In Bollywood, where action-crime thrillers dominated content consumption for the past several years, the unexpected success of the mid-budget film Saiyaara is giving confidence to filmmakers to tread the familiar lanes of romance once again.
The latest romantic offering from the Hindi film industry is Maddock Films' Param Sundari. A film which contrasts the world of modernity with that of gravitas, stillness and quiet wisdom, it explores the romance between a north Indian man and a southern girl.
"It's not just a love story; it's also about what today's youth may be losing sight of in a world run by screens," said Param Sundari's producer and Maddock Films founder Dinesh Vijan during a panel discussion on 'Bollywood's Transformation: Tradition Meets Modernity'.
He was joined by the film's lead actors, Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, during the conversation moderated by Aabha Bakaya.
The participants described Param Sundari as the story of a man obsessed with apps and digital solutions for everything-from groceries to gadgets-and a woman rooted in simplicity, hailing from a region of southern India where tradition still thrives. "That dynamic of hyper-modern versus deeply traditional was fresh and exciting," Vijan told the gathering.
He also spoke about cliches and stereotypes that such topics often succumb to.
"One man's cliche is another man's truth. Cliches or stereotypes in cultures must be handled well. I feel that it is important not to make a cliche or caricature," the Maddock Films founder noted. "We are an emotional country. So, if being over-emotional is a cliche, I like cliches."
Kapoor, who plays the female lead Sundari, said the film "has everything I craved as an audience member - a light-hearted romance, songs that make you smile, and a chance to believe in love again". Noting that the heroine is half-Tamilian and half-Malayali, she said, "I have always admired Malayalam cinema, and this film gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in that world."
The success of Saiyaara, especially with new faces, has debunked the myth prevalent that audiences prefer only action-crime thriller films. Made on a budget of ₹35 crore, the film has collected over ₹330 crore since its release last month.
"I think the acceptance and desire to watch romantic films among audiences were always there... romantic films are an integral part of entertainment," said Malhotra, who plays the male lead Param. Talking about his film, he said he could relate to its story. "I think all of us grew up with having a sense of our ideal soulmate, the perfect match. So, we speak about all of that in the film."
Kapoor said Param Sundari made her a more confident person and actor. "After playing Sundari, I feel like I became more open as a person, as an actor. I felt like I could have more fun."
Malhotra informed audiences that it would not be just a sentimental romantic offering. "The film has high emotional depth," he said, adding, "There's so much more depth. Today, we are so dependent on our mobile phones and technology for everything. And sometimes we don't have confidence to make decisions based on our own instincts."
"So, the film has a lovely message at heart. At times follow your instincts. Basic, simpler things make our lives. You don't have to look at a screen always to tell you what to do."
Vijan said he is more interested in stories that Indians face and experience.
"We want stories about us. And I think that's more important. But I want our stories to resonate with the common man and his issues," the producer added.
The latest romantic offering from the Hindi film industry is Maddock Films' Param Sundari. A film which contrasts the world of modernity with that of gravitas, stillness and quiet wisdom, it explores the romance between a north Indian man and a southern girl.
"It's not just a love story; it's also about what today's youth may be losing sight of in a world run by screens," said Param Sundari's producer and Maddock Films founder Dinesh Vijan during a panel discussion on 'Bollywood's Transformation: Tradition Meets Modernity'.
He was joined by the film's lead actors, Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, during the conversation moderated by Aabha Bakaya.
The participants described Param Sundari as the story of a man obsessed with apps and digital solutions for everything-from groceries to gadgets-and a woman rooted in simplicity, hailing from a region of southern India where tradition still thrives. "That dynamic of hyper-modern versus deeply traditional was fresh and exciting," Vijan told the gathering.
He also spoke about cliches and stereotypes that such topics often succumb to.
"One man's cliche is another man's truth. Cliches or stereotypes in cultures must be handled well. I feel that it is important not to make a cliche or caricature," the Maddock Films founder noted. "We are an emotional country. So, if being over-emotional is a cliche, I like cliches."
Kapoor, who plays the female lead Sundari, said the film "has everything I craved as an audience member - a light-hearted romance, songs that make you smile, and a chance to believe in love again". Noting that the heroine is half-Tamilian and half-Malayali, she said, "I have always admired Malayalam cinema, and this film gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in that world."
The success of Saiyaara, especially with new faces, has debunked the myth prevalent that audiences prefer only action-crime thriller films. Made on a budget of ₹35 crore, the film has collected over ₹330 crore since its release last month.
"I think the acceptance and desire to watch romantic films among audiences were always there... romantic films are an integral part of entertainment," said Malhotra, who plays the male lead Param. Talking about his film, he said he could relate to its story. "I think all of us grew up with having a sense of our ideal soulmate, the perfect match. So, we speak about all of that in the film."
Kapoor said Param Sundari made her a more confident person and actor. "After playing Sundari, I feel like I became more open as a person, as an actor. I felt like I could have more fun."
Malhotra informed audiences that it would not be just a sentimental romantic offering. "The film has high emotional depth," he said, adding, "There's so much more depth. Today, we are so dependent on our mobile phones and technology for everything. And sometimes we don't have confidence to make decisions based on our own instincts."
"So, the film has a lovely message at heart. At times follow your instincts. Basic, simpler things make our lives. You don't have to look at a screen always to tell you what to do."
Vijan said he is more interested in stories that Indians face and experience.
"We want stories about us. And I think that's more important. But I want our stories to resonate with the common man and his issues," the producer added.
