August is shaping up to be a high-stakes month for Bollywood, with multiple big-ticket films lining up for release. One such upcoming release is Siddharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor’s romantic drama Param Sundari, which was originally slated for July 25 but is now set to hit theatres on August 29. However, just as the dust was settling on the new date, another strong contender has entered the ring—a remastered version of the beloved 2005 classic Parineeta, starring Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Vidya Balan.

Directed by Tushar Jalota and backed by Maddock Films, Param Sundari is a fresh pairing of Siddharth and Janhvi, aiming to charm audiences with its modern-day romance. But the film now faces unexpected competition. Parineeta, adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s timeless 1914 Bengali novel, will be re-released in a restored 8K version by PVR INOX to mark its 20-year anniversary. The re-release also celebrates two milestones—Vidya Balan’s 20 years in the industry and 50 years of Vidhu Vinod Chopra Films.

While Parineeta will have a limited one-week run, the buzz surrounding its return could still eat into Param Sundari’s opening week collections. Nostalgia plays a powerful role, and if the re-release finds even moderate success, it may divert footfalls from Siddharth’s new film. Moreover, with Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt’s presence in Parineeta, viewers may be drawn toward the familiar comfort of a much-loved classic, especially one known for its music, storytelling, and emotional depth.

Adding to the pressure, several films are scheduled around Independence Day (August 14), which could dominate the box office for two to three weeks. If Param Sundari fails to make a strong initial impact due to competing releases, its theatrical run might be significantly compromised.