Vijay Singh
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 2: When Bollywood decides to serve a romantic comedy platter during Dussehra, expectations soar higher than the sparklers in the sky. “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari”, releasing on 2 October 2025, arrives with that promise — a festive feel-good entertainer with a star cast, catchy songs, and dramatic flourishes. But does it deliver? Here’s a take that leans equal parts admirer and critic.
Let me confess: there’s a certain guilty pleasure in watching a masala rom-com that doesn’t pretend to be cerebral. And yet, one hopes for more than a sugar rush. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (SSKTK) rides on that tightrope — oscillating between heartfelt intentions and glaring formulaic pitfalls.
What the Story Offers (Without Spoiling Too Much)
Set primarily in Delhi, the plot revolves around Sunny (Varun Dhawan) and Tulsi (Janhvi Kapoor), once lovers, now caught in the chaos of exes, misunderstandings, manipulations, and a possible rekindling. The trailer teases a tale of “Ishq & Ex Ka Golmaal,” with both of them scheming to win back former flames but, predictably, tumbling into new emotional territory.
The film doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel — we have the love triangle, side characters for comic relief, musical interludes, and dramatic reveals. Yet in interviews, director Shashank Khaitan mentions that his intent was to tap into cinema that brings families back to theatres, with a mix of “heart, music, and humor.”
The runtime is crisp: 2 hours 15 minutes, with a U/A certificate (after reportedly cutting ~60% of kissing sequences per CBFC’s instructions).
What Shines Bright (and Why Audiences Are Smiling)
Chemistry & Performances
Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor — reunited after Bawaal — bring familiarity and ease to the film. Early reactions suggest that viewers are warming to their camaraderie and banter. Rohit Saraf, Sanya Malhotra, and supporting cast infuse liveliness, even in scenes that might’ve dragged without them.
Humor, Energy & Escapism
One of the film’s strengths is that it doesn’t shy away from being cinematic candy. The trailer brims with vibrant colour, comic twists, and signature Bollywood grandiosity. The audience, especially those seeking light entertainment, seems to be enjoying it as a festive escape.
The film also seems to lean into its romantic fluff unapologetically — sometimes to its credit. It doesn’t pretend to be deeper; it wants to make you laugh, clap, and get lost for a while.
Marketing Gimmicks & Engagement
The promotions have been robust. A notable campaign: “Dharma Dream Wedding”, where fans can partake in a cinematic wedding experience tied to the film. Also, cast interactions (like Rohit Saraf joking about Varun “bullying” him on set) have kept social media buzzing. Interestingly, the film’s distributors have negotiated a 50% showcasing in two-screen cinemas, 33% in three-screen, 25% in four-screen multiplexes — a strategic dance to assert presence without overreaching.
Yet, all glitz doesn’t guarantee substance — that’s where the cracks come in.
The Cracks & Letdowns (Because No Film Is Perfect)
Familiarity Fatigue & Predictability
For a film that openly courts rom-com tropes, some audience members might feel déjà vu. The narrative arcs are mostly telegraphed; the emotional beats fall on familiar chords. At times, the film feels safe — too safe. Contrast that with the unexpected turns that Kantara: Chapter 1 (releasing alongside) promises — SSKTK might look pretty, but not as daring.
Overstuffed Scenes & Pacing
While the first half flows with energy, whispers online suggest the film struggles to sustain momentum in parts. Some scenes could have been pruned. There’s also a complaint (from netizens) about the song “Perfect” — that Sanya Malhotra, though part of the cast, is conspicuously missing from the music video, igniting speculation of sidelining.
Promotional Missteps
Not all publicity is positive. A clip from the trailer-launch event went viral: Janhvi Kapoor discussed AI misuse and celebrity deepfake dangers, but Varun Dhawan allegedly interrupted her with a joke. Netizens slammed it as disrespectful.That’s the kind of PR slip that lingers longer than box office numbers.
And yes — knowing that 60% of on-screen kissing was cut per CBFC instruction raises questions about creative compromise.
Box Office Chances — Ambitious, But Risky
Advance bookings are modest: just over ₹2 crore according to reports — respectable, but not explosive, especially in the face of stiff competition from Kantara. Predictive outlets had projected opening day earnings between ₹8–10 crore, or even ₹10.50–11.50 crore in strong Hindi circuits. If SSKTK doesn’t exceed those expectations or get strong word-of-mouth, sustaining beyond the first weekend could be a challenge.
One industry note: the film’s distributors are explicitly requesting limited but strategic screen splits, likely acknowledging Kantara’s pull. That’s a smart hedge or a tacit admission of tough battlefield.
The Numbers Game (So Far)
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Advance sales: ~ ₹2 crore+ — decent, but overshadowed by Kantara’s hype.
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Budget / Box office: No official confirmed data yet. Bollywood Hungama lists “no data to display” for earnings.
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Projections: Some predictions place India’s net opening at ₹10.50–11.50 crore.
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Runtime & Certification: 2h 15m, U/A after cuts.
So at present, the film is banking on festive footfalls, audience goodwill, and social media momentum to turn ROI (return on investment) into reality.
Verdict (with a Dash of PR Polishing)
Think of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari as confectionery cinema — indulgent, vivid, occasionally sticky, but not without flavor. Its strengths lie in its cast chemistry, breezy tone, and moments that genuinely evoke a smile or two. The film isn’t aiming to be revolutionary; it wants to be comforting entertainment. And in many stretches, it succeeds.
However, for viewers hoping for deeper emotional exploration, narrative surprises, or bold risks, SSKTK may feel like a pleasant but safe ride. Whether that’s enough depends on how much you love revisiting rom-com tropes, or whether you demand something fresh.
From a PR perspective, the makers can lean into festive goodwill, highlight the colourful visuals, showcase the romantic energy, and hope the buzz carries the film through its weekend. Yet they should also brace for critiques — and perhaps, smartly, the film doesn’t pretend to be flawless.
Final Score (subjective): ~ 2.75 / 5
If you’re in the mood for something light, celebratory, and easy on the brain, this film might hit the spot. If you’re seeking cinematic risks — maybe stick around for Kantara or your alternative picks. Either way, Dussehra deserves a film that gets the crowd smiling. SSKTK mostly delivers on that front, with occasional stumbles.
