Kerala Express

FILM REVIEW SACHIN CHATTE

Film: Param Sundari

Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor, Manjot Singh

Directed by: Tushar Jalota

Duration: 2 hours 16 minutes

Rating: * *

Directed by Tushar Jalota, Param Sundari is a romantic comedy that possesses a very flimsy base, like a papad. This base disintegrates quickly, leading to a succession of familiar scenes that unfold over a duration of two hours.

With the lingering influence of Chennai Express (2013), Param Sundari emerges as yet another narrative exploring the cultural divide between North and South, interspersed with some contrived romantic elements. Unlike the cultural differences depicted in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, this film primarily revolves around the mix-up of Malayalam and Tamil, as well as Mohanlal and Rajnikanth, since they all hail from the South.

However, the Delhi boys, Param (Sidharth Malhotra) and his friend Juggy (Manjot Singh), take offense when the Malayali girl, Sundari (Janhvi Kapoor), refers to them as U.P. wale. The film demonstrates an awareness of cultural stereotypes and the misconceptions people hold (and how erroneous they are), which serves as a couple of positive aspects, notwithstanding the inclusion of a Malayalee nurse named Jincy.

To begin with, Param is a ‘Dilli da munda’ who has squandered his father’s (Sanjay Kapoor) investments in several start-ups, all of which have failed. He is presented with a final opportunity for redemption and opts to invest in a dating app company that is touted as a game changer. This app claims to match “frequencies” to help users find their soul mates. It turns out that Param’s soulmate resides in Kerala, and he must demonstrate to his father that the app is genuinely effective; only then will he receive the promised funds from his dad.

Upon arriving in Kerala with his best friend Manjot, they still face the challenging journey to the homestay owned by Sundari. In a refreshing twist, the heroine makes a spectacular entrance, a moment typically reserved for the heroes.

Sundari certainly lives up to her name in Param’s eyes – he tells her that he is there to explore the culture and know more about the place. This leads to scenes featuring coconut trees, toddy, elephants, Mohiniyattam, men in mundus, inebriated men in mundus, and more. When Param sustains an injury during Kalaripayattu, she even administers some Ayurvedic treatment to him. The narrative progresses smoothly until the intermission, as feelings begin to blossom between the North and South Indian characters. However, her childhood best friend Venu (Siddhartha Shankar) makes an appearance. Her deceased parents and the entire village wish for them to marry, leaving Param heartbroken. “Sundari ka dil jeetne ke liye yahan ke logon ka dil jeetna hoga pahele” (To win Sundari’s heart, I must first win the hearts of these people) he states, opting for a rather convoluted approach to resolve the situation.

Along the way, there is an abundance of singing and dancing, including a song that features the lyrics, “Laal color ki saare mein kudiye tu to danger lagti hain”. Additionally, some Mohiniyattam is performed in the church when the two are together.

Given that this is Kerala, a grand Onam celebration is a must, which includes a spoon and lemon race for the men. Naturally, there is also a boat race where our protagonist must demonstrate his rowing skills – “oar bhi ghum hain zamane
mohabbat ke siva.”

The climax unfolds at the airport, where Param’s father reminds him that his generation has lost the ability to trust their emotions, prompting him to rush to Sundari to confess his feelings. There ought to be a ban on these airport and railway station scenes in Hindi cinema.

The acting is serviceable and visually, the film is polished, showcasing the verdant landscapes. However, beyond that, it doesn’t cut much ice.