Paranthu Po

Nonetheless, the movie is more or less like a gentle, warm hug to all young parents who are still figuring out their new roles, and to the kids of this era who are waiting for chances to fly away. In that regard, Paranthu Po works beautifully, thanks in part to exceptional performances by Grace Antony, Shiva and Mithul Ryan. Grace knocks it out of the park as Glory, brilliantly portraying her joys, sorrows, anguish and grief over her family’s resentment since she married a man of another religion. Cinema has time and again shown us that actors who excel at comedy will be equally talented in serious roles, and Shiva demonstrates this well. Although Gokul isn’t a very serious character, Shiva never allows his knack for exaggerated comedy to seep in. Instead, he uses his ability to deliver spontaneous humour with a straight face to great effect.

Essentially a road-trip drama, in director Ram’s world of Paranthu Po, the simplicity and goodness weigh over the evil and luxury. For every doubtful biker who looms over a lonely woman taking the road less travelled during night, there is an auto-driver who seeks to offer her a ride without a bargain. For every rich and privileged parent who could afford a massage chair at a farmhouse amid the nature, there are humble ones who seem to provide happiness to their son by just being together, surrounded by sunflowers, trees, and ponds. Paranthu Po is that film which makes you think to be as yellow and bright as sunflowers even as life may give lemons. It is that film which tells even learning to go downhill is a new learning, and when a child does that on his own, the parents can be proud and smiling. There are so many such nudges, and Paranthu Po brings together such little instances to not only release Anbu from being caged in his urban apartment home, but also puts back a big grin on our faces by asking us to relive in the nature once in a while.

One of the biggest challenges while watching Paranthu Po was the willing submission to the style of the film. Thanks to composer Santhosh Dhayanidhi’s wonderful album, Madhan Karky’s sing-along lyrics, and Ram’s decision to treat the film as a musical, Paranthu Po is a rather unique watch. Would this film have been the same without these songs? Probably. But do these songs work in favour of the film? That answer would decide your experience, and honestly, the earnestness of it all completely bowled yours truly over. The kids are in for a ride, but it is almost like Ram is asking the adults in the crowd to allow their inner children to smile a bit wider and find a way to rekindle the twinkle in our exhausted eyes.

Director Ram is known for churning out emotionally heavy films and ‘Paranthu Po’ is a welcome departure from his brand of films. The film is his attempt at a musical comedy with a thought-provoking message that doesn’t sound too preachy. ‘Paranthu Po’ majorly works because of its treatment. Ram acknowledges that the story of the film isn’t anything new (in the end credits), but one that needs to be told. When we are engulfed by the responsibilities of living a comfortable life in a city, it doesn’t give us any chance to stop. Instead, it is a never-ending commitment considering inflation. But, what makes life beautiful? It is when you begin to enjoy the little things, make room for personal connections and soak in the company of one another. ‘Paranthu Po’ teaches you with great humour and a realistic yet simplistic situation.