wogma rating: Don't bother (?)
Using 2020s' slang can't hide the jadedness of the girl-meets-boy plot. Dropping Shah Rukh Khan and Sri Devi references only highlight the story's age-old, simplistic "What if?" Even these icons, four decades ago, knew they had to reimagine the genre.
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Read moreThe saving grace is…yes, there is so much to gripe about that I will begin with the sort-a kind-a redeeming qualities.
The new-age language pops out for you to notice it rather than blending with the film. And that doesn't quite "slap". See what I mean?
The unabashed racism via the problematic alter-ego friend is countered. It is called out, it is not normalised, and it is reversed using the character's arc. In that sense, Param Sundari offers a social commentary.
Then, the third point of the love triangle is actually a likeable character instead of the usual despicable one in such films.
But, aren't these aspects the bare minimum in any kind of responsible writing? And anyway, the rest of the writing and narration is as lazy as it gets. It feels like yet another film that worked its way backwards. They either wanted to make an Onam film or highlight the North-South contrast through a film. In either case, everything else is retro-fitted to serve that purpose.
Within that too, the details are rather shabbily written. The lead lady character is quite inconsistent. She is conveniently sickle-wielding, no nonsense bold or loses all agency depending on the part of the story we are at. One might argue that she is vulnerable to certain characters in her life, but it just isn't convincing.
Other than that, save for one honest moment, the film is loud. It skirts around being slapsticky, but doesn't want to own that label. There's loads of objectification. I guess they want us to be grateful that it is equal opportunity objectification as far as gender goes.
Towards that end, both Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor look absolutely stunning. Their act is constrained by the material given to them making it slightly unfair to judge their performances. Inayat Verma is the most engaging of all the characters who have been decidedly told to go over-the-top but be under control.
This last bit convinces me that the makers were very aware of the plot's plainness. Only that can explain the weird #ificiation of the dialogue. The new-age language pops out for you to notice it rather than blending in with the film. And that doesn't quite "slap". See what I mean?
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice : ...Janhvi and Siddharth make an appealing couple. But Kerala, sensibly but scenically and never cynically photographed by Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran, is the real hero of Param Sundari.... full review
Thumbs up, Bollywood Life : ...The music is film’s emotional backbone. With six stellar tracks, the soundtrack does the heavy lifting of bringing every romantic beat to life. Whether it's the mischievous Pardesiya, the sensual Bheegi Saree, the banger Danger, or the heartbreakingly lovely Sunn Mere Yaar Ve and Chand Kagaz Ka, every number hits the spot. Title song Sundari Ke Pyar Mein is already a chartbuster — and rightly so.... full review
Thumbs up, by RIDDHIMA KANETKAR, DNA : ...And of course, the backbone of the film is music. Packed with one banger after another, the music carries an enormous share of the emotional weight. From the naughty Pardesiya, the sensual Bheegi Saree, the funky Danger, to the heart-wrenchingly tender Sunn Mere Yaar Ve and Chand Kagaz Ka — all of these songs are made-to-order. The title track Sundari Ke Pyar Mein is already a hit, and so it should be. The score doesn't just suit the story — it deepens it.... full review
Thumbs up, by Aakash Kumar, Filmi Beat : ...Param Sundari is more than just another romantic comedy - it's a vibrant cross-cultural journey that blends modern aspirations with traditional charm. Strong performances, captivating visuals, and a heartwarming story make it a film worth watching. If you're a fan of soulful romances with a dash of humor and breathtaking visuals, Param Sundari deserves a spot on your must-watch list.... full review
Thumbs up, by Jaya Dwivedie, India TV : ...Both Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor are comfortable in their roles. Sidharth looks great in a romantic style, even though he doesn't have the old 'chocolate boy' innocence anymore. Janhvi has shown great comedic timing, and her on-screen presence is absolutely stunning, especially in traditional saris. However, the film could have reached greater heights if the chemistry between the two had been explored more deeply.... full review
Thumbs up, by "Rajiv Vijayakar ", koimoi : ...Manjot Singh is effective as Param’s inseparable buddy, and Renji Panicker as Bhargavan Nair is very convincing. Siddhartha Shankar, as his son, Venu, is low-key but good. All the other actors playing Keralites impress, and so does Inayat Verma as Sundari’s sister... full review
Thumbs up, Movie Talkies : ...Like every Maddock production, Param Sundari delivers family entertainment with the right mix of romance, comedy, music, and emotions. It is a film you can enjoy with friends, family, or loved ones, and it guarantees value for your ticket and popcorn. Simple, soothing, and heartwarming, Param Sundari is easily one of the most enjoyable rom-coms of the season.... full review
Thumbs up, by Radhika Sharma, NDTV : ...Though a must-watch for all Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor fans, Param Sundari is not serving anything new in the romantic comedy genre. While it never promised to be a Saiyaara (a film set in the same umbrella genre of romance but not an intense drama), this new film is not as engaging. One will come back from the theatres humming the dreamy Pardesiya, which reminds the viewer of Yeh Haseen Vadiyan from Roja.... full review
Thumbs up, by YATAMANYU NARAIN, News18.com : ...In the end, Param Sundari is a comfort food cinema. Paneer Butter Masala, idli-sambar, choose your metaphor. Familiar, yes, but warm, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. It may not aspire to gourmet innovation, but it fills the heart with the uncomplicated sweetness of first love, and the nostalgia of a genre once adored but now endangered. It leaves you smiling, maybe even believing, however briefly, in the miracle of soulmates, algorithm or no algorithm... full review
Thumbs up, by Tanmayi Savadi, Times Now : ...Param Sundari is a visual and musical treat. Pardesiya is already a chartbuster, and it sounds even better in theatres. Kerala’s beauty is breathtaking and the cinematography is on point. At 2 hours and 16 minutes, Param Sundari is a balanced film.... full review
So-So, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...In the end, Param Sundari has the music, the scenery, and the sincerity, but not the soul…... full review
So-So, by Lachmi Deb Roy, FirstPost : ...What the movie required was the right amount of aesthetics, which lacked to quite an extent even when it came to the costumes. Though Sidharth Malhotra looked smashing as always, but a lot of work needed to be done on Janhvi considering that she has been portrayed as a girl from Kerala.... full review
So-So, by Manmath Sahu, Fully Hyderabad : ...Eventually, Param Sundari is for those who believe in "App ne bola toh soulmate, nahin toh checkmate" or "Galat app bhi sahi ladki se mila sakta hai" (both, verbatim dialogues from the film).... full review
So-So, by Baradwaj Rangan, galatta.com : ...I guess this is what you’d call the ideal second-screen movie. It’s the kind of movie you switch on and keep watching from time to time as you work on your primary screen. They may not have meant it that way, but I guess Param Sundari ends up making a comment about today and technology after all.... full review
So-So, by Iqbal Pervez, Glamsham.com : ...Sachin Jigar has given the music of this film. The music of the film Param Sundari is fine. Some songs are good. The song Pardesiya sung by Sonu Nigam is good to listen to, although this song seems to be inspired by Hariharan’s song Kehna Hi Kya.... full review
So-So, by Vineeta Kumar, india today : ...Rom-coms are meant to be a guilty pleasure, the kind you sneak back to when you want comfort. 'Param Sundari', unfortunately, is the kind you forget about the moment the lights come back on. If a love story can’t sell love, what exactly is it selling?... full review
So-So, by Rishil Jogani, Pinkvilla : ...Sidharth Malhotra, as Param, brings his signature charisma and good looks, effortlessly embodying the Delhi boy charm. However, his performance lacks depth. Janhvi Kapoor, as Sundari, is decent. She shines in lighter moments. Also, she looks stunning in elegant sarees. Manjot Singh, as Jaggi, steals the show with his comic timing, delivering laughs that keep the film afloat.... full review
So-So, by Deepa Gahlot, Rediff : ...The lead pair looks good on screen. Sex appeal was the obvious instruction given to them, and they have a kind of manufactured, slo-mo enhanced chemistry.... full review
So-So, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...Kerala survives the invasion of the northerners – yet again. The 136-minute movie takajum-takajums its way to the exit. When snake boat racing turns up, it’s indubitably evident that the film’s creators have done their homework.... full review
So-So, by Dhaval Roy, Times of India : ...Even if it largely remains in the known territory, fans of breezy romances will find it a pleasant watch.... full review
Thumbs down, by L Ravichander, Deccan Chronicle : ...In the cast, Siddhartha Shankar as the unsuccessful arm of the love triangle looks more like a leftover than a preparation. Sanjay Kapoor tries hard to bring in the Punjabi flamboyance and fails. Inayat Varma mouths the typical, choti mooh badi bath. Abhishek Banarjee, in a short role, is realistic. The screen chemistry between Sidharth Malhotra and Jahnavi Kapoor is conspicuously missing. It is a clear case of miscasting Sid Malhotra as the young romantic careless hero. As a script that offers multiple opportunities, unfortunately, it goes abegging. Jahnavi’s bold career decision to take up roles which are not run of the mill are not backed by proportionate talent.... full review
Thumbs down, by Taher Ahmed, Deccan Herald : ...The movie lacks substance, with no noteworthy performances. The dialogues are intended to make you laugh but fall flat. Overall, one can predict what happens next and Param Sundari fails to make a mark on your heart. Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/param-sundari-movie-review-old-wine-in-new-bottle-3703179... full review
Thumbs down, by Murtuza Iqbal, Free Press Journal : ...Overall, Param Sundari is visually a very sundar film. But, not-so-great performances and cliches just ruin this rom-com. P.S. Don't compare Param Sundari to Chennai Express because Shah Rukh Khan & Deepika Padukone starrer was a far better film!... full review
Thumbs down, by Rishabh Suri, Hindustan Times : ...Overall, if rom-coms are meant to sweep you off your feet, Param Sundari barely manages a polite handshake. Sometimes, technology may help you find a soulmate, but no algorithm can save a film that forgets to make you feel.... full review
Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...You do end up smiling, but it’s too little, too late.... full review
Thumbs down, by Lekha Menon, Khaleej Times : ...Param Sundari suffers from its delusion of busting stereotypes. Writers Tushar Jalota, Gaurva Mishra and Aarsh Vora write quite a few lines that glorify Kerala’s intellectual and cultural richness while deriding the archetypal images of the South that Indians hailing from the north carry.... full review
Thumbs down, by Isha Sharma, NewsBytes : ...Param Sundari reminds you of all the run-of-the-mill, routine Bollywood flicks you grew up watching. The humor doesn't land, the storyline is entirely predictable, and, at 136 minutes, the film overstays its welcome. Though the music and the stunning Kerala backdrop add value to the project, they aren't enough to salvage it. Param Sundari doesn't offer anything you haven't seen already. .... full review
Thumbs down, by DEBANJAN DHAR, Outlook India : ...Buried amidst the endless references and throwbacks lies nothing—just a lazy, listless film, overly prettified and entirely perfunctory in shaping characters and key decisions.... full review
Thumbs down, by Anuj Kumar, The Hindu : ...Sachin-Jigar’s music is not bad. It is heartening to listen to Sonu Nigam in a new film song after a while. It is a lovely tune, but in 2025, the metaphor of “Pardesiya” for a boy from the North feels a tad jaded.... full review
Thumbs down, by Kartik Bhardwaj, the new Indian Express : ...The biggest issue is that Param Sundari offers no surprises. It becomes as predictable as it proceeds. Param and Sundari’s love story seems like it has been generated with the help of an AI prompt.... full review
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