Paranthu Po: A Heartwarming Journey of Self-discovery

Paranthu Po: A Heartwarming Journey of Self-discovery

Director Ram's latest offering, "Paranthu Po," departs from his usual emotionally heavy dramas and delivers a delightful and heartwarming musical road comedy that has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film, streaming on JioHotstar, explores themes of parenting, self-discovery, and finding joy in life's simple moments.

Plot and themes

The story revolves around Anbu, an energetic 8-year-old confined to his Chennai apartment by his hardworking, EMI-burdened parents, Gokul (Shiva) and Glory (Grace Antony). Anbu, longing for freedom and connection, persuades his father to embark on a spontaneous road trip during his half-yearly break. This unplanned journey becomes a tale of self-discovery for both father and son, introducing them to a diverse cast of characters and breathtaking landscapes that ultimately reshape their bond and priorities.

The film doesn't shy away from exploring the anxieties of modern urban life, particularly the challenges faced by middle-class families striving to provide for their children while grappling with financial pressures and the pervasive allure of consumerism. However, instead of dwelling on the negative, Ram uses humor and endearing characters to highlight the importance of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and appreciating life's simpler pleasures. According to The Hindu, it is a gentle reflection on escaping the grind.

Performances

• Mithul Ryan shines as Anbu, portraying the character's energy, frustration, and eventual enlightenment with remarkable authenticity.

• Shiva delivers a career-best performance as Gokul, showcasing both his comedic prowess and a surprising depth of emotional vulnerability, according to The Indian Express. His portrayal of a father striving to connect with his son while navigating his own anxieties is both relatable and heartwarming.

• Grace Antony delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as Glory, a multi-faceted character who breaks free from being a one-dimensional "mother" figure. Her struggles with family disapproval due to her interfaith marriage are handled with sensitivity and grace, notes The News Minute.

Technical aspects

• The cinematography by N. K. Ekambaram captures the beauty of nature and contrasts it with the urban environment, emphasizing the journey of liberation the characters embark upon.

• The music, composed by Santhosh Dhayanidhi, with a background score by Yuvan Shankar Raja, plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional beats of the story, though The News Minute notes it falls flat in some places.

Critical and audience reception

"Paranthu Po" has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and audiences. It has been praised for its unique blend of humor and emotion, its engaging storyline, and its thought-provoking messages. The film's musical approach has been lauded by many, while others have found it slightly distracting. Nonetheless, the consensus is that "Paranthu Po" is a heartwarming and insightful film that leaves a lasting impression. Critics such as Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express have described it as a "gentle, warm hug to all young parents".

The movie's box office performance was also decent, grossing over ₹9 crore (approximately US$1.1 million) in Tamil Nadu, according to 123telugu.com.

Overall

"Paranthu Po" is a film that gently reminds us to slow down, reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones, and find joy in the simple wonders of life. It's a film that resonates with anyone who has ever felt trapped by the demands of modern life and yearned for a little freedom. It's a heartwarming, poignant, and funny movie that is definitely worth a watch.

OTT Release

It is currently streaming on JioHotstar. The film became available for streaming on August 5, 2025, after a successful theatrical run which lasted nearly a month. "Paranthu Po" is available in multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, Bengali, Kannada, and Marathi audios, along with English subtitles. It is also accessible through OTTplay Premium, according to The Hans India.