"Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari" (SSKTK), directed by Shashank Khaitan, presents a modern take on dating and relationships, but falls short of delivering a compelling narrative. The film stars Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles, supported by Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf. Set against the backdrop of a lavish Udaipur wedding, the movie attempts to blend romance, family drama, and comedy, but struggles to find its footing.
The film revolves around Sunny and Tulsi, who are both dumped by their respective partners, Ananya and Vikram. Ananya and Vikram are now set to marry each other, leading Sunny and Tulsi to pretend to be a couple and disrupt the wedding in an attempt to win back their exes. This sets the stage for a predictable setup filled with songs, dance, and wedding chaos.
Varun Dhawan's performance is a highlight, with critics noting his comic energy and ability to keep the film afloat. Janhvi Kapoor brings charm to her role, displaying vulnerability when required. However, some critics feel that her performance doesn't quite reach the heights needed for the emotional scenes. Sanya Malhotra's talent is underutilized, and Rohit Saraf manages to stand out. Maniesh Paul, as a wedding planner, evokes some laughs, though his character feels excessive at times.
SSKTK tries to address themes such as familial pressure and women's empowerment, but these messages feel forced and shallow. The film touches upon the idea that no one should have to sacrifice love due to family pressure. The screenplay, co-written by Shashank Khaitan and Ishita Moitra, focuses heavily on the central romances but fails to build compelling family dynamics.
The film draws inspiration from classic Bollywood rom-coms like "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "The Wedding Singer". References to "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" are frequent, yet SSKTK doesn't capture the same magic. The humor sometimes feels repetitive, and the plot relies on predictable tropes.
Ultimately, "Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari" suffers from a lack of clarity and depth. While the film is visually appealing with its beautiful clothes, dazzling jewelry, and lavish wedding setting, it lacks a strong narrative grip. The writing doesn't fully develop the characters or their motivations, making it difficult for the audience to connect with their struggles. The film feels like a collection of glossy scenes and meta jokes that entertain briefly but don't leave a lasting impression.
