Param Sundari Box Office & Review: Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor Film Off to a Mixed Start
Bollywood’s latest release Param Sundari, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, has finally hit theatres. The film was one of the most talked-about romantic dramas of 2025, riding on the star power of its lead pair and high-energy music. But despite all the hype, the movie has had a mixed start at the box office. While fans are praising the chemistry between the leads, critics feel the story is predictable and fails to bring freshness. Let’s take a closer look at the film’s performance, reviews, and audience reaction.
Box Office Day 1 Collection
On its opening day, Param Sundari collected around ₹5 crore in India, which is considered low compared to expectations. Trade experts had predicted a stronger opening given Sidharth Malhotra’s popularity after Shershaah and Janhvi Kapoor’s growing fanbase.
To put it in perspective, another recent Bollywood romantic film Saiyaara earned ₹20 crore on Day 1. That means Param Sundari made just one-fourth of Saiyaara’s earnings, signaling a slower-than-expected start.
Still, the movie has a chance to pick up over the weekend, especially if family audiences and young couples connect with its theme.
Storyline and Themes
Param Sundari tells the story of a modern couple navigating love, ambition, and cultural clashes in a fast-changing city. The film tries to blend old-school Bollywood romance with a new-age metropolitan flavor.
While the premise had potential, many critics feel the narrative doesn’t break new ground. The storyline has been called “safe” and “too formulaic,” with familiar conflicts and predictable emotional beats.
Performances
- Sidharth Malhotra: He delivers a solid performance, especially in the emotional sequences. His charm and screen presence remain a strong point.
- Janhvi Kapoor: Janhvi brings freshness to the film with her expressions and dancing skills. However, critics note that her role could have been written with more depth.
- Supporting Cast: The film has a strong supporting lineup, but none of the side characters are given enough weight to shine.
Music and Dance Numbers
One of the highlights of Param Sundari is its music album. The title track “Param Sundari” has already become popular on reels and social media. The film includes energetic dance numbers, soulful love ballads, and a few experimental beats aimed at younger audiences.
However, critics have pointed out that the songs sometimes feel forced into the story, slowing down the narrative flow.
Critical Reviews
The film has received mixed reviews from critics across Indian and international media:
- Indian Express highlighted that the film feels like “old wine in a new bottle,” where the modern setting cannot hide the outdated storytelling.
- 123Telugu Review called the film “average”, saying that despite the glamour and star power, the script is too weak to leave a lasting impact.
- Hindustan Times focused on the box office disappointment, pointing out that the film may struggle to recover unless word of mouth improves quickly.
Audience Reaction
Social media shows a divided reaction:
- Fans of Sidharth and Janhvi are enjoying their chemistry and glamorous screen presence.
- General audiences are less impressed, with many saying the film feels predictable and lacks freshness.
- Some urban viewers like the modern settings and glossy visuals, while others feel the film has style but no real substance.
Comparison with Recent Releases
The struggle of Param Sundari reminds many of Bollywood’s recent challenges, where star-driven films fail without strong content. While movies like Saiyaara performed strongly thanks to fresh writing, Param Sundari seems stuck in the middle ground between old Bollywood charm and new-age romance.
This trend also reflects the shift in audience preferences—viewers want either big spectacles or unique storytelling, and anything in-between struggles to make an impact.
Chances at the Box Office
Industry experts believe the second weekend will decide the fate of Param Sundari. If the film picks up with family audiences and gains positive word-of-mouth, it can recover. But if the trend continues, it may finish as a moderate performer at best.
Overseas collections, especially from USA, UK, and Middle East markets, will be important. Early reports suggest a slightly better response abroad, as audiences there often enjoy glossy Bollywood romances.
Why the Film Matters
Despite mixed reactions, Param Sundari is important for both stars:
- For Sidharth Malhotra, it’s a test of his box office strength beyond action-driven films.
- For Janhvi Kapoor, it’s another chance to prove herself in a mainstream Bollywood role.
If the film underperforms, both actors may have to rethink their future scripts and focus on content-driven cinema rather than safe formulas.
Final Verdict
Param Sundari is a film that shines in parts—good chemistry, glamorous visuals, and catchy music—but fails to deliver a strong overall impact. The box office numbers show that audiences are no longer satisfied with just star power; they want fresh stories and engaging scripts.
While fans of Sidharth and Janhvi will enjoy watching them together, the movie as a whole may not become a long-lasting Bollywood hit.