In the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood rom-coms, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari arrives with a promise of grandeur, nostalgia, and emotional catharsis. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, the film attempts to blend old-school romantic tropes with Gen-Z sensibilities, set against the opulent backdrop of a destination wedding in Udaipur. With Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor leading the cast, the film is a visual feast-but does it offer substance beneath the shimmer?
Plot & Narrative Structure
The story revolves around Sunny (Varun Dhawan), a self-proclaimed sanskari boy nursing a broken heart after being dumped by Ananya (Sanya Malhotra). Simultaneously, Tulsi (Janhvi Kapoor) is reeling from her own breakup with Vikram (Rohit Saraf). Fate brings them together at the wedding of their exes-yes, Ananya and Vikram are marrying each other.
What unfolds is a five-day emotional rollercoaster filled with dance-offs, passive-aggressive banter, fake dating schemes, and moments of unexpected vulnerability. The narrative leans heavily on the “wedding as battleground” trope, reminiscent of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, but lacks the emotional layering that made those films memorable.
Performances & Character Arcs
- Varun Dhawan is in his element, channeling Govinda-esque energy with impeccable comic timing and physicality. His portrayal of Sunny is charming, albeit predictable.
- Janhvi Kapoor brings sincerity to Tulsi, but her emotional beats often feel rushed or undercooked. She shines in quieter moments but struggles with the film’s more dramatic confrontations.
- Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf are underutilized, serving more as plot devices than fully fleshed-out characters. Saraf, however, manages to infuse Vikram with warmth and relatability.
Direction, Writing & Tonal Balance
Shashank Khaitan’s directorial style is glossy and crowd-pleasing. He knows how to stage a dance number and frame a romantic close-up. However, the screenplay-co-written with Ishita Moitra-struggles to balance humor with emotional authenticity. The film is peppered with Hinglish slang, Instagram-era references, and self-love mantras, but these often feel performative rather than organic.
The emotional core-two people learning to love again-is diluted by excessive melodrama and a rushed third act. The climax, while offering a twist, lacks the emotional payoff the buildup demands.
Music, Choreography & Visuals
- The soundtrack is vibrant and danceable, with tracks designed for reels and sangeet playlists. However, none of the songs linger in memory post-viewing.
- Choreography is energetic and well-executed, especially in group sequences.
- Visually, the film is stunning. Udaipur’s palatial settings, designer lehengas, and cinematic lighting make every frame Instagram-worthy. The production design is top-tier, evoking the grandeur of Karan Johar’s wedding sagas.
Themes & Cultural Commentary
The film attempts to explore:
- Modern love vs. traditional values: Sunny’s sanskari persona clashes with Tulsi’s independent spirit.
- Self-worth in relationships: Both leads grapple with rejection and rediscovery.
- Performative feminism and toxic masculinity: These themes are touched upon but never deeply interrogated.
Final Verdict
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is a visually opulent, emotionally uneven rom-com that entertains but rarely surprises. It’s a film designed for festive weekends, Instagram captions, and dance floor nostalgia-but not for introspection or emotional resonance.