The first look of Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra's upcoming film ‘Param Sundari’ was released recently, but what was projected as a rom-com is currently looking a lot like a cross between ‘Chennai Express’ and ‘2 States’. Will this much-awaited romantic comedy end Bollywood’s dry box-office spell, or reinforce North-South stereotypes?
While some loved the first look of the movie, many could not help but draw parallels with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s ‘Chennai Express.’ The déjà vu didn't just make us wonder if this will be like the movies we’ve seen before, but also if it reinforces stereotypes.
After all, ‘Chennai Express’, despite its commercial success, attracted criticism for leaning heavily on stereotypes — lungis, machetes brandished in dramatic standoffs, and caricatured depictions of South Indian culture. Even the 'Lungi dance’ song from ‘Chennai Express’ was slammed despite becoming a major hit because the cliches were too many to ignore.
The movie also portrayed South Indian characters as exaggerated, comic figures rather than nuanced individuals. This left a lingering question about whether Bollywood truly respects or understands South Indian identities, or is this all for mere entertainment?
Watch teaser
In contrast, ‘2 States’ offered a different approach. Adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s novel, it presented a more sincere take on a cross-cultural romance between a Punjabi boy and a Tamil girl. Instead of resorting to stereotypes, it highlighted authentic family dynamics, cultural differences, and how one can bridge culture gaps.
So where does ‘Param Sundari’ stand? The first look hints at a North-South love story, but it’s hard to tell whether it will fall into the trap of clichés or carve out a fresh narrative. The question on many minds is: Will Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra’s film reinforce familiar tropes, or be the romantic Bollywood film everyone is eagerly waiting for?
The fifty-five-second teaser introduces Malhotra as Param, a North Indian man who falls for Sundari, a South Indian girl played by Kapoor. Set against the stunning backdrop of Kerala, the teaser showcases romantic moments, graceful dance sequences, and Kapoor’s elegant chiffon sarees.
Sharing the teaser, Maddock Films on Instagram wrote, “Where North’s fire meets South’s grace, it calls for the biggest love story of the year! Dinesh Vijan presents Param Sundari, a love story directed by Tushar Jalota, coming to cinemas on 25th July 2025.”
With Sonu Nigam’s soulful vocals and the lead pair’s chemistry, the teaser promises an enchanting romantic drama. Will it live up to the hype?
