Paranthu Po Movie Review: A Wholesome Ride of Laughter & Life

Director Ram, known for his emotionally intense storytelling, takes a surprising turn into light-hearted territory with Paranthu Po, a feel-good slice-of-life drama that works like a warm breeze. Featuring Mirchi Shiva and Grace Antony in the lead roles, the film also stars Anjali, Aju Varghese, and Vijay Yesudas in memorable appearances.

Set on the quieter outskirts of Chennai, Paranthu Po follows Gokul (Mirchi Shiva), a laidback man running an organic food business. With his wife away at a saree expo in Coimbatore, Gokul is left to care for their curious and chirpy 7-year-old son, played delightfully by Mithul Ryan.

What begins as a routine ride turns into a nostalgic journey as they visit Gokul’s ancestral village. On the return trip to Chennai, a chance encounter with Gokul’s childhood crush (Anjali) adds spark and comedy, setting the stage for a story filled with warmth, wit, and whimsical detours.

Ram’s shift from intense dramas to breezy comedy-drama is seamless. He keeps the narrative fresh with vibrant characters, natural humour, and situational charm. His screenplay balances comedy and emotion without leaning too far into melodrama.

Mirchi Shiva brings his signature innocent humour and delivers some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments. Grace Antony is effortlessly real — her expressions, tone, and presence feel deeply rooted and endearing. Mithul Ryan, the little boy, shines with natural charm, never going overboard. Anjali is subtle and expressive, while Aju Varghese surprises with a standout Tamil debut performance. Vijay Yesudas appears in a brief but appreciated cameo. Balaji Sakthivel and Sreeja Ravi, as the grandparents, are emotionally grounded and deeply lovable.

Santhosh Dayanidhi’s music is soulful and complementary — light, breezy, and never intrusive. The visuals are rich in tone and detail, almost giving off a Malayalam-cinema sensibility in colour, composition, and pacing. Ram’s inclusion of cross-industry talent strengthens this bridge beautifully.

Paranthu Po doesn’t try too hard to be funny or emotional — it simply flows. There are no high-pitched melodramatic turns, just relatable moments delivered with charm. Scenes that might usually provoke tension — like a missing child — are instead laced with humour and calm.

A heartfelt, low-stakes, big-smile film that leaves you with a soft laugh and full heart. Parandhu Po is an ode to simple journeys and the beauty of taking detours.