Paradha Movie Review: A tale of tradition, fear and women finding their voice

Paradha blends tradition, fear, and courage in the fictional village of Padathi. With powerful performances from Anupama Parameswaran, Sangeetha Krish, and Darshana Rajendran, the film questions women’s boundaries and their fight for freedom

Hyderabad: In the fictional village of Padathi, life runs under one unbending rule: every woman must cover her face, and only family members are allowed to see it. The fear is that breaking this custom will invite the wrath of Goddess Jwalamma, whose curse has haunted the village since a shocking incident in the past. Subba Lakshmi (Anupama Parameswaran), known as Subbu, grows up as the very symbol of obedience to these traditions. But when an unexpected event shakes the core of Padathi, Subbu finds herself standing at a crossroads.  Will she bow to age-old customs or dare to raise her voice against them? And if she chooses to fight, can the curse that grips the village finally be broken? The answers unfold as Rathnamma (Sangeetha Krish) and Ami (Darshana Rajendran) enter the picture, each adding their own spark to Subbu’s journey.

Performances & Storytelling
Anupama Parameswaran shoulders the film with a measured and moving performance. She makes Subbu’s conflict believable: the quiet fear of following rules and the hidden desire for freedom. Darshana Rajendran, in her first Telugu outing, brings a refreshing spirit with her witty, bold, and humorous streaks.  Her chemistry with Anupama keeps several scenes alive and engaging. Sangeetha Krish stands tall as Rathnamma, becoming a pillar of support to the narrative. She lends maturity, intensity, and warmth, making her track equally important to the central theme.Together, the trio create some of the film’s most memorable and heartfelt moments. The story begins on a promising note, raising the right questions, though it slows down midway. Despite the pacing issues, the performances keep the drama alive.

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Technical Side
Director Praveen Kandregula picks an unusual subject and treats it with sincerity. If the pacing had been tighter, the impact would have been stronger. Ghibran’s background score gives weight to emotional sequences, while Gopi Sundar’s music blends well with the mood of the story. Cinematography by Mridul Sujit Sen is clear. Though the editing could have been sharper, the film manages to stay visually appealing.

Verdict
Paradha is a socially rooted drama that questions age-old restrictions and the silence forced upon women. It may not be flawless in pace, but it is heartfelt in intent. With strong performances and an honest attempt to blend tradition, fear, and courage, the film speaks beyond one woman’s struggle; it mirrors the boundaries many women face in different ways.