There’s something liked about romantic comedies. They can make you laugh and feel warm at the same time. You don’t mind if the setting seems unrealistic or if the love story is a bit far-fetched because the goal is to make the unbelievable look charming. “‘Param Sundari” follows this formula, but it never convinces you to care about the love that its characters are promoting.
Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor in Param Sundari
In Tushar Jalota’s film, Sidharth Malhotra plays another rich Punjabi from Delhi, while Janhvi Kapoor is a average Malayali girl from a small town in Kerala. His charm and “I’m a man who won’t grow up, how can you resist me?” attitude are meant to make him irresistible. It’s as if he only wants to win the title of student of the year, nothing more. For him, it’s love at first sight; for Sundari, an orphan trying to make a living while taking care of her baby sister, Cupid’s arrow seems lost somewhere.
His constant Punjabi-boy act and her role as a mere decorative presence in cotton and backless tops show typical typecasting. A few rain scenes, a sudden trip to a church, a sprinkle of festivals, and some playful games are meant to win Sundari’s heart, but even fate seems bored with this.
Brighter and colorful version of film
“Param Sundari” takes parts from various Bollywood love stories and tries to piece them into a brighter, more colorful version of a classic Bollywood. Though audiences are warming up to love stories in theaters again, this movie leaves you wanting more depth.
The main problem? Chemistry, or rather the lack of it. We’ve seen Sidharth create genuine magic with Kiara Advani in “Shershaah,” but with Janhvi, the chemistry falls flat. They look good together, but you don’t feel their connection. The North-South romance remains superficial. In a rom-com, chemistry is important; it’s the main focus.
Their efforts to stay together feel empty. Sundari’s rejection doesn’t hurt, and their eventual reunion doesn’t make you cheer. This isn’t a spoiler; after all, what else usually happens in a Bollywood rom-com?
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