Param Sundari (2025) Review: Before You Watch, Is This AI Love Story Worth Your Time?

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Bollywood continues to explore the fascinating intersection of modern love, technology, and culture, and Param Sundari is a prime example of this evolving trend. Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the 2025 Hindi-language romantic comedy brings together Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor in an unlikely yet intriguing pairing. Released on 29 August 2025, the film promised an engaging mix of romance, humor, and cultural contrasts, exploring how two completely different worlds collide through the lens of artificial intelligence.

Param Sundari Story explained 


At the heart of Param Sundari lies the story of Param Singh Rathore (Sidharth Malhotra), a young, ambitious man from a wealthy Delhi family who thrives on investment ventures though not always using his own money. A self-proclaimed “tech visionary,” Param is determined to prove his business acumen to his traditional father, who believes that his son lacks both maturity and discipline.

In his quest for the next big idea, Param stumbles upon a cutting-edge dating application named Soulmates, designed to find one’s perfect life partner through AI-based compatibility algorithms. Skeptical yet intrigued, Param decides to test the app himself not because he believes in love, but to challenge his father’s old-school views on relationships and to see if technology can truly predict emotions.

Much to his surprise, the app matches him with Thekkepattu Sundari Damodharan Pillai (Janhvi Kapoor), a spirited and independent woman from Kerala. Sundari runs a traditional Tharavad (ancestral homestay) in the lush backwaters, alongside her uncle Bhargavan Nair (played by Nedumudi Venu’s protégé actor Harish Nair), a respected practitioner of Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art form native to Kerala.

When Param travels to Kerala to meet Sundari in person, the film beautifully shifts gears from the fast-paced world of Delhi’s luxury and modernity to the serene, earthy setting of Kerala’s cultural richness. What follows is a clash of ideologies, lifestyles, and languages yet beneath all the misunderstandings lies the stirring chemistry between two people from opposite ends of India.

Sundari’s grounded nature, traditional values, and quiet strength challenge Param’s arrogance and impulsive ways. Meanwhile, Param’s charm, wit, and determination gradually melt Sundari’s initial hesitation. As they spend time together amid temple festivals, spice farms, and moonlit boat rides their connection deepens, testing both of their beliefs about love and destiny.

The narrative also explores the underlying theme of identity and belonging. While Param learns humility and respect for simplicity, Sundari learns to embrace change and openness to new experiences. Their love story becomes not just about two individuals, but about bridging India’s cultural divide with humor and heart.

Direction, Performances, and Cinematography

Director Tushar Jalota, known for his previous work in Dasvi (2022), once again attempts a light-hearted yet layered storytelling approach. He balances humor with emotion, though the film occasionally slips into predictable rom-com territory. Jalota’s handling of cultural nuances especially the North-South dynamics feels sincere but not always sensitive, which became one of the talking points post-release.

Sidharth Malhotra delivers an energetic performance as Param, blending confidence with vulnerability. His portrayal of a privileged yet well-meaning entrepreneur adds depth to the otherwise familiar “rich boy meets grounded girl” trope. Janhvi Kapoor, as Sundari, shines in her portrayal of warmth and grace, effortlessly slipping into the Malayali backdrop with her expressive acting and traditional charm.

However, the chemistry between the two, though visually appealing, feels uneven at times. Some emotional scenes come across as forced, especially in the first half. The second half, set largely in Kerala, redeems this with better emotional grounding and mature dialogues.

The film’s cinematography, handled by Amit Roy, is one of its strongest elements. From the bustling Delhi skyline to the serene Alleppey backwaters, every frame feels rich and immersive. The use of traditional architecture, vivid colors, and local festivities enhances the visual storytelling, making Kerala a character in itself.

The music, composed by Sachin–Jigar, received considerable praise. Songs like “Manmarziyaan 2.0” and “Paani Si Tu” became instant favorites for their blend of modern beats with classical undertones. The background score subtly reflects the cultural contrasts between Param and Sundari’s worlds, giving the film an extra emotional layer.

Reception and Controversy

Upon release, Param Sundari received mixed to negative reviews from critics. While the film was appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, melodious soundtrack, and cinematography, it was criticized for its weak screenplay and inconsistent tone. Some reviewers felt that the film started with promise but lost direction in its attempt to balance comedy and cultural commentary.

A notable point of controversy surrounded its portrayal of Kerala and Malayali culture. Several cultural commentators accused the film of relying on stereotypical depictions including exaggerated accents, traditional attire clichés, and oversimplified cultural references. Maddock Films later issued a statement clarifying that no offense was intended and that the film aimed to celebrate Kerala’s beauty and traditions.

Despite the criticism, audiences overseas responded warmly to the film. Param Sundari underperformed at the domestic box office, earning modest figures compared to expectations, but it became a surprise hit internationally, especially among Indian diaspora audiences in the UAE, the UK, and North America. The cross-cultural romance theme and scenic Kerala visuals resonated with global viewers seeking light-hearted escapism.

Box Office Performance

Released on 29 August 2025, the film faced stiff competition from other late-summer releases, including the action-drama War 2. While its opening weekend was slow, word-of-mouth helped sustain its theatrical run for about three weeks. The domestic gross was around ₹48 crore, while international collections crossed ₹70 crore, bringing its worldwide total to approximately ₹118 crore.

Trade analysts called it a “partial success”, noting that while it didn’t meet expectations in India, its overseas appeal and digital anticipation boosted its overall value.

OTT Release and Audience Anticipation

For those who missed it in theatres, there’s good news. According to OTTplay, Param Sundari is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video from October 24, 2025. Fans of Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor are eagerly waiting to stream the film, which is expected to perform well on digital platforms given its vibrant visuals and family-friendly romantic narrative.

The OTT release may also give the film a second life. where viewers can appreciate its subtle humor and cultural charm without the weight of theatrical expectations.

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