlal songs, stumbling through Kalaripayattu training, and even wielding the urumi sword with comic clumsiness. Slowly, Sundari begins to trust him. Their moments together—whether on boat rides or inside a candle-lit church add warmth to the narrative. Sonu Nigam and Krishnakali Saha’s song Pardesiya beautifully underlines their growing connection.
The Twist of Duty vs. Desire
Just when their love begins to blossom, a challenge appears. Venugopal, Sundari’s childhood friend and her family’s chosen match, enters the story. With Param’s one-month deadline nearing, the film shifts gears. What began as a lighthearted rom-com now turns into a test of Param’s sincerity and commitment.
Culture as a Character
One of the film’s strongest elements is its cultural depth. Onam celebrations, boat races, temple rituals, and martial arts all blend into the storyline. The film sometimes exaggerates Kerala’s postcard beauty, but it never slips into cultural superiority. Instead, it balances Punjab and Kerala with equal affection, letting both traditions enrich the romance.
Performances and Music
Sidharth Malhotra shines with charm rather than action. His chemistry with Janhvi Kapoor feels genuine, especially in quiet, emotional scenes. Manjot Singh, as Jaggi, adds humour but also acts as Param’s moral anchor. Supporting actors like Sanjay Kapoor, Renji Panicker, Siddhartha Shankar, and little Inayat Verma give colour, even if their roles remain basic.
The music by Sachin-Jigar is a mixed bag. While Pardesiya and Bheegi Saree linger long after the credits, the rest are passable but forgettable.
Flaws and Strengths
The humour doesn’t always land, and some cultural details skim the surface instead of going deeper. The plot follows a predictable arc, offering few surprises. Yet, its very simplicity makes the film stand out. In a time when “romance” often comes with explosions or superheroes, Param Sundari dares to keep it straightforward.
Final Verdict
Param Sundari doesn’t aim to deliver a groundbreaking message. It wants to make you smile, laugh, and remember the sweetness of first love. Familiar, yes, but comforting—like idli-sambar or paneer butter masala. It may not reinvent Bollywood romance, but it brings back the nostalgia of a genre that many feared was fading away.
This film leaves you hopeful, maybe even believing for a little while in the magic of soulmates, whether chosen by heart or by algorithm.
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