From Fresh Pair to Age Gap: Why Saiyaara Wins Where Param Sundari Fails, Say Fans!

The recently released song 'Pardesiya' from Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor's upcoming film Param Sundari has ignited a heated debate on social media, with a significant portion of the Twitterati slamming the 12-year age difference between the lead actors. The discussion comes hot on the heels of Saiyaara's monumental box office success, a film lauded for its fresh pairing and relatable chemistry between debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda.

 

Param Sundari, a romantic comedy produced by Maddock Films and directed by Tushar Jalota, is set to release on August 29, 2025. The film aims to tell a cross-cultural love story between a North Indian boy (Sidharth Malhotra) and a South Indian girl (Janhvi Kapoor). While the first song "Pardesiya" has garnered some praise for its visuals and Sonu Nigam's vocals, the online discourse has quickly shifted to the visible age disparity between its stars.

 

 

The Age Gap Backlash: "Looks More Like a Mentor-Mentee"

 

Netizens have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their concerns, with many criticizing the casting choice. Sidharth Malhotra, born in 1985, is 40 years old, while Janhvi Kapoor, born in 1997, is 28. This 12-year gap has led to comments suggesting a lack of romantic chemistry, with some users stating that they look more like "mentor-mentee" or "older brother-younger sister" rather than a romantic lead pair.

 

One user tweeted, "Sidharth and Janhvi's age gap in Param Sundari is jarring. Bollywood needs to move past this outdated casting." Another added, "Their chemistry feels forced. It's becoming increasingly difficult to suspend disbelief when the age difference is so evident."

 

 

'Saiyaara' Comparison: A Fresh Pair's Success Story

 

The criticism against Param Sundari's casting is further amplified by the recent record-breaking success of Mohit Suri's Saiyaara. Starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, Saiyaara has been hailed for its refreshing, age-appropriate lead pair and their undeniable chemistry, which many believe was a significant factor in its massive box office collection of over ₹400 crore worldwide.

 

"The main reason why Saiyaara did so well is because they cast a genuinely fresh and age-appropriate pair," commented a user on X. "This Param Sundari age gap is exactly why audiences are moving towards films with more relatable pairings." Others echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Bollywood's persistent tendency to cast older male actors opposite much younger female leads is alienating modern audiences who crave more authentic portrayals of romance.

 

 

Industry's Persistent Problem?

 

This isn't the first time an age gap in a Bollywood pairing has sparked debate, but the intensity of the Param Sundari reaction, especially in the context of Saiyaara's success, highlights a growing sentiment among viewers. As audiences become more discerning and global content more accessible, the demand for believable and diverse casting choices is on the rise.

 

While Param Sundari's makers hope its cross-cultural narrative and music will win over audiences, the online conversation suggests that the age gap between Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor could be a significant hurdle for the film at the box office. It remains to be seen if "Pardesiya" and the film itself can overcome this mounting criticism and connect with viewers who are increasingly valuing authenticity on screen.

 

 

 

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