SSKTK movie review: Janhvi and Sanya steal the show, script doesn`t

When the trailer of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (SSKTK) was released, it oozed typical masala entertainer vibes. From tragedy and comedy to chaos, the film promised everything. But does it live up to the expectations? Let’s find out.

Plot

SSKTK begins with Sunny (Varun Dhawan) mounting a Baahubali-style setup to woo and propose to his ladylove Ananya (Sanya Malhotra), only to find out that she is in love with Vikram (Rohit Saraf). Dejected, Sunny hatches a plan and teams up with Tulsi Kumari (Janhvi Kapoor), Vikram’s ex-girlfriend. Sunny and Tulsi pose as a couple to ruin their ex-lovers` wedding. However, they soon discover that they are actually falling for each other. Meanwhile, Ananya and Vikram also realise their love for Sunny and Tulsi and return to them. Amid all the chaos and confusion, what’s in store for the couples? Watch SSKTK to know more.

 

 

 

 

 

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What works

At its heart, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is a typical Shashank Khaitan film. From the word go, it scores high on entertainment value. With its colour, opulence, sets, and fervour, it is a true big-screen movie. Beyond visuals, the film is packed with romance, drama, and hilarious lines that will make you laugh. Overall, the strength of film lies in its witty writing, filled with dialogues that nod to iconic Bollywood moments—from SRK’s Chak De monologue to a playful nod to Mr. India’s "Kaante Nahin Katte."

However, these factors are mostly limited to the first half. Some scenes elicit laughter and intrigue to the extent that we actually look forward to what’s next. Even the emotional parts resonate well with both youth and families. The film is not only about grandeur — its subtext is layered. From unintentional conditioned patriarchy to class conflict and gender roles, the movie addresses everything subtly. It also shows how, despite belonging to an elite class, people often just wear a façade of being modern.

What doesn’t

The second half is quite predictable. It won’t be wrong to say that it plays out like a daily soap. The film could have been a bit shorter; because of unnecessary scenes, it tends to feel superficial in its treatment at times. In some places, the dialogues turn lame, and even the one-liners seem forced. The climax, which surprises with a `Mismatched-style` twist, fails to leave a mark and is ultimately forgettable.

When it comes to music, except for Panwadi, the songs lack recall value. Even though Panwadi makes it to our playlists, its placement in the film feels forced.

Performances

This time, the leading ladies, Janhvi Kapoor and Sanya Malhotra, steal the show in this rom-com. Janhvi is the soul of the film from the first frame to the last. She gets to display a wide range of emotions – from being docile to emotional to comical – and she aces the role with flying colours. Despite limited screen time, Sanya Malhotra, with her strong presence, makes up for all the flaws. With just one scene, she moves the narrative forward, which is commendable.

Varun Dhawan, however, delivers a lacklustre performance as Sunny. Despite his comic jabs landing well in a few places, there is no real spark in his character. Rohit Saraf’s performance isn’t completely polished, but his earnestness makes up for it. Maniesh Paul, as Kukku, steals the show with his comic timing, delivering laughs that keep the film afloat. The supporting cast, unfortunately, feels underutilised, as their presence adds little value to the narrative.

Final verdict

Overall, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is a visually appealing rom-com with catchy songs, stunning locations, and a charming lead pair. But it falls short due to a bland screenplay, predictable second half, and lack of fresh conflict.