The recently released trailer of "Param Sundari," starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, has generated considerable buzz, though perhaps not entirely for the reasons one might expect. While the film promises a vibrant cross-cultural love story set against the backdrop of Kerala, much of the initial discussion surrounding the trailer seems to be focused on references to other prominent actors, specifically Shah Rukh Khan, Rajinikanth, and Allu Arjun.
Janhvi Kapoor's dialogue in the trailer, where she references a superstar from each state in the south – Rajinikanth, Yash, Mohanlal, and Allu Arjun – has particularly caught the attention of viewers. This overt acknowledgment of regional cinema's powerhouses has sparked conversations about the film's pan-Indian appeal and its attempt to resonate with a wider audience. It's a clever marketing strategy, leveraging the immense popularity of these stars to draw attention to "Param Sundari."
Sidharth Malhotra, too, appears to be paying homage to Shah Rukh Khan, quoting an iconic line from the 1993 blockbuster "Baazigar". This isn't the first time Malhotra has referenced Khan in his films, with a similar homage in "Yodha". This consistent referencing could be seen as a deliberate attempt to connect with fans of classic Bollywood romance and establish Malhotra as a worthy successor to the romantic hero archetype. He himself stated that he feels like he's revisiting the kind of romance he grew up loving.
While these references are undoubtedly generating attention, they also risk overshadowing the film's actual leads, Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor. The trailer showcases their "cute chemistry" and the film promises to bring back the old rom-com era. The focus on other actors, however, might lead some to question whether the film relies too heavily on external star power to compensate for a potentially weaker narrative or a lack of confidence in its lead pair.
The visuals of Kerala are breathtaking and audiences are swooning over the melodious voice of Sonu Nigam in the song 'Pardesiya'. Nigam himself expressed admiration for Sidharth, noting how well the song suits him.
Ultimately, the success of "Param Sundari" will depend on whether it can deliver a compelling story and engaging performances from its lead actors, Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor. While name-dropping popular stars might generate initial interest, it's the film's own merits that will determine its lasting impact. The audience will soon find out when the film releases on August 29, 2025.