Param Sundari Movie Review: Janhvi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra's Rom-Com About Soulmates Has No Soul

Introduction

Bollywood continues to experiment with romance-comedies, and Param Sundari starring Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra was expected to bring freshness to the genre. Promoted as a lighthearted love story with themes of destiny, soulmates, and modern relationships, the film generated decent pre-release buzz. However, once released, the reviews have been mixed to negative, with critics and audiences pointing out its lack of emotional depth despite its glamorous presentation.

History and Background

Directed by Raghav Verma, Param Sundari was marketed as a quirky rom-com that blends urban charm with traditional values. The movie aimed to portray the struggles of millennials in finding true love while balancing societal expectations. Both Janhvi and Sidharth, known for their youthful on-screen appeal, were expected to deliver a chemistry-driven performance. The film was produced on a mid-to-high budget, estimated around ₹70–80 crore, banking heavily on star power, music, and glossy visuals.

Plot and Storytelling

The film revolves around two characters destined to meet but caught in the chaos of modern relationships. It attempts to explore the concept of soulmates in a light-hearted manner, infused with comedy and situational humor. However, critics argue that the screenplay lacked depth and failed to bring originality to an overused trope. The story feels predictable, with little innovation in the narrative structure, leaving audiences underwhelmed.

Budget and Box Office Performance

Reports suggest that Param Sundari had a production and promotional budget of around ₹80 crore. Despite strong marketing campaigns and music launches, the film underperformed at the box office in its opening weekend. While its songs gained traction on social media, the movie failed to convert the buzz into sustained footfalls at theaters. The mismatch between audience expectations and the actual storytelling significantly impacted its commercial success.

Keypoints and Analysis

• Star Performances: Janhvi Kapoor delivers a charming but inconsistent performance, while Sidharth Malhotra plays his role with sincerity but lacks strong material to shine.

• Direction: The direction feels scattered, unable to balance comedy with emotional depth.

• Music and Cinematography: The soundtrack stands out, with a few catchy tracks, and the visuals are glossy and stylish, but they cannot hide the weak script.

• Audience Reaction: While some younger viewers appreciated the light moments, most critics and audiences found it forgettable.

Significance and Cultural Impact

The film highlights Bollywood’s ongoing challenge of producing meaningful rom-coms that balance entertainment with substance. Although Param Sundari attempted to cater to urban youth, it struggled to deliver relatability or novelty, reflecting the need for stronger storytelling in the genre.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Strong star cast appeal.

• Good music and stylish visuals.

• Some comic sequences work well.

Disadvantages:

• Weak and predictable storyline.

• Lack of emotional connection.

• High budget not justified by output.

• Limited re-watch value.

Positives and Negatives

On the positive side, Param Sundari offers glamour, catchy music, and moments of charm. On the negative side, it lacks heart, depth, and originality, making it a forgettable addition to Bollywood’s rom-com category.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Param Sundari promised to be a heartwarming tale about soulmates but ended up delivering a hollow experience. Despite a promising cast and high production values, the film falters due to its weak script and shallow storytelling. While Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra bring star presence, it is not enough to compensate for the lack of substance. The movie ultimately serves as a reminder that even big budgets and star power cannot replace good writing and meaningful narratives.

Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5) – Glossy but soulless rom-com.