When cinema dares to confront social blind spots, it transcends entertainment and becomes a mirror to society. Paradha, directed by Praveen Kandregula, is one such Telugu film that blends folklore, patriarchy, and women’s resilience into a thoughtful narrative. In this Paradha Movie Review, we dive into how superstition becomes both a metaphor and a battleground for liberation, anchored by strong performances from Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana Rajendran, and Sangeetha Krish.
Plot Overview: A Journey Beyond the Veil
Set in the fictional Padathi village, the story begins with Subbu (Anupama Parameswaran), a young woman whose life is dictated by a cruel custom: once a girl reaches puberty, she must wear a veil or risk invoking disaster upon the community.
When Subbu’s veil slips in public and a photo circulates online, her engagement collapses and the villagers demand her sacrifice to uphold tradition. What follows is both a literal and symbolic journey — Subbu sets out for Dharamshala with her aunt Ratna (Sangeetha Krish) and an outspoken engineer, Ami (Darshana Rajendran). Each woman carries her own baggage, but together they find strength in sisterhood and self-discovery.
This simple premise unfolds as a layered allegory of autonomy, gendered oppression, and the reclaiming of voice.
Performances: Three Women, Three Worlds
- Anupama Parameswaran as Subbu
Delivers one of her most restrained yet impactful performances. Subbu’s arc — from a submissive believer in superstition to a woman who questions authority — feels authentic and deeply moving. - Darshana Rajendran as Ami
Making her Telugu debut, Darshana is magnetic as the modern feminist voice. Her confrontations with patriarchy are sharp, but never exaggerated, lending credibility to the film’s messaging. - Sangeetha Krish as Ratna
Ratna is perhaps the heart of the film. As a housewife who has lived in silence for years, her quiet rebellion feels relatable and inspiring. Sangeetha’s performance grounds the film in lived reality.
Direction & Technical Brilliance
Praveen Kandregula, alongside writers Poojitha Sreekanti and Prahaas Boppudi, balances metaphor and realism. The superstition around veiling isn’t just a plot device — it is cleverly used as a lens to examine everyday patriarchy.
- Cinematography by Mridul Sen captures stark contrasts — the suffocating narrow lanes of Padathi village and the liberating expanses of Dharamshala.
- Music by Gopi Sundar heightens key emotional beats, while editor Dharmendra Kakarala ensures the story flows, even though a few sequences could have been trimmed.
- Production design further immerses viewers into the dichotomy of tradition and freedom.
Themes & Impact: Feminism Without Preachiness
What makes Paradha resonate is its ability to address weighty issues without sounding didactic. The film does not scream its message; instead, it invites viewers to reflect.
- Patriarchy as Tradition: The veil superstition is a metaphor for how cultures police women’s choices.
- Sisterhood as Liberation: Subbu, Ratna, and Ami — three women from different backgrounds — symbolize solidarity in dismantling systemic control.
- Choice and Agency: Each character’s arc emphasizes the importance of making one’s own choices, even against societal expectations.
This subtle, non-preachy tone makes the film accessible while retaining its progressive edge.
What Doesn’t Work
- Slight Heavy-Handedness: At times, especially in Subbu’s emotional confrontations, the film’s messaging leans towards the obvious.
- Pacing Issues: The Dharamshala portions could have been tighter; with a runtime of 2h 20m, some sequences feel stretched.
These drawbacks, however, don’t overshadow the film’s sincerity and ambition.
Final Verdict
Paradha Movie Review: A women-led, socially relevant drama that is both poetic and thought-provoking. Strong performances, layered writing, and evocative visuals elevate it beyond a conventional social film. Despite minor flaws in pacing, Paradha succeeds in sparking conversations about autonomy, superstition, and the resilience of women.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
FAQs About Paradha
Q: What is the central superstition in Paradha?
A: In Padathi village, women must wear a veil after puberty or risk being sacrificed to protect the community.
Q: Who are the main characters in the film?
A: Subbu (Anupama Parameswaran), Ratna (Sangeetha Krish), and Ami (Darshana Rajendran).
Q: Where is Paradha set?
A: The film begins in Padathi village and later shifts to Dharamshala, symbolizing the contrast between oppression and freedom.
If you’re looking for a film that blends social commentary with emotional storytelling, Paradha is worth your time. It may not be flawless, but its courage to tell an honest, women-centered story makes it stand out in Telugu cinema.
Vinay Gupta Producer, VinR Films is a third-generation entrepreneur, with rich and varied experience in a wide range of business domains. Vinay is a software engineer from Amity, NOIDA. and has completed his MBA from the IT division of Symbiosis International University. He is also the Founder Director of Dynamic Technosoft (Software Company) and a Director in Vinsam Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. (Investments & Wealth Management Company). In his professional career Vinay has diverse experience in the fields of information technology, software projects, infrastructure development, financial wealth management, film making etc.
