Paranthu Po review: Charming family film teaches joy in life's simple things
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. So much so that you hardly realise that the film has affected you in ways you didn't expect.And when a film does that, it means that director Ram has a winner in his hands. 'Paranthu Po' majorly works because of its picture-perfect casting. Mirchi Shiva convincingly pulls off Gokul with his effective performance. His usual wit, one-liners, deadpan expression and the innate nonchalant attitude make Mirchi Shiva the Gokul that Ram imagined. Grace Antony, too, is exceptional as Glory. Be it emotional sequences or pulling off comedy, she is too good to miss.advertisementMithul, as the hyperactive kid, is the heart and soul of 'Paranthu Po'. At a time when kids often speak like adults, Anbu makes you realise that you can learn a lot from children. Initially, he looks like a brat, but as the story progresses, you understand that he is the most sorted person in the world of 'Paranthu Po' searching for what he wants and succeeds in finding that too. Anjali and Aju Varghese, in their short but impactful roles, add to the film's heartfelt narrative.'Paranthu Po' feels like a warm hug on a cold windy day. The musical treatment might hamper the whole engagement in a few places. Also, the narrative that Ram took while addressing Glory's asthma could have been done away with. In a film that has mostly positives, this scene stuck out like a sore thumb.The film is technically superior as well with cinematographer NK Ekambaram's beautiful frames. The background score by Yuvan Shankar Raja and songs by Santhosh Dhayanidhi elevate 'Paranthu Po' to a greater level. The songs are almost conversational and in simple Tamil, which is in stark contrast to many other songs these days.'Paranthu Po' is a beautiful documentation of a cute little family with important lessons on parenting, self-discovery and the importance of pausing and looking at your life instead of giving into the rat race.- Ends3.5 out of 5 stars for 'Paranthu Po'.
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Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Indian Express
Paranthu Po early reviews: Ram and Shiva's film hailed as ‘a gift to Tamil cinema'
The early reviews of Paranthu Po are out — and just like the film, they are heartwarming. The road musical comedy, written, directed, and co-produced by Ram, stars Shiva and Mithul Ryan in lead roles. Centered around a father-son relationship, the film explores the values that many city dwellers tend to forget in their fast-paced lives. The film has been receiving praise from both the film fraternity and fans alike. Going by the early reactions, Ram's Paranthu Po is garnering praise for its tender, emotionally resonant subject. Writer-director Halitha Shameem hailed the film and called it a befitting response to formulaic cinema. She wrote, '#ParanthuPo 🌻 is a delightful film that appeals to our inner child. In an industry where 'combinations' usually just mean two hit-makers joining forces and leave us with no exciting end-product, the pairing of director Ram and actor Shiva is a refreshing change. They bring in new flavour. Something we didn't know we needed. Shiva's endearing silliness being adored by Ram is ❤️❤️❤️ I can watch Gokul chase after Anbu forever. And Anjali through Ram's eyes is always special. Philosophical filmmakers are quite rare and it's important we hear, resonate and amplify their voices. And much love to the gal who played Myna and the cockroach kid 😀.' Scriptwriter-Subtitler Vivek Ranjit also lauded Paranthu Po after attending a preview. He wrote, 'Watched a preview of #ParanthuPo. It's a beautiful, hilarious film which is a complete departure from #DirectorRam's previous works. Wonderful performances from the boy, our #GraceAntony @AjuVarghesee @IAMVIJAYYESUDAS and my favourite @actorshiva (his best so far). Must watch!' Filmmaker Abhishan, who helmed the sleeper hit Tourist Family, appreciated the balance of humour and emotion in Paranthu Po. He praised Ram and wrote, 'Just watched the brilliant film Paramthu Po by Ram sir — my heart is so full. Beautifully balanced with humour and deep emotions. It truly stays with you. Please don't miss this gem in theatres. 🤍' Singer Sean Roldan, too, was impressed with Paranthu Po's emotional depth and visual storytelling. He shared, 'I was invited to watch a special show of #ParandhuPo. A concoction of story-telling magnificence, shades of emotions that rekindle your human nature, masterful craft and all of this grounded on an understanding of life beyond words. There are only few creators who are such masters of their art and Ram sir is a shining beacon among them. Watch with your families in theatres. This film is a gift to Tamil cinema from the one and only 🙏 Feeling happy for Mirchi shiva who has slayed his performance btw❤️.' A fan also celebrated Ram's direction and wrote, '#ParanthuPo An outstanding & a liberating film by Dir Ram. Audience will fall in love with cinema again. #DirectorRam.' Earlier, in an interview with The Hindu, director Ram spoke about the core theme of Paranthu Po. He said, 'We all come to a city like Chennai because it tells you that if you come here, you can succeed in life. Moreover, cities become places you can go to after escaping the values that a village or small town imposes on you. A city thrives in the dreams it gives its inhabitants. If a city can house only the successful, the population will be smaller, and there will be nobody to work for those successful people. So, for a city to function, it needs such slaves, and it is that pursuit of a dream that enchants them and lets them be slaves; they won't even know they are enslaved.' He added that the film attempts to reflect the lives of such middle-class families, 'It speaks about their happiness, their goals, and whether 'vaathu muttaila irundhu dinosaur varuma varaadha' (will or will not a dinosaur come out of a duck egg).' Paranthu Po is set to hit theatres on July 4. The film also stars Grace Antony, Anjali, Vijay Yesudas, Aju Varghese, and others in key roles.
NDTV
17 hours ago
- NDTV
Ramayana: Part I First Look Reactions: Internet Praises VFX Of Ranbir Kapoor's Film, Says It Looks "Thousand Times Better" Than Adipurush
New Delhi: Makers of Ramayana: Part I unveiled a majestic glimpse of the film earlier today. The star cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Ravana, and Sai Pallavi as Sita, had initially made the audience sit up and take interest all the more. But the first look of the magnum opus is more than just the cast, it's about the stellar VFX that brings India's most celebrated epic tale to life. The minute details in the title card have low-key reminded the internet about the Game of Thrones introductory video. There's also the inevitable comparison to Om Raut's Adipurush, which was massively dissed for its disappointing visual effects. While X reactions have been pouring in since morning, there have been several parallel discussions going on as the anticipation builds for Nitesh Tiwari's mega spectacle. A deep dive into what the Internet has to say: First Look Reactions The tagline of Ramayana: Part I reads - "Our truth. Our history." The impressive CGI work as Lord Ram and Ravana have a faceoff is commendable. The first look establishes the height of advanced VFX that has been used to bring the film's ambition to the forefront. The VFX in depicting the battle between Lord Ram and Ravana has been particularly hailed by the viewers for its grand scale. As the teaser begins, the three gods of Hinduism - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and their integral role in mythology, are introduced to the audience. It then moves on to the narrative of the epic war between Ram and Ravana, and defines it as the "war to end all wars." A brief glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram shooting an arrow, and the intense look of Yash as the vile Ravana is seen towards the end of the teaser. Just revealing enough to get the curiosity of the audience to peak. This celestial journey waiting to be unfolded on the big screen has been met with bouts of love and admiration for the makers of Ramayana: Part I. While there's much more to unfold before the first part hits the screens in Diwali 2026, here's a look at how X can't keep calm: #Ramayana 🥵 We can really see the result of talented people working together 💯 everything looks absolutely amazing in the glimpse 💥, especially the VFX work, which was incredibly impressive 🛐 Hype📈 — Levi Ackerman🍃🌝 (@me_njl_) July 3, 2025 🌟 Just witnessed the first glimpse of #Ramayana — absolutely breathtaking! 🔥 #RanbirKapoor as #LordRam, #YashBOSS as #Ravana, and @Sai_Pallavi92 as Sita are set to redefine epic cinema. With VFX, music by Rahman & Zimmer, and that scale… this isn't just a film, it's history in… — Rachit (@aanshiqx) July 3, 2025 From the glimpse of #Ramayana Sarook & Tiktik should understand that there are other usages of VFX & CGI apart from applying on Face & 6 packs. 😭 — Sarthak 🚬 (@professauras) July 3, 2025 Seeing this visual effects of this epic tale will finally take Indian cinema to whole new level and we finally don't need to revisit RA-One visuals after tonnes of mediocre movies effects from last decade to the date #Ramayana — Aman 🇵🇱 (@Donajcr) July 3, 2025 This Is No Adipurush Everyone saw the comparisons between Ramayana: Part I and Adipurush coming. Adipurush, inspired from the Hindu epic Ramayana, was led by Prabhas and Kriti Sanon and was harshly critiqued for a series of reasons such as poor VFX effects, dialogues, and a section of the audience were also of the opinion that the makers diverted from the traditional Ramayana. The film's CGI was heavily criticised for not doing justice when it came to portraying the battle sequences. The Indian audience was so disappointed with the outcome on the celluloid that they even questioned the use of the film's budget, which was close to Rs 650-700 crore, which could have been implemented for a better treatment of the film. The internet is mighty happy with what has been showcased with Ramayana: Part 1's first look. And the comparison to Adipurush has been relentless as they heap praises on the Nitesh Tiwari's directorial, finally doing justice to our history. Have a look here: this #Ramayana looks thousand times better than that cra*p Adipurush Ramayana Our Truth, Our History. — 𝐴𝑐𝑒 (@HeartErrorr) July 3, 2025 Apart from vfx ,looks wise also seems real and interesting If they manage same level of vfx in entire movie not just like adipurush It will create history #Ramayana #Yash #ranbeerkapoor — Naya Rukh (@NayaRukh07) July 3, 2025 #Yash 's small glimpse was also promising. The makers have a huge responsibility to deliver & after the debacle of #Adipurush they also know that the audience wants something extraordinary for a story like Ramayana. Hope,they delivers🤞🏻🤞🏻. Can't Wait for #Ramayana 's next stuff. — ForeverTechy 𝕩 (@ForeverTechy) July 3, 2025 These last 4 shots is literally>>>>>>>> whole Adipurush 😭😭 #Ramayana #RanbirKapoor #YashBOSS — Diwaker (@diwaker76996754) July 3, 2025 रणबीर कपूर और यश की #Ramayana का टीज़र देखकर लगा, जैसे #Adipurush + #Brahmastra का visual mix कर दिया गया हो! 🔥 क्या ये Marvel जैसी masterpiece होगी? या फिर आदिपुरुष जैसी एक और सस्ती VFX कॉपी? 🤔 #Ramayana #RanbirKapoor #SaiPallavi #YashBOSS #RamayanaMovie #RamayanaPart1 — Jumedeen Khan (@jumedeen_khan) July 3, 2025 Desi Game Of Thrones Parallels One of the most pressing debates ever since the first glimpse of Ramayana: Part I has been out is how it reminds fans of the Game of Thrones theme song. The opening credits in Nitesh Tiwari's film are reminiscent of the opening sequence of GOT, where no actual footage from the film is showcased. Gods from the Hindu mythology have been introduced with stylised texts and visuals. Fans also added how the teaser's intriguing music, which has legends like AR Rahman and Hans Zimmerman join forces, also keeps the audience guessing about the larger-than-life character arc in a story of conflict, wars, and mythology. While Ramayana is rooted in Hindu mythology, which is the pride of every Indian, Game of Thrones was a riveting tale of fantasy. However, the somewhat vague similarity in visual elements of the opening sequences led to X sharing their opinion on the same. Have a look: Three minutes of pure cinematic magic! The #Ramayana teaser feels like the opening credits of a mythological Game of Thrones—Grand, reverent, unforgettable. — Bhavya Bharatvanshi Bharat (@bharatvanshi_7) July 3, 2025 The Brahmastra Angle Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra has also been pulled into the conversation of Ramayana: Part I's visual appeal, though not as big as Adipurush. Big-budget films like Brahmastra and Ramayana: Part I are examples of Indian Cinema breaking barriers and making films that showcase the growth of films here with advanced visual effects. X had mixed reactions, some hoped that Ramayana would live up to the expectations and not disappoint like Brahmastra. Have a look: Not sure how the direction of the movie will turn out, but one thing's for sure - @dneg 🔥 will produce some top-notch VFX quality. Just hope they don't ruin the dialogues like they did in Brahmastra #Ramayana #DNEG — Benjamin (@Benjamin_i152) July 3, 2025 The internet has been abuzz, raving about the first look of a historical extravaganza waiting to unfold on the big screen. So long, till the makers share a new update or a new glimpse of the upcoming epic, the various theories and expectations shall keep the buzz afloat.
India Today
17 hours ago
- India Today
Paranthu Po review: Charming family film teaches joy in life's simple things
What does an eight-year-old want? His parents, who enroll him in a prestigious elite school, give him access to everything. He has access to a computer, Zomato/Swiggy, expensive waveboards, all materialistic things, and has enrolled him in all classes and extracurricular activities. Yet, the eight-year-old is not happy and craving something that is beyond his and his parents' understanding. What more can the parents do? This is what Ram's 'Paranthu Po' is all (Mirchi Shiva) and Glory (Grace Antony) lead a hustling life, bound by countless EMIs and their dream of giving 'everything' to their fussy son, Anbu (Mithul). Gokul is a man who is struggling to set up a shop, while Glory owns a saree shop to sustain their life. When they are at work, Anbu, who is on his half-yearly holiday, is locked up inside his home and forced to take part in the classes his parents have enrolled him Glory goes to Coimbatore to take part in an expo, Gokul manages his work and a fussy son, that too, a hyperactive one during the holidays. Bored of being locked up inside, Anbu forces his dad to take him on a spontaneous road trip. This road trip becomes a tale of self-discovery for Gokul and Glory and pushes them onto the path of embracing the slow life. 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. So much so that you hardly realise that the film has affected you in ways you didn't when a film does that, it means that director Ram has a winner in his hands. 'Paranthu Po' majorly works because of its picture-perfect casting. Mirchi Shiva convincingly pulls off Gokul with his effective performance. His usual wit, one-liners, deadpan expression and the innate nonchalant attitude make Mirchi Shiva the Gokul that Ram imagined. Grace Antony, too, is exceptional as Glory. Be it emotional sequences or pulling off comedy, she is too good to as the hyperactive kid, is the heart and soul of 'Paranthu Po'. At a time when kids often speak like adults, Anbu makes you realise that you can learn a lot from children. Initially, he looks like a brat, but as the story progresses, you understand that he is the most sorted person in the world of 'Paranthu Po' searching for what he wants and succeeds in finding that too. Anjali and Aju Varghese, in their short but impactful roles, add to the film's heartfelt narrative.'Paranthu Po' feels like a warm hug on a cold windy day. The musical treatment might hamper the whole engagement in a few places. Also, the narrative that Ram took while addressing Glory's asthma could have been done away with. In a film that has mostly positives, this scene stuck out like a sore film is technically superior as well with cinematographer NK Ekambaram's beautiful frames. The background score by Yuvan Shankar Raja and songs by Santhosh Dhayanidhi elevate 'Paranthu Po' to a greater level. The songs are almost conversational and in simple Tamil, which is in stark contrast to many other songs these days.'Paranthu Po' is a beautiful documentation of a cute little family with important lessons on parenting, self-discovery and the importance of pausing and looking at your life instead of giving into the rat race.- Ends3.5 out of 5 stars for 'Paranthu Po'.
