Paradha Movie Review
Cast – Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana Rajendran, Sangeetha Krish, Rag Mayur
Directors – Praveen Kandregula
Producers – Sreenivasulu P.V., Vijay Donkada, Sridhar Makkuva
Banner – Ananda Media
Music – Gopi Sundar
Runtime – 2 hrs 25 mins
Genre – Social Drama
Release Date – 22 August 2025
Background
Set in the fictional village of Padathi, Paradha explores a deeply rooted tradition where women must wear veils from puberty until death, believed to be a divine curse from Goddess Jwalamma. The veil, or paradha, symbolizes both protection and oppression. Subbu, the central character, is raised to follow these customs without question. Her life changes when a gust of wind lifts her veil and a photographer captures her face. This image, published in a magazine, sparks outrage in her village. Her engagement is canceled, and she faces death for violating tradition. Determined to reclaim her dignity, Subbu embarks on a journey to Dharamshala to find the photographer. Along the way, she meets Rathna, a housewife seeking freedom, and Ami, a civil engineer battling gender bias. Their shared journey becomes a metaphor for shedding societal constraints. The film blends folklore with feminist themes, using puppetry and visual metaphors to deepen its message. Dharamshala’s scenic backdrop contrasts with Padathi’s rigid norms, highlighting the emotional and cultural divide. Though ambitious in scope, the film’s execution struggles to match its intent.
Plot
Subbu’s veil is accidentally lifted and her photo ends up on a magazine cover, triggering outrage in her conservative village. Her engagement is called off, and she is condemned to death for dishonoring tradition. She sets out to find the photographer who unknowingly exposed her identity. Rathna and Ami join her, each carrying their own burdens and dreams. Their journey to Dharamshala becomes a quest for truth, freedom, and self-worth. As they confront societal norms and personal fears, they discover strength in unity. The climax sees Subbu publicly removing her veil, challenging centuries of oppression and reclaiming her voice.
Artists Performances
Anupama Parameswaran delivers a nuanced performance as Subbu, portraying vulnerability and quiet defiance with grace. Darshana Rajendran brings freshness and wit to Ami’s character, making a strong impression in her Telugu debut. Sangeetha Krish adds emotional weight as Rathna, a woman torn between duty and desire. Rag Mayur plays Rajesh with subtle intensity, while Harsha Vardhan convincingly portrays Rathna’s rigid husband. The supporting cast maintains authenticity, grounding the story in realism. The chemistry between the three women is the emotional core of the film. Their interactions feel genuine and layered, elevating the narrative. Each actress brings depth and individuality to her role, making their collective journey compelling.
Technicalities
Cinematography by Mridul Sujit Sen captures the stark contrast between Padathi’s confinement and Dharamshala’s openness. Gopi Sundar’s music enhances emotional beats, though the background score occasionally overwhelms. Editing by Dharmendra Kakarala could have been tighter, especially in the second half. Costume design reflects cultural nuances, with paradhas in vibrant hues symbolizing silent resistance. Puppetry sequences are visually engaging but feel disconnected from the main plot. Sound design by Nagarjuna Thallapalli adds texture to village scenes. Art direction by Srinivas Kalinga is detailed and immersive. The screenplay struggles with pacing, affecting narrative momentum. Dialogues are poignant but sometimes preachy.
Positive
- Anupama Parameswaran shines with quiet emotional strength
- Darshana and Sangeetha add depth and authenticity
- Climax is symbolic with Subbu removing her veil
- Visuals and cultural details enrich the storytelling
Negatives
- Inconsistent pacing and narrative flow
- Overuse of symbolism dilutes impact
- Weak climax that lacks emotional payoff
Analysis
Paradha opens with a compelling premise rooted in folklore and social commentary. The veil tradition is introduced with eerie reverence, setting the tone for a story about control and liberation. Subbu’s accidental unveiling and the resulting chaos are portrayed with urgency, drawing viewers into her plight. The first act builds tension effectively, but the narrative begins to lose focus as the journey unfolds. Dharamshala, while visually stunning, becomes a backdrop for loosely connected episodes. Rathna and Ami’s stories are powerful but feel underdeveloped in relation to Subbu’s arc. The film attempts to explore autonomy, sisterhood, and resistance, but often leans on exposition rather than organic storytelling. Puppetry sequences, though artistic, interrupt the narrative flow and feel like standalone pieces. The second half introduces new conflicts but fails to resolve existing ones with clarity. The climax, while symbolic, lacks emotional punch due to rushed execution. Despite its flaws, Paradha succeeds in portraying the emotional bond between women. Their shared pain and solidarity form the heart of the film. Cinematography and music elevate the mood, but technical finesse cannot compensate for narrative gaps. The film’s message is clear: women deserve choices and freedom. Yet, the storytelling doesn’t always do justice to this powerful theme. Paradha is a film with good intentions and sporadic brilliance, but it struggles to maintain consistency. It’s a reminder that bold ideas need equally bold execution. The performances carry the film, making it watchable despite its shortcomings. For viewers seeking socially relevant cinema, Paradha offers moments of insight, though not a fully satisfying experience.
Final verdict :- A brave concept let down by scattered storytelling.
Rating :- 2.2/5
