Paranthu Po early reviews: Ram and Shiva's film hailed as ‘a gift to Tamil cinema'

Indian Express

03-07-2025

The early reviews of Paranthu Po are out — and just like the film, they are heartwarming. The road musical comedy, written, directed, and co-produced by Ram, stars Shiva and Mithul Ryan in lead roles. Centered around a father-son relationship, the film explores the values that many city dwellers tend to forget in their fast-paced lives. The film has been receiving praise from both the film fraternity and fans alike.
Going by the early reactions, Ram's Paranthu Po is garnering praise for its tender, emotionally resonant subject. Writer-director Halitha Shameem hailed the film and called it a befitting response to formulaic cinema. She wrote, '#ParanthuPo 🌻 is a delightful film that appeals to our inner child. In an industry where 'combinations' usually just mean two hit-makers joining forces and leave us with no exciting end-product, the pairing of director Ram and actor Shiva is a refreshing change. They bring in new flavour. Something we didn't know we needed. Shiva's endearing silliness being adored by Ram is ❤️❤️❤️ I can watch Gokul chase after Anbu forever. And Anjali through Ram's eyes is always special. Philosophical filmmakers are quite rare and it's important we hear, resonate and amplify their voices. And much love to the gal who played Myna and the cockroach kid 😀.'
Scriptwriter-Subtitler Vivek Ranjit also lauded Paranthu Po after attending a preview. He wrote, 'Watched a preview of #ParanthuPo. It's a beautiful, hilarious film which is a complete departure from #DirectorRam's previous works. Wonderful performances from the boy, our #GraceAntony @AjuVarghesee @IAMVIJAYYESUDAS and my favourite @actorshiva (his best so far). Must watch!'
Filmmaker Abhishan, who helmed the sleeper hit Tourist Family, appreciated the balance of humour and emotion in Paranthu Po. He praised Ram and wrote, 'Just watched the brilliant film Paramthu Po by Ram sir — my heart is so full. Beautifully balanced with humour and deep emotions. It truly stays with you. Please don't miss this gem in theatres. 🤍'
Singer Sean Roldan, too, was impressed with Paranthu Po's emotional depth and visual storytelling. He shared, 'I was invited to watch a special show of #ParandhuPo. A concoction of story-telling magnificence, shades of emotions that rekindle your human nature, masterful craft and all of this grounded on an understanding of life beyond words. There are only few creators who are such masters of their art and Ram sir is a shining beacon among them. Watch with your families in theatres. This film is a gift to Tamil cinema from the one and only 🙏 Feeling happy for Mirchi shiva who has slayed his performance btw❤️.'
A fan also celebrated Ram's direction and wrote, '#ParanthuPo An outstanding & a liberating film by Dir Ram. Audience will fall in love with cinema again. #DirectorRam.'
Earlier, in an interview with The Hindu, director Ram spoke about the core theme of Paranthu Po. He said, 'We all come to a city like Chennai because it tells you that if you come here, you can succeed in life. Moreover, cities become places you can go to after escaping the values that a village or small town imposes on you. A city thrives in the dreams it gives its inhabitants. If a city can house only the successful, the population will be smaller, and there will be nobody to work for those successful people. So, for a city to function, it needs such slaves, and it is that pursuit of a dream that enchants them and lets them be slaves; they won't even know they are enslaved.'
He added that the film attempts to reflect the lives of such middle-class families, 'It speaks about their happiness, their goals, and whether 'vaathu muttaila irundhu dinosaur varuma varaadha' (will or will not a dinosaur come out of a duck egg).'
Paranthu Po is set to hit theatres on July 4. The film also stars Grace Antony, Anjali, Vijay Yesudas, Aju Varghese, and others in key roles.