Param Sundari delivers a heartwarming cross-cultural romance that explores love beyond algorithms. Directed by Tushar Jalota and starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, this Maddock Films production blends traditional Kerala culture with modern dating app concepts. Follow our live box office updates and comprehensive review below.
What Is Param Sundari About?
Plot Synopsis
Param Sachdev (Sidharth Malhotra), a wealthy Delhi entrepreneur, needs to prove his dating app “Find Your Soulmate” works before investing ₹5 crore of his father’s money. The AI-driven app matches him with Sundari (Janhvi Kapoor), a homestay owner in Kerala’s picturesque backwaters. What starts as a business experiment transforms into an unexpected cross-cultural love story set against the vibrant backdrop of Onam festivities.
The film follows Param’s journey from Delhi to Kerala, where he attempts to woo the independent Sundari while navigating cultural differences, family expectations, and traditional Kerala customs including Kalaripayattu and the famous boat races.
Cast & Crew Details
Director: Tushar Jalota
Producer: Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films)
Music: Sachin-Jigar
Cinematography: Vishnu Rao
Runtime: 2 hours 16 minutes
Main Cast:
- Sidharth Malhotra as Param Sachdev
- Janhvi Kapoor as Sundari Damodaram Pillai
- Sanjay Kapoor as Parmeet Sachdev (Param’s father)
- Renji Panicker as Bhargavan Nair (Sundari’s uncle)
- Manjot Singh as Jaggi (Param’s best friend)
- Siddhartha Shankar as Venu Nair (Sundari’s childhood friend)
- Inayat Verma as Ammu (Sundari’s sister)
Sidharth & Janhvi’s Performance Analysis
Sidharth Malhotra as Param
Sidharth’s brings his trademark charm to the role of a privileged Delhi businessman venturing into unfamiliar territory. While his performance occasionally feels exaggerated, particularly in comedic sequences, he effectively portrays Param’s transformation from a superficial tech entrepreneur to someone who genuinely appreciates Kerala’s cultural richness. His chemistry with the supporting cast, especially during the boat race sequences, showcases his natural screen presence.
Janhvi Kapoor as Sundari
Janhvi delivers her most confident performance to date, successfully embodying a strong Malayali woman who balances tradition with independence. Her Malayalam accent feels authentic rather than forced, and she brings genuine warmth to Sundari’s character arc. According to India Forums, “Janhvi Kapoor grounds the film” with her believable portrayal.
Direction, Music & Technical Excellence
Tushar Jalota’s Direction
First-time director Tushar Jalota demonstrates solid understanding of the rom-com genre while incorporating authentic Kerala cultural elements. His pacing occasionally falters in the second act, but the film finds its rhythm during festival sequences and the climactic boat race. The director successfully balances humor with emotional depth, particularly in scenes exploring cultural identity and family values.
Sachin-Jigar’s Musical Score
The music duo delivers a soundtrack that perfectly complements the film’s cross-cultural theme. From peppy Punjabi numbers to soulful Malayalam melodies, each song feels organically integrated into the narrative. The background score during Onam festivities adds authentic cultural flavor without overwhelming the romantic storylines.
Visual Excellence
Cinematographer Vishnu Rao captures Kerala’s natural beauty with stunning aerial shots of backwaters and lush greenery. The production design authentically recreates both Delhi’s urban landscape and Kerala’s traditional homestays, creating visual contrast that mirrors the characters’ cultural differences.
Critical Reception & Audience Response
Professional Reviews
Critics have offered mixed responses to Param Sundari. The Indian Express noted that the film “struggles to find both rom and com” but praised the leads’ visual appeal and chemistry in the final act.
Hindustan Times criticized the lack of spark between the leads, stating “Janhvi tries hard to sell her character, often carrying scenes single-handedly.”
However, India Forums awarded the film 3.5/5 stars, praising its message about “love beyond algorithms” and Janhvi’s grounded performance.
Audience Reactions
Social media buzz has been moderately positive, with audiences appreciating the cultural authenticity and Kerala’s visual representation. The film’s exploration of traditional versus modern relationship values has resonated with viewers seeking substance in romantic comedies.
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 based on early user reviews
Live Box Office Tracker
Weekend Collection Performance
| Day | India Net (₹ Cr) | India Gross (₹ Cr) | Worldwide (₹ Cr) | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Friday) | 7.25-7.37 | 8.58 | 12.15 | 12% |
| Day 2 (Saturday) | 9.25-10.07 | 11.88 | 16.80 | 18.13% |
| Day 3 (Sunday) | 10.25-11.04 | 13.03 | 18.20 | 20.71% |
| Weekend Total | 26.75-28.48 | 33.49-35.48 | 40.95-42.15 | 16.95% |
Box office data sourced from Bollywood Hungama and Sacnilk
Theater Occupancy Analysis
Day 3 Show-wise Occupancy:
- Morning Shows: 10.56%
- Afternoon Shows: 24.17%
- Evening Shows: 29.71%
- Night Shows: 18.39%
The film showed steady growth throughout the weekend, with Sunday evening shows recording the highest occupancy, indicating positive word-of-mouth among audiences.
Cultural Authenticity & Representation
Kerala Culture Portrayal
Param Sundari excels in its authentic representation of Kerala traditions, particularly during Onam celebrations. The film respectfully showcases Kalaripayattu martial arts, traditional boat races, and Kerala’s famous hospitality without resorting to stereotypes. Director Tushar Jalota’s research into Malayalam culture adds genuine depth to the narrative.
Cross-Cultural Romance Elements
The Delhi-Kerala cultural contrast provides natural comedy and conflict without mocking either tradition. The film explores themes of regional identity, family values, and the generational divide between algorithm-based matching and organic relationship building.
Strengths & Weaknesses Analysis
What Works
- Authentic Cultural Representation: Genuine portrayal of Kerala traditions and customs
- Janhvi’s Performance: Strong, believable characterization of a modern Malayali woman
- Visual Appeal: Stunning cinematography of Kerala’s natural beauty
- Supporting Cast: Manjot Singh and Renji Panicker provide excellent comic relief
- Soundtrack: Well-integrated music that enhances emotional beats
Areas for Improvement
- Pacing Issues: Second act drags with predictable romantic conflicts
- Chemistry Inconsistency: Lead pair’s romantic spark feels forced in early scenes
- Formulaic Elements: Relies on familiar rom-com tropes rather than innovation
- Character Development: Param’s transformation could have been more gradual and believable
Verdict & Recommendation
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Param Sundari succeeds as a visually appealing, culturally rich romantic comedy that explores meaningful themes about modern love versus traditional values. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, the film offers enough charm, authentic performances, and stunning visuals to warrant a theatrical experience.
Best For: Fans of cross-cultural romances, Kerala tourism enthusiasts, and viewers seeking family-friendly entertainment with traditional values.
Theater Experience Recommended: The film’s visual grandeur and musical sequences benefit from the big-screen experience, particularly during festival and boat race sequences.
