Movie Name : Paradha
Release Date : August 22, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana Rajendran, Sangitha, Rajendra Prasad, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Rag Mayur and others.
Director : Praveen Kandregula
Producers : Vijay Donkada, Sreenivasulu PV, Sridhar Makkuva
Music Director : Gopi Sundar
Cinematographer : Mridul Sujit Sen
Editor : Dharmendra Kakarala
Related Links : Trailer
Actress Anupama Parameswaran returns with a new film, Paradha, directed by Praveen Kandregula fresh off the success of Subham. With fair expectations, the movie has hit theaters today in both Telugu and Malayalam. Here is the full review.
Story:
Set in the fictional village of Padathi, Subba Lakshmi (Anupama Parameswaran), known as Subbu, is an obedient young woman who strictly follows her village’s age-old traditions. Every woman must cover her face, and only family members are permitted to see it. Breaking this rule is believed to invite the curse of Jwalamma, the village goddess whose wrath has haunted the residents ever since a shocking incident in the past. Life continues peacefully under these strict customs – until an unexpected event shakes the village to its core. Subbu finds herself facing a terrifying challenge, forced to confront the goddess and the fears that have gripped Padathi for generations. But what happens next? Does Subbu survive to protect her village from Jwalamma’s curse? How do Rathnamma (Sangeetha Krish) and Amishta (Darshana Rajendran) fit into this story? Does the curse end, or does it keep affecting the village? You will have to watch the film to find out.
Plus Points:
Anupama Parameswaran comes back after Tillu Square in a traditional role as Subbu. She handles it really well and makes the character feel real. She shows a woman torn between old customs and her own freedom. It is one of her better performances.
Darshana Rajendran, in her first Telugu film, makes a mark. She is confident and direct, and her Why not woman attitude adds energy to the story. Her comic timing brings in some relief. Her scenes with Subbu are one of the most interesting parts of the film.
Sangita Krish is not a main character, but she stands out. Her reactions and natural performance make her role believable. She shows that even smaller roles can leave an impression.
The trio together create fun and chaotic moments at times. The Dharmasthala visuals look good, and Ghibran’s music fits the mood and supports the emotional moments.
Minus Points:
The story starts well and sets up the conflict clearly. But it loses energy as it goes on. Subbu’s struggle to break free from village traditions is not explored enough, which makes some parts feel flat.
The first half is okay, but the second half becomes slow and repetitive. At times it feels like the story is going around in circles. Emotional scenes do not hit as they should. With better focus, the audience could have felt Subbu’s journey more deeply.
Darshana Rajendran’s character could have been given more screen time. Rajendra Prasad and Gautam Vasudev Menon are underused. Rag Mayur’s cameo barely makes a difference. The second half does not keep the momentum, and by the climax, the audience may have lost interest.
Technical Aspects:
Praveen Kandregula is honest in suggesting viewers read reviews first. But more attention to the script and pace would have helped the film.
Some songs are good, but others do not add much. Gopi Sundar’s music helps many scenes. Mridul Sujit Sen’s cinematography is clear and neat. Dharmendra Kakarala’s editing could have been sharper in the second half. Production values are okay but not remarkable.
Verdict:
On the whole, Paradha is a social drama about taboos, restrictions on women, and the fight for freedom that is okay in parts. The first half is promising and Anupama Parameswaran and Darshana Rajendran give decent performances. But weak execution, a slow second half, underdeveloped characters, and lack of emotional impact hold the film back. It may appeal to viewers interested in women-focused stories, but expectations should be modest.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team