Bollywood audiences are buzzing with chatter, but not for the reasons Dharma Productions expected. While Janhvi Kapoor headlines Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari alongside Varun Dhawan, it’s Sanya Malhotra who seems to be walking away with the applause even before release. Once again, the industry’s “parallel lead” is threatening to eat up the supposed “main star.”
Sanya Malhotra has built a reputation for being a performer, not just a pretty face. From her emotionally nuanced act in Pagglait to the quirky and raw Kathal and her latest release Mrs., she has continuously proven her ability to bring depth and relatability to every character. Even when the films were small in scale, her presence left a big impression. Fans argue that Sanya doesn’t rely on glossy designer wear or forced glamour; instead, she banks on sincerity, craft, and a natural screen presence.
In Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, the contrast between her and Janhvi couldn’t be starker. Janhvi, criticised yet again for repetitive roles and monotonous expressions, is being labelled as “a mannequin with a new costume.” Trolls online are mocking her nasal dialogue delivery, claiming she is “acting on auto-pilot” regardless of the film’s theme. On the other hand, Sanya, playing a parallel character, is already the one fans are waiting for. Social media chatter reflects that audiences are more excited to watch Sanya dance, act, and shine rather than endure another recycled Janhvi performance.
One fan summed it up bluntly: “This is the first time the second lead will completely overshadow the main lead—and we’re here for it.” Another joked, “Rename it Sanya Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, at least that would make sense.” The social media is filled with the contrast people saying “Janhvi’s makeup budget is higher than her acting range, thank God for Sanya.”, "Sanya acts, Janhvi poses. Simple.”, "Audiences will enter for Varun, stay for Sanya, and forget Janhvi was even there.”
If Janhvi’s career graph continues its predictable downward slope, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari might go down as the film where she was finally eclipsed by someone with actual acting chops. And truth be told, the audience doesn’t seem to mind.
In a film meant to consolidate Janhvi Kapoor’s star power, it is Sanya Malhotra who is poised to walk away with the crown. Kapoor may be the headline act, but Malhotra is the heartbeat audiences are waiting for.