The festive season in Bollywood kicked off with a bang on October 2, 2025, as two major films hit theaters on the same Dussehra day. On one side, there's the light-hearted romantic comedy Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, starring the ever-charming Varun Dhawan and the bubbly Janhvi Kapoor. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, known for his feel-good hits like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, this Dharma Productions venture promises a mix of laughter, love, and cultural quirks. But right from the opening bell, it's locked in a fierce box office tussle with Rishab Shetty's mythic actioner Kantara Chapter 1. As audiences flock to cinemas, the question on everyone's mind is: Can this breezy rom-com carve out its space amid the thunderous roar of a sequel that's already breaking records?

A Fresh Take on Love and Tradition

At its heart, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari weaves a tale of modern romance clashing with small-town values. Varun Dhawan steps into the shoes of Sunny, a free-spirited Mumbai lad who's all about breaking norms and chasing dreams. Enter Tulsi Kumari, played by Janhvi Kapoor, a girl from a conservative Rajasthani family where traditions run deeper than the desert sands. Their worlds collide in the most hilarious ways—think awkward family dinners, viral social media mishaps, and dance sequences that blend Bollywood flair with folk rhythms.

Supporting the leads are Sanya Malhotra as Sunny's quirky best friend and Rohit Saraf as Tulsi's overprotective brother, adding layers of comic relief and emotional depth. Shashank Khaitan's signature style shines through, with vibrant visuals shot across Rajasthan's golden dunes and Mumbai's neon nights. The soundtrack, featuring peppy tracks by composers like Vishal-Shekhar, has already topped charts, teasing just how infectious this love story could be.

The Box Office Battlefield: Rom-Com Meets Mythology

No release in 2025 would be complete without drama, and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has plenty—starting with its head-on collision with Kantara Chapter 1. The prequel to the 2022 blockbuster opened to a staggering Rs 60-65 crore on day one, shattering records and drawing massive crowds for its high-octane action and cultural folklore. Early trends suggest Varun and Janhvi's film isn't far behind in the romance department, clocking in as the second-biggest opening for a rom-com this year, with estimates hovering around Rs 15-18 crore nett.

This clash isn't just about numbers; it's a genre showdown. While Kantara appeals to fans craving epic tales of gods and warriors, Sunny Sanskari targets families and young couples looking for an escapist laugh. Multiplexes are split—action screens for the former, rom-com slots for the latter—but single-screen theaters in the South and Hindi heartland might tip the scales toward Rishab Shetty's juggernaut. Still, Varun's star power and Janhvi's rising appeal could sustain word-of-mouth buzz through the week.

Critical Cheers and Netflix Dreams

Initial reviews are pouring in with thumbs up for the chemistry between the leads—Varun's goofy energy perfectly offsets Janhvi's wide-eyed innocence, making their banter a highlight. Critics praise Khaitan's direction for balancing humor with heart, though some nitpick the predictable tropes. With a runtime of about 2 hours 15 minutes and a U/A certification, it's family-friendly fare primed for holidays.

Post-theatrical, the real excitement builds for its Netflix drop, expected four to six weeks after release. This OTT pivot could extend its reach globally, introducing international viewers to its desi charm. In a year dominated by action flicks, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari reminds us why rom-coms endure—they're the comfort food of cinema.

As the box office dust settles, one thing's clear: Both films are winners in their lanes, proving Bollywood's diversity is its biggest strength. Whether you're team laughs or team legends, this Dussehra delivered double delight. Grab your popcorn and pick your poison— the theaters are calling.

Read Also: Anumanapakshi First Look: Vimal Krishna's Whimsical Comedy Takes Flight with Rag Mayur and Merin Philip on Dussehra

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