Bollywood’s romantic comedy landscape gets a vibrant new addition with Param Sundari, a film that blends cultural contrasts, modern matchmaking, and old-school charm into a breezy, feel-good experience. Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the movie stars Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor in their first on-screen pairing—a casting choice that proves to be one of the film’s strongest assets.

Set against the lush backdrop of Kerala, Param Sundari is a North-meets-South love story that explores the quirks of modern romance through the lens of tradition, technology, and family expectations. With a runtime of 136 minutes, the film delivers a colorful, emotionally resonant journey that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about love.

Plot Overview: AI Meets Arranged Marriage

The story follows Param Sachdev (Sidharth Malhotra), a Delhi-based entrepreneur who is challenged by his father to find a life partner within ten days in order to secure a ₹5 crore investment. Skeptical but desperate, Param turns to a matrimonial app powered by artificial intelligence, which leads him to Thekkepattu Sundari Damodaram Pillai (Janhvi Kapoor), a spirited young woman from Kerala.

What begins as a transactional trip quickly evolves into a romantic adventure. Param arrives at Sundari’s ancestral home, posing as a guest in her family-run homestay. The AI may have predicted compatibility, but winning Sundari’s heart proves far more complex than algorithms can anticipate. As Param navigates cultural differences, familial expectations, and his own emotional growth, the film unfolds into a heartwarming tale of love that defies logic and embraces serendipity.

Performances: Chemistry That Lights Up the Screen

Sidharth Malhotra brings his signature charm and understated humor to the role of Param. His portrayal balances the character’s urban sophistication with vulnerability, making him both relatable and endearing. Janhvi Kapoor, meanwhile, delivers one of her most confident performances to date. As Sundari, she is radiant, witty, and emotionally layered—effortlessly switching between playful banter and poignant introspection.

Together, Malhotra and Kapoor share a sparkling chemistry that anchors the film. Their interactions feel organic, and the gradual evolution of their relationship is handled with nuance. Whether it’s a quiet moment by the backwaters or a comedic misunderstanding over cultural customs, the duo keeps the audience invested.

Supporting performances from Sanjay Kapoor and Manjot Singh add depth and humor, while the ensemble cast of Sundari’s extended family brings authenticity and warmth to the Kerala setting.

Direction and Writing: A Fresh Take on Familiar Tropes

Tushar Jalota, known for Dasvi, brings a confident directorial hand to Param Sundari. His storytelling is light on melodrama and heavy on moments that feel lived-in. The screenplay, co-written by Jalota, Aarsh Vora, and Gaurav Mishra, avoids clichés by infusing the narrative with contemporary relevance—particularly in its treatment of technology’s role in matchmaking and the generational divide in romantic expectations.

The film’s pacing is brisk, with well-timed comedic beats and emotional arcs that never feel forced. Jalota’s decision to set the story in Kerala adds a visual and cultural richness that elevates the narrative. From temple visits to boat rides, the setting becomes a character in itself, offering both aesthetic beauty and thematic contrast to Param’s urban worldview.

Music: A Soundtrack That Amplifies Emotion

Composed by Sachin–Jigar, the soundtrack of Param Sundari is a standout element. Songs like “Danger,” “Bheegi Saree,” and “Pardesiya” have already become social media sensations, and their placement within the film enhances both mood and momentum. The music blends traditional instrumentation with modern beats, mirroring the film’s thematic fusion of old and new.

Background scoring is equally effective, subtly underscoring emotional transitions and adding texture to key scenes. Whether it’s a romantic montage or a moment of introspection, the music complements the visuals without overpowering them.

Cinematography and Production Design: A Visual Treat

Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran’s cinematography captures Kerala in all its glory. The film is bathed in warm hues, lush landscapes, and intimate close-ups that highlight character emotions. The contrast between Delhi’s urban sprawl and Kerala’s serene backwaters is used effectively to reflect the protagonists’ internal journeys.

Production design by Maddock Films is meticulous, with attention to detail in costumes, set pieces, and cultural elements. Sundari’s family home, in particular, is a beautifully crafted space that feels authentic and lived-in, adding credibility to the narrative.

Themes: Love Beyond Borders and Algorithms

At its core, Param Sundari is a story about love that transcends boundaries—geographical, cultural, and technological. The film explores how modern tools like AI can facilitate connections but cannot replace the human experience of falling in love. It also delves into the tension between tradition and modernity, showing how both can coexist when approached with empathy and openness.

The narrative doesn’t shy away from addressing societal expectations, especially around marriage, gender roles, and family honor. Yet it does so with a light touch, using humor and character development rather than preachiness.

Comparisons and Influences

While Param Sundari draws inevitable comparisons to films like Chennai Express and 2 States, it carves its own identity through fresh storytelling and character-driven moments. Unlike its predecessors, which leaned heavily on dramatic conflict, Param Sundari opts for a more grounded and emotionally intelligent approach.

The film also benefits from Maddock Films’ signature style—quirky yet heartfelt, visually rich yet narratively simple. Fans of Stree and Bhediya will recognize the studio’s flair for blending genre elements with mainstream appeal.

Verdict: A Crowd-Pleasing Rom-Com With Heart

Param Sundari succeeds on multiple fronts: it’s entertaining, emotionally resonant, and visually delightful. The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance humor with sincerity, and spectacle with substance. Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor deliver performances that are both charming and credible, while Tushar Jalota’s direction ensures that the story remains engaging from start to finish.

With a strong opening at the box office and positive word-of-mouth, Param Sundari is poised to become one of the year’s most beloved romantic comedies. It’s a film that celebrates love in all its messy, magical glory—and reminds us that sometimes, the best matches are made not by algorithms, but by fate.

Whether you’re a fan of classic Bollywood romance or looking for a modern twist on the genre, Param Sundari offers a cinematic experience that’s worth the ticket. It’s a celebration of connection, culture, and chemistry—and it leaves you smiling long after the credits roll.