Directed by Tushar Jalota and starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, Param Sundari is a rom-com that tries to blend contemporary-era dating with traditional Bollywood romance. Directed by Dinesh Vijan and fueled by Sachin–Jigar's chartbuster soundtrack, particularly the Paradesiya viral hit track, the film hits the theaters with flying expectations. But is it underwhelming?
Storyline
Param (Sidharth Malhotra), the son of a businessman and rich (Sanjay Kapoor), wishes to become a big player in business investments but does not succeed. Param, due to a string of failures, comes up with the concept of a dating app called Find My Soulmate. Param, all on his own, tests the app himself and gets paired with Sundari Damodharan Pillai (Janhvi Kapoor) from Kerala. What follows is Param's effort to woo Sundari and make her believe that their marriage is destined to be.
Param Sundari has a shiny moment in its music department. Sachin–Jigar offer a soulful soundtrack that picks up the mood and love rhythms of the film is very soothing. For Eg. The Paradesiya song, is a visual as well as an audio delight, meticulously shot in Kerala's scenic backdrop by cinematographer Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran.
The first half of the movie is interesting, thanks to the lightness, free-spirited romance, and comfortable chemistry of the lead pair. Sidharth Malhotra is charmingly good in the role, and Janhvi Kapoor does justice to the Malayali character by bringing elegance to the role. Humour, although unapologetically formulaic, is well-timed and contributes to the film's popularity in the early going.
Though a great concept, the movie stumbles at the emotional scene. The second half also lacks substance and reflects hurried resolution of conflict. Sundari's realization when she finds out about Param's motives too conveniently loses its impact, as it deprives the emotional aspect of its depth.
The story becomes predictable, and post-'Danger' song sequences are cringeworthy. Post-midpoint, the editing becomes stiff, and the supporting actors are not used to their full potential.
Overall: Param Sundari is a light-on-the-eyes, music-centered romantic film that cannot fly high because of its unsatisfying emotional story. Although the first half is intresting, the movie winds up being yet another forgettable rom-com with great style but no substance.
