Paranthu Po Movie Review: A Heartwarming Journey of Simplicity and Self-Discovery
Paranthu Po (transl. Fly Away), a 2025 Tamil-language road musical comedy directed by Ram, is a refreshing departure from the filmmaker’s signature emotionally intense dramas. Known for heavy-hitting works like Peranbu and Thanga Meengal, Ram takes a lighter, more whimsical approach with this film, crafting a narrative that’s both a delightful family entertainer and a subtle meditation on modern parenting and the pursuit of happiness. Starring Shiva, Grace Antony, and young Mithul Ryan, Paranthu Po is a vibrant, feel-good experience that invites audiences to pause, reflect, and embrace life’s simple joys. With a runtime of 132 minutes, it’s a breezy yet meaningful journey that resonates across generations.
Plot and Premise
At its core, Paranthu Po is a story about breaking free from the constraints of urban life and rediscovering what truly matters. The film follows Gokul (Shiva), a struggling entrepreneur dealing with organic products, and his eight-year-old son, Anbu (Mithul Ryan), a hyperactive, curious, and occasionally demanding city-bred boy. Gokul and his wife, Glory (Grace Antony), are an upper-middle-class couple juggling endless EMIs and the pressures of providing “everything” for their son—enrollment in a prestigious school, expensive gadgets, and extracurricular classes. Yet, Anbu remains restless, craving something beyond material comforts that neither he nor his parents fully understand.
The narrative kicks off when Glory travels to Coimbatore for a textile expo, leaving Gokul to manage his work and Anbu’s antics during the boy’s half-yearly school holidays. What begins as a routine day spirals into an impromptu road trip triggered by Anbu’s whims and an escape from an EMI collector. This journey, filled with comic misadventures, colorful characters, and scenic detours through Tamil Nadu and Kerala, becomes a transformative experience for both father and son. Along the way, they encounter kind strangers, from an empathetic auto-driver to a welcoming family, each interaction nudging them toward a deeper understanding of life, family, and personal fulfillment.
Themes and Narrative Strength
Paranthu Po translates to “Fly Away,” and the title encapsulates its central theme: the liberation from societal pressures and the rediscovery of joy in simplicity. Ram, known for his introspective storytelling, weaves a narrative that’s deceptively simple yet layered with meaning. The film explores modern parenting’s challenges—how parents, in their pursuit of providing the best, often overlook what their children truly need: time, connection, and freedom to be themselves. It also critiques the urban rat race, where dreams are often tethered to financial burdens, yet does so with a light touch, avoiding preachiness.
The road trip serves as a metaphor for breaking free from these constraints. As Gokul and Anbu venture into rural landscapes—bathed in sunflowers, ponds, and open skies—they rediscover the beauty of unscripted moments. Ram’s screenplay is laced with gentle humor and poignant observations, making the film relatable to anyone who’s felt trapped by routine. The narrative’s strength lies in its organic flow; it doesn’t force emotional beats but lets them unfold naturally, like a child’s curiosity leading the way.
Performances
The casting is a standout feature of Paranthu Po. Shiva, often associated with slapstick comedies, delivers a career-best performance as Gokul. His deadpan humor and effortless one-liners inject levity, while his portrayal of a weary yet devoted father adds depth. Shiva balances comedy and vulnerability seamlessly, making Gokul a relatable everyman. Grace Antony, in her Tamil debut, shines as Glory, bringing nuance to a character who’s both a frugal entrepreneur and a woman yearning for a moment of freedom. Her comedic timing, especially in the film’s latter half, is impeccable, and her emotional scenes resonate deeply.
Young Mithul Ryan is the heart of the film. As Anbu, he embodies the restless energy and innocence of an eight-year-old without veering into precociousness. His natural performance—whether he’s demanding a burger for breakfast or climbing a hill in defiance—grounds the story in authenticity. Supporting roles by Anjali, Vijay Yesudas, and Aju Varghese add warmth and humor, with Anjali’s brief but impactful appearance as Gokul’s childhood crush standing out for its nostalgic charm.
Technical Craft
The film’s technical aspects elevate its storytelling. N.K. Ekambaram’s cinematography captures the journey’s vibrancy, from Chennai’s claustrophobic apartments to the sprawling landscapes of rural Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Aerial shots and earthy tones enhance the sense of freedom, while tight close-ups highlight the characters’ emotional nuances. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score complements the narrative’s warmth, though it’s occasionally overshadowed by Santhosh Dhayanidhi’s songs. The soundtrack, while catchy and lyrically simple, feels excessive at times, with some reviewers noting that the film’s musical treatment borders on overkill. The lyrics, penned by Madhan Karky, are conversational and childlike, aligning with the film’s tone but occasionally disrupting its flow.
Editing by Mathi V.S. keeps the pace engaging, though certain sequences, like the EMI chase or the farmhouse episode, could have been trimmed for tighter pacing. Despite these minor hiccups, the film’s 2-hour-12-minute runtime feels justified, allowing its unhurried narrative to breathe.
Strengths and Flaws
Paranthu Po excels in its ability to balance humor, heart, and introspection. The film’s comedy is organic, rooted in everyday situations, and its emotional moments are handled with sensitivity, never veering into melodrama. Ram’s decision to portray only “good souls” adds to the film’s optimistic tone, making it a refreshing antidote to cynicism. The message—that happiness lies in simplicity and human connection—is delivered with a feather-light touch, making it accessible to both kids and adults.
However, the film isn’t without flaws. The abundance of songs, while charming, can feel intrusive, especially when they overexplain the narrative. Some sequences, like the prolonged EMI chase, carry a cinematic exaggeration that feels out of place in an otherwise grounded story. Additionally, a subplot involving Glory’s asthma is clumsily handled, sticking out as a narrative misstep in an otherwise cohesive film.
Final Verdict
Paranthu Po is a delightful, soulful film that proves Ram’s versatility as a filmmaker. It’s a rare cinematic experience that speaks to both children and adults, urging us to find joy in the little things and to “fly away” from the pressures of conformity. While its musical overload and minor narrative missteps keep it from perfection, the film’s warmth, humor, and impeccable casting make it a standout. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day—a reminder to pause, laugh, and reconnect with what truly matters. For families seeking a meaningful yet entertaining watch, *Paranthu Po* is a ticket worth grabbing.
Rating: 4/5