Paradha Movie
Release Date: August 22, 2025
Starring: Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana Rajendran, Sangitha, Rajendra Prasad, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Rag Mayur, and others.
Director: Praveen Kandregula
Producers: Vijay Donkada, Sreenivasulu PV, Sridhar Makkuva
Music: Gopi Sundar
Cinematography: Mridul Sujit Sen
Editing: Dharmendra Kakarala
Flimycycle.com Rating:⭐⭐ (2/5)
Paradha: Impresses in parts (2/5)
Noted heroine Anupama Parameswaran returns with a film titled,Paradha. Directed by Praveen Kandregula of Subham fame, the expectations the movie are decent and has hit theaters on August 22,2025 in both Telugu and Malayalam. Let’s Review it.
Synopsis:
Paradha unfolds in the mystical village of Padathi, where tradition governs every aspect of life. Subba Lakshmi (Anupama Parameswaran), fondly called Subbu, is a dutiful young woman who abides by the village’s most sacred custom—women must veil their faces, revealing them only to close family. The practice stems from an old belief that breaking this rule invites the wrath of Jwalamma, the guardian goddess whose curse has haunted Padathi since a tragic event in the past.For years, life in the village flows within these rigid boundaries—until a startling incident disrupts the fragile peace. Subbu suddenly finds herself at the heart of a chilling conflict, forced to question the very faith and fear that shaped her life. As she battles both superstition and destiny, the presence of Rathnamma (Sangeetha Krish) and Amishta (Darshana Rajendran) deepens the mystery.Will Subbu defy the curse and save Padathi from Jwalamma’s fury, or will the shadows of tradition consume her? The answers lie within this haunting tale of faith, fear, and survival.
Performances:
Anupama Parameswaran, returning to the big screen after Tillu Square, delivers a strong performance as Subbu. In this traditional role, she brings authenticity and depth, portraying a woman caught between rigid customs and her yearning for freedom. It stands out as one of her more impactful portrayals in recent years.
Darshana Rajendran, making her Telugu debut, leaves a lasting impression. With confidence and charm, she infuses the narrative with her spirited “why not” attitude. Her natural comic timing offers lighthearted moments, while her chemistry with Anupama adds freshness to the film.
Though Sangitha Krish appears in a relatively smaller role, she commands attention with her grounded acting. Her subtle expressions and convincing presence prove that even limited screen time can make a role memorable. Adding to it, the other supporting artists did fairy decent job.
Analysis:
Director Praveen Kandregula manages to stage the interactions between the three women effectively, bringing in moments of fun and occasional chaos. The backdrop of Dharmasthala is well captured, while Gopi Sundar’s music (not Ghibran) complements the film’s mood and elevates the emotional beats where required.
The narrative begins on a promising note, clearly establishing the central conflict. However, as the story progresses, the energy dips. Subbu’s internal battle against the oppressive traditions of her village feels underdeveloped, leaving certain sequences flat and less impactful than intended.
While the first half moves at a decent pace, the second half turns sluggish and repetitive, with scenes often circling around the same point. The emotional depth that should have defined Subbu’s journey fails to strike hard, reducing audience connection.
Characters like Darshana Rajendran’s Amishta deserved more presence, while seasoned actors Rajendra Prasad and Gautham Vasudev Menon remain underutilized. Rag Mayur’s cameo adds little to the overall impact. By the time the film reaches its climax, the lack of sustained momentum makes it difficult to hold the viewer’s attention.
Technical Department:
Director Praveen Kandregula himself hinted that audiences should approach the film after reading reviews, which reflects his honesty. Still, a tighter screenplay and better control over pacing would have made the narrative more engaging.
The music department delivers mixed results while a couple of songs stand out, others feel unnecessary. However, Gopi Sundar’s background score effectively supports the film’s mood and adds weight to key moments.
Mridul Sujit Sen’s cinematography captures the village setting with clarity and simplicity, while Dharmendra Kakarala’s editing, though decent, struggles in the second half where the film could have benefited from crisper cuts. Production values are functional, serving the story without offering anything particularly striking.
Verdict:
Altogether, Paradha attempts to shed light on social taboos, women’s restrictions, and the struggle for freedom. While the first half builds curiosity and features solid performances from Anupama Parameswaran and Darshana Rajendran, the overall impact is diluted by uneven execution, a dragging second half, and underwritten characters. The film has moments that work, but the emotional depth never fully lands. It might resonate with audiences who appreciate women-centric narratives, though going in with limited expectations is advisable.
