Paradha is a Telugu drama that goes deep into the emotional and social struggles of women in a village. Directed by Praveen Kandregula and produced by Vijay Donkada, Anupama Parameswaran, and K. S. Rama Rao, the film stars Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana Rajendran, and Sangita in lead roles and Vamsi, Surekha Vani, and Prithvi in supporting roles. Music by Gopi Sundar and cinematography by Vedaraman Sankaran, Paradha movie deals with superstition, patriarchy and self discovery in a raw and grounded way. While it packs a punch and great performances, the second half is slightly uneven. Here’s why this women centric film is still a must watch.
Paradha: A Story That Cuts Deep
Set in the village of Devuni Palem, Paradha (meaning “veil” in Telugu) is about three women bound by tradition but yearning for freedom. Subba Lakshmi (Anupama Parameswaran) is a young woman stuck in a conservative household, battling societal expectations and personal desires. Along with her, we have characters played by Darshana Rajendran and Sangita, whose paths intersect in a beautiful exploration of resilience against superstition and patriarchy. The film is a poignant drama that focuses on their journey of self discovery as they challenge the “veils” of their world – literal and metaphorical.
The film is set in a fictional world, but feels so real, you get drawn into the characters’ emotional turmoil. It’s not about plot twists but the slow unwinding of their inner strength. It’s a very moving film, especially for women. As director Praveen Kandregula said at the pre-release event, the film is to spark a conversation, ask you to share your thoughts and support the message.
Performances That Steal the Show
Anupama Parameswaran is giving her career best as Subba Lakshmi. She gets into the skin of the character so well that you feel every bit of her pain, hope and defiance. Her performance carries the film and makes Subba Lakshmi a character you can’t help but root for. Darshana Rajendran is equally good in the supporting role; she brings depth and grit to the character, which could have been easily overshadowed. Sangita rounds off the trio with a powerful performance; her quiet strength adds to the emotional weight of the film.
The supporting cast, including Vamsi and Surekha Vani, adds to the village setting, though some characters are a bit underdeveloped. Prithvi’s role is impactful, but doesn’t get enough screen time to shine. The focus is on the women and they carry it off beautifully.
What Works: Emotion and Craft
Paradha shines in emotional depth and technical finesse. The first half is almost perfect, setting up the characters and the world in a fresh way. Praveen Kandregula’s direction is bold, mixing raw emotion with superstition and women’s empowerment. The film doesn’t shy away from tough topics and the message of breaking free from societal shackles hits hard, especially in those scenes that will make you cry. Cinematographer Vedaraman Sankaran captures the rustic beauty of Devuni Palem so well that the visuals feel both intimate and cinematic. Gopi Sundar’s music is a big plus; the score is soulful and the songs amplify the emotional core of the film without overpowering it. Fans online are calling the music a “huge asset” and it’s easy to see why.
The film’s authenticity is another plus. The fictional village, culture and traditions feel lived in, even if it’s not based on real events. As Kandregula himself said, he hopes Paradha will spark a discussion and get more producers to back such stories and the film’s sincerity makes that happen.
Where It Wobbles: A Slightly Uneven Ride
While Paradha starts off strong, the second half falters. A few scenes drag, some subplots feel rushed or unresolved and the pacing is uneven. Some have said the climax is emotionally satisfying but not as intense as the first half. The film’s reliance on emotional beats can feel repetitive and a tighter script would’ve made more of an impact. Online has pointed out the pacing issues with some saying the second half doesn’t live up to the first.
Also, while the focus on the three women is a plus, some supporting characters get shortchanged and their arcs feel incomplete. The film’s bold themes can be heavy handed and might not land for everyone. But these are minor hiccups in an otherwise lovely story.
Final Take
Paradha is a beautiful, intense drama that’s as emotional as it is thought-provoking. Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana Rajendran, and Sangita are fantastic and every emotional punch lands, with Gopi Sundar’s music and visuals being stunning. The second half falters a bit with the pace and subplots, but the heart and message of the film shine through. It’s a must watch for anyone who loves stories about courage and empowerment. It’s the kind of film that lingers with you long after the credits roll. As Kandregula said, it’s a film that should be shared—go get a ticket and watch it.