Introduction
Param Sundari, released recently on August 29, 2025, is a romantic comedy that explores the love story between Param, a brash North Indian man, and Sundari, a poised South Indian woman from Kerala.
Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Maddock Films, this film attempts to blend cultural contrasts with romance and light drama, creating a vibrant yet familiar cinematic experience.
Release Details
Param Sundari hit theaters across India on August 29, 2025. With its picturesque Kerala setting and a storyline revolving around the clash and charm of diverging cultures, it offers audiences a fresh, colorful slice of romance this season.
The film is slated for an OTT release on Amazon Prime Video after its theatrical run.
Cast
Sidharth Malhotra
Janhvi Kapoor
Supporting cast includes Renji Panicker, Manjot Singh, Sanjay Kapoor, and Siddhartha Shankar, among others, adding depth to the story and cultural milieu.
What is in the Movie?
The story follows Param, an ambitious young North Indian who needs to convince his businessman father to invest in his startup dating app. The catch? Param has to prove he can find a soulmate within a month.
This leads him to Sundari, a responsible and simple woman from Kerala, whose striking South Indian beauty and grace immediately captivate Param.
However, Sundari is unimpressed by the North-South cultural stereotypes and is skeptical of Param’s intentions, especially since she is already betrothed.
The narrative unfolds against the lush and tranquil backwaters of Kerala, weaving light moments of humor, emotional drama, and romantic tension as two worlds collide.
The movie also features family drama, traditional expectations, and comedic North-South cultural face-offs.
What Works
Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight of Param Sundari is Sidharth Malhotra’s charm. His easy screen presence and quirkiness inject life into the film, making Param a relatable and likable protagonist.
Janhvi Kapoor shines as a South Indian beauty with her enchanting looks and earnest attempts at portraying Kerala’s cultural nuances, bringing authenticity and warmth to her role. The chemistry between the leads, though subtle, brings a softness to the love story that feels heartfelt.
The picturesque Kerala setting adds visual charm and elevates the romantic backdrop significantly. Supporting characters, especially the humorous and grounded roles by Manjot Singh and Renji Panicker, bring levity and help balance the narrative.
The film’s music and scenic boat race sequences further enhance the emotional and cultural textures.
What Doesn’t Work
Despite the vibrant performances and beautiful locations, the film struggles with predictability and a formulaic plot. The storyline is often criticized for leaning heavily on clichés and stereotypes that feel repetitive rather than fresh.
The North vs South cultural face-offs sometimes border on cheesy and cringeworthy, dampening the otherwise lighthearted mood. The screenplay and pacing lag during the middle portions, slowing the engagement before picking up only near the climax.
While Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal is visually appealing, her accent and dialogue delivery in Malayalam received mixed reactions, detracting from the immersion for some viewers.
Additionally, the romantic chemistry feels a bit restrained, lacking the spark needed for a truly memorable love story.
Comparisons with Chennai Express have been frequent, with audiences noting similarities in the North-South narrative, though the makers have dismissed these parallels as superficial.
Final Thoughts
Param Sundari is a soft love story wrapped in vibrant visuals and peppered with cultural clashes that aim for both humour and emotion.
Sidharth Malhotra’s charismatic performance and Janhvi Kapoor’s embodiment of South Indian beauty are the film’s strongest assets, making it a pleasant watch for fans of romantic comedies and cultural tales.
While it does not break new ground narratively and struggles with some pacing and stereotype issues, it remains a feel-good film with moments of genuine connection.
The comparisons to Chennai Express may be inevitable, but Param Sundari stands on its own as a charming, if somewhat conventional, romantic drama enriched by its setting and actors’ appeal.
For those seeking a leisurely, colorful romance filled with scenic Kerala backdrops and light-hearted drama, Param Sundari offers an enjoyable cinematic escape.
