Bollywood is abuzz with excitement as Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra’s upcoming film Param Sundari gears up for release. The film, directed by Tushar Jalota, is scheduled to hit theatres on 29 August 2025. However, even before its release, the movie has been drawing comparisons with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s blockbuster Chennai Express. The leading stars of Param Sundari have now addressed this comparison and shared their views.
Why Param Sundari Is Being Compared with Chennai Express
The posters and teasers of Param Sundari sparked a wave of discussions on social media, with many viewers pointing out similarities between this film and Chennai Express. Both films seemingly involve cross-cultural love stories set in South India, which has led to inevitable parallels. While some cine-goers believe such comparisons are justified, Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra have offered a more nuanced perspective.
Janhvi Kapoor Calls the Comparison a Compliment
In an interview with Mirchi Plus, Janhvi Kapoor addressed the constant comparison. She said that Chennai Express is not only a successful movie but also an “iconic film.” However, she clarified that the characters and settings in the two films are very different.
According to Janhvi, Deepika Padukone in Chennai Express played the role of a Tamilian woman, whereas in Param Sundari, her own character belongs to Kerala. She stressed that not all people from South India can be grouped under the same identity. The cultural settings, traditions, and storylines differ significantly, making Param Sundari a unique narrative.
Janhvi added that comparisons are natural when a film belongs to the romantic comedy genre but insisted that Param Sundari is not a repetition of Chennai Express. She also mentioned that similar themes have been explored before, such as in 2 States, which released even before Chennai Express. For her, being compared to an iconic film and its cast is not an insult but a matter of pride.
Sidharth Malhotra Considers Comparisons a Compliment
Sidharth Malhotra also reacted positively to the discussions. He said that comparisons with Chennai Express should be seen as compliments rather than criticism. According to him, Rohit Shetty’s directorial had its own charm, and being mentioned alongside such a popular movie shows the expectations people have from Param Sundari.
Sidharth further explained that Shah Rukh Khan’s role in Chennai Express was not a Delhi boy portrayal, and the cultural setup was quite different. In contrast, Param Sundari brings in fresh dynamics, with Janhvi’s character being half-Malayali and half-Tamilian. He emphasized that this cultural backdrop adds depth to their love story, which stands apart from earlier films.
The Return of Romantic Comedies
Sidharth also pointed out that Param Sundari signals the return of lighthearted romantic comedies in Bollywood, a genre that has been overshadowed in recent years by heavy action and intense dramas. He compared the film’s essence to classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Hum Tum, which struck the right balance between romance, humor, and emotions.
According to him, Param Sundari will offer audiences an entertaining mix of romance and comedy, much like those memorable films that continue to hold a special place in Indian cinema.
About the Film Param Sundari
Param Sundari has been directed by Tushar Jalota, who earlier received acclaim for his storytelling style. The film is expected to highlight a colorful, vibrant, and culturally rich narrative, rooted in Kerala while appealing to a pan-Indian audience. The music, performances, and cinematography are being touted as strong elements that will add charm to the film.
The movie marks a fresh pairing between Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra, and fans are eager to see their on-screen chemistry. While the posters have already created a buzz, the actors’ confidence in the film indicates that they believe it will strike a chord with the audience.
Social Media Reactions
Ever since the first look of Param Sundari was unveiled, social media has been filled with debates and fan discussions. Some users have humorously tagged it as the “new-age Chennai Express,” while others argue that it should be celebrated on its own merit. The comparison has, however, ensured that the film remains in the spotlight, which can work positively for its box-office prospects.
The Deepika and SRK Factor
While the comparisons continue, both Janhvi and Sidharth acknowledged that Chennai Express became iconic largely because of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s performances. Janhvi praised Deepika for her portrayal of a Tamilian woman, while Sidharth admitted to being a fan of Rohit Shetty’s signature style.
By openly accepting the compliments in these comparisons, both actors have shown maturity, signaling that they are not threatened but rather inspired by the legacy of films like Chennai Express.
With the film scheduled for release on 29 August 2025, the anticipation is growing. The comparison with Chennai Express has certainly raised expectations, but the cast insists that Param Sundari offers a fresh storyline, unique cultural elements, and a revival of romantic comedy in Bollywood.
Whether it achieves the same iconic status remains to be seen, but the excitement surrounding the film already proves that Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra are successful in grabbing the audience’s attention.
