The much-anticipated romantic comedy Param Sundari, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, hit theaters on August 29, 2025, coinciding with the festive occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Directed by Tushar Jalota and backed by Maddock Films, the film promised a blend of humor, romance, and vibrant music. However, early box office figures indicate a sluggish start, with the film struggling to draw crowds in the morning shows. Despite this, trade analysts remain optimistic, projecting a Day 1 collection in the range of Rs 6–10 crore as evening shows and positive word-of-mouth could boost its performance. This article dives into the opening day performance, factors affecting its box office, and the potential trajectory for the weekend.
Box Office Performance on Day 1
According to live updates from Sacnilk, Param Sundari collected approximately Rs 0.45 crore (nett) by 12:40 PM IST on its opening day, with an overall theater occupancy of 8.19% for morning shows. The occupancy varied across major cities, with Mumbai recording 9.75%, Delhi-NCR at 7.5%, and Chennai at 11%, while smaller centers like Jaipur and Bhopal saw lower turnout due to festive celebrations and heavy rainfall in parts of India.
Trade sources, including Times of India and Hindustan Times, estimate that the film could close its first day with a nett collection of Rs 7–10 crore, provided evening and night shows see improved footfalls. The film’s advance booking was moderately encouraging, with 35,000–40,000 tickets sold across national chains like BookMyShow and District apps, contributing roughly Rs 1.5 crore to the opening day gross. Released on approximately 2,500 screens nationwide, Param Sundari faces minimal competition from other major releases, giving it room to grow over the weekend.
Factors Influencing the Slow Start
Several factors contributed to the film’s underwhelming morning performance:
- Ganesh Chaturthi Festivities: The release date coincided with Ganesh Chaturthi, a major festival in India, particularly in Maharashtra and parts of South India. Many potential viewers were engaged in religious celebrations, leading to reduced theater attendance during morning shows.
- Heavy Rainfall: Inclement weather in key markets like Mumbai, Pune, and parts of North India likely deterred audiences from venturing out to cinemas, further impacting footfalls.
- Muted Pre-Release Buzz: Despite a strong promotional campaign featuring popular tracks like Pardesiya and Bheegi Saari, the film’s marketing faced criticism for lackluster trailer response. Some trade analysts noted that the trailer failed to fully capture the film’s comedic and emotional appeal, potentially dampening audience excitement.
- Competition from Regional Releases: While Param Sundari had no major Bollywood competitors, regional films and dubbed Hollywood releases in select markets drew some audiences away, particularly in South India.
Positive Indicators for Growth
Despite the slow start, several factors suggest Param Sundari could gain traction over the opening weekend:
- Star Power and Chemistry: Early reviews have praised the on-screen chemistry between Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, with critics calling it a highlight of the film. Malhotra’s charm as a North Indian groom and Kapoor’s vibrant portrayal of a South Indian bride have resonated with audiences, particularly younger viewers.
- Musical Appeal: The film’s soundtrack, featuring hits like Pardesiya and Bheegi Saari composed by Sachin-Jigar, has been widely appreciated. These songs, trending on social media platforms like Instagram and X, are expected to draw music lovers to theaters.
- Positive Word-of-Mouth: Initial audience reactions shared on X and other platforms highlight the film’s lighthearted humor and emotional moments, with many calling it a “perfect family entertainer.” This positive buzz could drive walk-in audiences over the weekend.
- Wide Release and Lack of Competition: With a robust screen count of 2,500 and no major Bollywood releases clashing directly, Param Sundari has a clear runway to capitalize on the weekend, especially in urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
Trade Expectations and Weekend Outlook
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted that while the opening was “below expectations,” the film’s performance could improve with stronger evening show occupancy. “Param Sundari has the potential to hit Rs 8–10 crore on Day 1 if urban centers pick up,” he tweeted on X. Another analyst, Komal Nahta, predicted a weekend total of Rs 25–30 crore if word-of-mouth remains positive, emphasizing the film’s appeal as a family-friendly rom-com.
The absence of major releases until mid-September gives Param Sundari a favorable window to sustain its run. However, the film will need to overcome its slow start and convert positive reviews into consistent footfalls to achieve a respectable lifetime collection, with analysts projecting a Rs 100 crore target for its full run if it maintains momentum.
Audience and Critical Reception
Audience reactions on X have been mixed but lean positive, with users praising the film’s colorful visuals, music, and the lead pair’s performances. One user wrote, “Sid and Janhvi are pure magic in #ParamSundari! The songs and comedy hit the right notes.” However, some criticized the predictable storyline, with a user commenting, “Fun but nothing new. Typical rom-com with a North-South twist.” Critics have given the film an average rating of 3–3.5 stars, with outlets like India Today lauding its “feel-good vibe” while pointing out pacing issues in the second half.
Conclusion
Param Sundari’s opening day box office performance reflects a cautious start, hampered by external factors like festivals and weather. However, its strong star cast, appealing music, and positive early reviews provide a foundation for growth. With a projected Day 1 collection of Rs 6–10 crore and a favorable release window, the film has the potential to emerge as a sleeper hit if it capitalizes on weekend walk-ins and word-of-mouth. As Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor bring their A-game to this cross-cultural romance, all eyes will be on whether Param Sundari can live up to its promise as a crowd-pleaser in the days ahead.
