Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor deliver chemistry and laughs in ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’

It’s the silly season. A time when lighthearted content is sought after, which explains the bombardment of Christmas movies. 

Of course, if you are partial to such offerings, then “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari”, a Bollywood romcom with English subtitles, is worth watching. 

It’s fun, playful and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Don’t go looking for a solid script either, it’s as far-fetched as they come.

But, to be honest, that is unsurprising for bubblegum offerings of this nature. Sometimes, that is part of its appeal. Yes, there is an audience for them. 

The story centres on Sunny Sanskari (Varun Dhawan), who meets and falls in love with Ananya Bhatia (Sanya Malhotra). However, when he decides to take the next step and get down on one knee, he learns that she felt their relationship was nothing more than casual. 

In fact, her parents have arranged for her wedding to Vikram Singh (Rohit Saraf), who comes from an affluent family. 

Meanwhile, Vikram, in an effort to honour his mother’s wishes, breaks up with his childhood sweetheart, Tulsi (Janhvi Kapoor).

Of course, Tulsi, a teacher, is as devastated as Sunny. But while she’s bawling her eyes out, Sunny hatches a plan that involves Tulsi pretending to be his new girlfriend to stop Ananya and Vikram from getting married. 

A warm-hearted geek, Tulsi isn’t keen on the idea. Also, she’s always believed herself to be boring, which is manifested in her wardrobe. 

However, between her best friend and Sunny, Tulsi’s look is transformed from boring to bonafide bombshell. With the help of Sunny’s best friend, Bantu (Abhinav Sharma), the plan is executed.

Even though Vikram and Ananya pretend to be unaffected by their respective exes being invited to participate in their wedding festivities, they are. 

Meanwhile, the unthinkable happens. As Sunny and Tulsi continue to spend time together, their pretence begins to feel less like a game.

That well-worn cliche, "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it", proves true in this instance.

As I pointed out at the outset, this movie is pure escapism. Also, the chemistry between Dhawan and Kapoor will leave you rooting for them from the get-go. 

The colourful supporting characters add comic levity to the storyline as well. Karan Johar, in his own inimitable style, appears as an exaggerated version of himself, ensuring plenty of laughs.

Also, Bollywood buffs will lap up wonderfully choreographed song and dance sequences. It’s infectious. 

Overall, this is a playful film that can be enjoyed by the whole family. 

Rating: *** solid and enjoyable, though not groundbreaking.