Sidharth Malhotra has officially confirmed his next film, Param Sundari, alongside Janhvi Kapoor. Set to release in 2025, the film is a cross-cultural romantic drama that tells the story of a wealthy North Indian tycoon who falls in love with a modern artist from Kerala. Directed by Tushar Jalota, the film marks Malhotra’s return to the romantic genre after a hiatus, offering a fresh pairing with Kapoor, known for her work in Dhadak and Good Luck Jerry.
In an exclusive chat to The Times of India, Sidharth shared his excitement about this new project, expressing, “This Diwali felt like a fresh start as I begin my new project. It’s exciting to step back into the romantic genre after a few years, and I’m looking forward to creating something fun and memorable with Janhvi. It’s a new chapter that feels just right for the season of new beginnings.”
Malhotra, whose last romantic film was Jabariya Jodi in 2019, has since ventured into a variety of genres, with his recent success in Shershaah. This return to romance will likely captivate fans who have been anticipating his reappearance in this genre.
The unique cultural fusion at the heart of Param Sundari has already sparked early discussions among audiences. On social media, some fans have commented on the casting, with one X, formerly known as Twitter user noting, “Actual Malayalee actress could have added a touch of authenticity,” while another said, “Let’s hope Janhvi does her homework well and doesn’t fall into the stereotypical ‘Mallu’ portrayal.”
This concern over authenticity echoes past criticisms faced by actress Adah Sharma for her portrayal of a Malayali character in The Kerala Story. Critics had pointed out her reliance on Hindi and the inauthenticity of her accent, as many Malayalees, particularly from Kerala, rarely use Hindi in everyday life. With Param Sundari also centring around Kerala, fans are hoping that Janhvi Kapoor, in particular, doesn’t fall into similar traps.
As the anticipation for the film builds, fans are eager to see how the filmmakers balance romance with cultural depth in this fresh pairing and exciting storyline.
