Movie Name: Paradha
Rating: 2.75/5
Cast: Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana Rajendran, Sangitha Krish, Rag Mayur, and Others
Director: Praveen Kandregula
Produced By: Ananda Media
Release Date: 14th August 2025
Praveen Kandregula directs Paradha with a cast that includes Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana Rajendran, and Sangitha Krish. The movie got a positive reaction for its paid premieres. Let’s uncover what it holds in our review.
Story:
Paradha revolves around a long-standing custom linked to Goddess Jwalamma in a village called Padathi, and taking it off is thought to invite a curse. Subbu (Anupama Parameswaran) gets into a tough spot when a photographer snaps her without a paradha. The film shows how superstition endangers her life and how she fights it to liberate the village women.
Performances:
Anupama Parameswaran gets a meaty role in Paradha and impresses with her performance. She could have made an everlasting impact if the writing provided more chances to excel. Darshana Rajendran shines as Ami, bringing vibrant energy to the screen.
Sangitha plays the heroine’s aunt convincingly, matching her performance to the character and setting. Harsha Vardhan effectively portrays Sangeetha’s husband. Rag Mayur does alright, but the father’s character should have been stronger
Analysis:
Director Praveen Kandregula tries a new and forward-thinking concept with Paradha. The movie begins with a captivating idea. The setting of the village goddess Jwalamma is captivating and brings a sense of mystery.
Leading up to the interval, we see Subbu, played by Anupama Parameswaran, getting tangled up in an unexpected danger while grappling with the overwhelming pressure of tradition that endangers her life.
The second half of the movie sticks to its plot, but it gets a bit dull since it does not really amp up the key moments. The friendship of Ami and Subbu has a good journey, but the bonding between them should have been more explored. How the side characters, such as a small role by Rajendra Prasad, and his short story about freedom relate to the life of Subbu should have been connected well.
But the film still grabs your attention with a few standout moments, especially Subbu’s realization moment and the insightful discussion she has with Sangeeta and Darshana. These blocks are well-made and keep the flow going.
Praveen Kandregula pulls off the climax of Paradha well, but it might have benefited from higher dramatic setup to hit harder emotionally.
Positives:
- Honest Intent
- Powerful Dialogues/Scenes
- Performances
Negatives:
- Some Dull Parts In The Latter Half
- A Few Crucial Scenes Mishandled
- Fails To Take The Lead Character To Next Level
Paradha Movie Review and Verdict:
Praveen Kandregula’s Paradha gives a simple yet powerful take on the theme of women’s empowerment. The first half is perfect, and the second half is good too, though some parts drag a bit and some scenes miss the intended effect. It can be watched for its good intent/thought-provoking scenes, and the natural performances of Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana, and Sangeetha.
