As Param Sundari gears up for its theatrical release this Friday, anticipation is steadily building. Headlined by Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, the film has already sparked conversation — not least due to its vibrant trailer and striking visuals, but also because of comparisons to the 2013 hit Chennai Express. However, while the parallels are flattering, Param Sundari stands firmly on its own merit. Here’s why this cross-cultural romance deserves your attention — and a seat in your weekend plans.
1. A Cross-Cultural Love Story with a Nuanced Twist
At first glance, Param Sundari may remind some of Chennai Express, but this film doesn’t just tread familiar ground — it redefines it. Janhvi Kapoor plays a character who is half-Tamilian, half-Malayali, bringing to life a cultural blend that has seldom been researched in mainstream Hindi cinema. Rather than relying on stereotypes, the film embraces specificity and authenticity — an approach that promises to set it apart.
As Janhvi rightly said in a recent interview, it’s reductive to lump all South Indian identities into one. This film respects those differences and leans into them, offering something deeper than a generic cultural backdrop.
2. The Fresh Pairing of Sidharth and Janhvi
Something is exciting about seeing two actors collaborate for the first time — especially when they’re as charismatic as Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor. From the trailer, be tantalised by the chemistry the leads offer. You get a taste of wit, pathos, and charm all woven together.
Sidharth’s subtle energy and Janhvi’s expressive fragility make them stars in their own right. Their pairing is a breath of fresh air and a welcome development to the film’s love story.
3. It’s Not Chennai Express — And That’s the Point
The comparisons to Chennai Express have been acknowledged, even welcomed, by the stars themselves. But Param Sundari is its own story, with a different tone, a different setting, and a distinct cultural lens.
Rather than recycling tropes, the film builds something new on familiar foundations, a modern, grounded love story with its own voice. It pays homage to beloved rom-coms of the past while forging its own identity.
4. An Authentic Celebration of Southern Culture
One of the most compelling reasons to watch Param Sundari is its effort to represent South Indian culture with nuance and care. By focusing on a character who is both Tamilian and Malayali, the film avoids flattening cultural identities and instead invites audiences into a more layered world.
This isn’t just window-dressing, it’s woven into the very fabric of the story. For a mainstream Bollywood film to venture beyond generic regional clichés is both rare and commendable.
5. A Visually Rich, Feel-Good Cinematic Experience
From the trailer, Param Sundari looks to deliver an emotionally charged, lively ride that offers the kind of heartfelt entertainment one craves. It’s frivolous wit, the showy music numbers, and the unmistakable emotional gravitas effortlessly remind us of a movie’s primary purpose: to entertain.
There’s colour, there’s culture, there’s charisma, and at its core, a story about love, identity, and connection.
