Release date: 29 August 2025
Language: Hindi | Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: Tushar Jalota | Banner: Maddock Films
Runtime: ~136 minutes
The short take
Param Sundari is a postcard-pretty rom-com powered by chart-friendly music and scenic Kerala backdrops. Sidharth Malhotra has the easier arc with plenty of crowd-pleasing moments; Janhvi Kapoor looks luminous, though her character doesn’t always get the best writing. As a breezy, feel-good entertainer, it mostly works, but if you expect sparkling chemistry and a truly fresh rom-com story, the film only delivers halfway.
What works ✅
- Visuals & setting: Kerala’s backwaters, festivals, and homestays are captured beautifully, giving the film a strong visual identity.
- Music: Sachin-Jigar’s soundtrack, especially the song Pardesiya, lifts the mood and makes several scenes memorable.
- Lead likeability: Sidharth’s charm as the Delhi guy keeps the narrative engaging, and the pair looks great together on screen.
What doesn’t ❌
- Chemistry & depth: The central romance doesn’t fully sparkle, leaning more on visuals than on emotional connect.
- Language authenticity: Some of the Malayalam accent and cultural usage feels superficial.
- Second-half drag: The pace slows down with predictable tropes and stretched-out conflicts.
Public reaction (Day 1)
Opening-day audience response is mixed to positive. Many viewers called it a “breezy, feel-good entertainer” praising the music, visuals, and colorful Kerala setting. Others, however, felt the chemistry between the leads was underwhelming and the story too familiar.
Day-1 Box Office Performance
India
The film collected an estimated ₹6.5–7.5 crore (net) on its opening Friday.
- Lower estimates hovered around ₹6.5 crore.
- Higher trade estimates placed it at ₹7.5–8.0 crore.
- Mid-range trackers settled at approximately ₹7.25 crore.
Worldwide
Official overseas numbers are still being compiled, but early trends indicate a moderate international opening, with strong contributions expected from GCC and North America. A consolidated global figure will emerge after final reconciliation.
Context: Pre-release predictions had suggested a ₹7–10 crore start in India; actuals came in slightly lower to mid-range.
How critics rated it
| Review Platform | Rating / Verdict |
|---|---|
| Times of India | 3/5 — Charming chemistry anchors this rom-com. |
| India Today | 2.5/5 — Gorgeous Kerala and good music, but chemistry/story fall short. |
| NDTV | 3/5 — Glossy romance with nostalgic rom-com vibes; easy on the eyes. |
| Indian Express | No star rating — Says the film “struggles to find both rom and com.” |
| High On Films | Negative — Calls the rom-com “dead on arrival.” |
| IMDb (early users) | Around 5/10 based on opening-day votes. |
Story in one breath (spoiler-light)
A swaggering Delhi investor (Param) ends up in Alleppey after an online algorithm matches him with a grounded Malayali homestay owner (Sundari). What follows is a culture clash filled with family pressures, postcard-perfect detours, light banter, and a safe rom-com arc.
Should you watch it?
- Yes if: you want a light, pretty rom-com with vacation vibes, hummable songs, and star power.
- Maybe skip if: you’re looking for crackling chemistry, originality, or sharp humor.
Quick facts
- Music: Sachin–Jigar; Pardesiya is already trending as a fan favorite.
- OTT window: Expected around late October 2025, likely on a major streaming platform.
Final verdict
A glossy, good-looking comfort watch with crowd-pleasing music but only middling as a romance. If strong word-of-mouth builds over the weekend, collections could stabilize; otherwise, Param Sundari may rely more on its music and OTT release for long-term reach.
