Hyderabad: Actress Anupama Parameswaran returns to the big screen with Paradha, directed by Praveen Kandregula, following his recent success with Subham. Released today in both Telugu and Malayalam, the film arrives with fair expectations. Here’s our complete review.
Story
Set in the fictional village of Padathi, Paradha revolves around Subba Lakshmi (Anupama Parameswaran), fondly called Subbu, a young woman who obediently follows the village’s rigid customs. One of the traditions mandates that women must keep their faces covered, visible only to family members. It is believed that breaking this rule will invoke the wrath of Jwalamma, the village goddess, whose curse has haunted generations after a traumatic incident in the past.
Subbu’s peaceful life under these restrictions is disrupted by an unexpected event that forces her to confront the goddess and question the very traditions binding her. How do Rathnamma (Sangeetha Krish) and Amishta (Darshana Rajendran) influence this struggle? Does Subbu succeed in freeing herself and the village from Jwalamma’s curse? The answers unfold on screen.
Performances
Anupama Parameswaran, last seen in Tillu Square, delivers a strong traditional performance as Subbu. She convincingly portrays a woman torn between blind adherence to age-old customs and her desire for personal freedom. This is one of her more impactful roles in recent years.
Darshana Rajendran, in her Telugu debut, makes an impressive mark. Her “why not woman” attitude adds freshness, while her comic timing brings relief to the narrative. Her chemistry with Subbu forms one of the most engaging aspects of the film.
Sangeetha Krish, despite limited screen time, leaves an impression with her natural and grounded acting. Rajendra Prasad, Gautam Vasudev Menon, and Rag Mayur, however, are underutilised and add little to the overall story.
Plus points
- Anupama Parameswaran’s layered performance as Subbu
- Darshana Rajendran’s confident debut in Telugu
- Strong female dynamics between the three leads
- Ghibran’s background score that complements the drama
- Well-shot Dharmasthala visuals and neat cinematography
Minus points
- Promising premise loses steam midway
- Repetitive second half with sluggish pacing
- Subbu’s inner conflict not explored deeply enough
- Emotional scenes fail to strike the intended impact
- Wasted potential of supporting actors like Rajendra Prasad and Gautham Vasudev Menon
Technical aspects
Praveen Kandregula’s direction succeeds in setting up an intriguing premise but falters in sustaining the momentum. A tighter screenplay and sharper editing could have enhanced the emotional resonance.
While some songs work well, others feel unnecessary. Gopi Sundar’s music uplifts key sequences. Cinematographer Mridul Sujit Sen delivers clean visuals, while editor Dharmendra Kakarala could have trimmed the dragged-out second half. Production values are decent but nothing extraordinary.
Verdict
On the whole, Paradha is a social drama that tackles taboos, women’s restrictions, and the fight for freedom. It has a promising first half, and performances by Anupama Parameswaran and Darshana Rajendran stand out. However, weak execution, slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of emotional depth drag the film down. It may appeal to audiences who enjoy women-centric narratives, but overall expectations should remain modest.