Movie Name : Paradha
Release Date : August 22, 2025
Cast : Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana Rajendran, Sangitha, Rajendra Prasad, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Rag Mayur etc.
Director : Praveen Kandregula
Music Director : Gopi Sundar
Andhrawatch.com Rating : 2.5/5
Story:
The village of Padati lives under the shadow of its goddess, Jwalamma. Betrayed while carrying her child, she struck down her enemies before taking her own life. From that sacrifice was born a fearful tradition — every girl must hide her face beneath a veil. To unveil it is to invite the goddess’s wrath and embrace death.
Within this world of rigid customs lives Subbalakshmi (Anupama Parameswaran), who dreams of a simple life with her beloved Rajesh (Rag Mayur). Their marriage is arranged, but destiny intervenes when Subbu’s photograph mysteriously appears on the cover of an English magazine. The village elders call her a sinner and decree that she must offer herself in sacrifice.
Refusing to surrender, Subbu sets out to uncover the truth — to find the unknown photographer who captured her image. Her journey takes her to Dharmashala, where she encounters Ratna (Sangitha) and Amishta (Darshana Rajendran), women who hold secrets that may decide her fate.
Did Subbu break the ancient vow? Or is the curse of Jwalamma nothing but a tale of fear? The answers unfold only on screen.
Review:
Anupama Parameswaran makes a welcome deviation with Paradha, easing into the character of Subbalakshmi effortlessly and gracefully. Far from her conventional characters, she brings to the role a peace yet emotional depth, reaffirming her versatility as an actor. Her performance feels spontaneous with a few important scenes projecting her strong control of subtle emotions.
With her is Darshana Rajendran and Sangitha lending strength to the film. Darshana makes an impact with her assertive screen presence, witty comic timing, and lively chemistry with Anupama. Sangeetha, with limited appearances on screen, impresses in key scenes, especially in the Dharmasthala scenes, where her natural ability comes to the forefront.
As far as narration is concerned, Paradha begins on a high note with a good premise. But as the movie goes on, the pace drops. The first half is tolerable, but the second half has a slow and rehashing storyline. Subbu’s plight, though based on emotions, does not have the depth it needs to be impactful. Darshana’s also could have been more developed, while other experienced actors such as Rajendra Prasad and Gautham Menon are wasted. Rag Mayur’s role also doesn’t make an impact.
On the technical side, the film does quite well. Gopi Sundar’s music score is good for some scenes and the songs are aptly in tune with the mood. The cinematography by Mridul Sujit Sen is sharp and visually pleasing, but the editing by Dharmendra Kakarala lacks cohesion and could have been neater.
Director Praveen Kandregula, who previously did the woman-oriented Shubham, again tries to project a feminine-centric story. Though the idea of Paradha is well and the first half keeps one engaged, the second half does not keep the same hold. Poor characterisation and slow narration eventually water down the effect.
Paradha is a mixed bag, with Anupama Parameswaran’s new performance and Darshana Rajendran and Sangitha coming to its rescue. Yet, the film is unable to keep its promise and remains an average film that fails to deliver its full potential.