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Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Paranthu Po movie review: Ram makes up for Peranbu, offering warm hugs to young parents and kids
Paranthu Po movie review: Is it just me, or has there suddenly been a surge, at least on screen, of annoying kids whose only aim seems to be making the lives of the adults around them miserable? It appears filmmakers have all at once developed an affinity for these children who simply don't know how or when to pipe down, and the only reason they aren't put in their place is because they're little. Don't get me wrong; I'm not referring to someone like Sarkeet's Jeffron (Orhan), who is portrayed to have severe attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nor am I implying or suggesting even remotely that kids need to be physically dealt with. But let's be honest… had his parents and relatives been somewhat responsible — and as good at parenting as they were at reproduction — Nilan (Prageeth Sivan) in Maaman might have turned out at least a tad less annoying. Although Anbu (Mithul Ryan) in Ram's musical slice-of-life road comedy Paranthu Po (Fly Away) isn't as grating as Nilan, there are quite a few moments in the film that could easily encourage, albeit indirectly, anyone considering having kids to reconsider. But where Ram succeeds is in his ability to not overtly glorify or look down on anything, and offer instead an unbiased depiction of the limitations and struggles of modern-day parenting, and how ill-equipped and unprepared many couples are to raise children, with all that they have being the desire to become parents. For eight-year-old Anbu, life comprises the few hours he spends in a high-end school and the remaining hours within the walls of his small apartment in Chennai. With no friends, his only moments of happiness come when he sees his crush Jenna (Jess Sweejan) on screen during their online classes. A kid with a golden retriever soul, Anbu's zoomies are mostly confined to his home, as both his parents, Gokul (Shiva) and Glory (Grace Antony), are employed and often have to leave for work, locking their little boy inside the apartment. Though he has enough toys, including his favourite skateboard and a laptop to keep him occupied, Anbu wishes to spend more time outside and in the company of his parents, something they are unable to offer consistently, owing to their relentless efforts to make ends meet. But what makes the equation endearing is that both Gokul and Glory are aware of this and never try to justify their absence. Instead, they often feel guilty that they aren't there for Anbu more, and frequently attempt to make up for the moments they've missed. But from a kid's POV, it's simply not enough, and you can't blame them for that. On a random day, when Glory is away in Coimbatore for work, Anbu and Gokul venture out, which ultimately turns into an impromptu road trip. The remainder of the movie follows the father-son duo as the silly tensions and differences of opinion between them lead them to unexpected places, where they meet some joyful souls, and learn life lessons that touch them all, including Glory, who is always just a call away from her husband and child. In a way, it can be said that Paranthu Po is Ram's gift to us to compensate for making us cry our eyes out watching Peranbu (2019). It's almost like his attempt to rub ointment into the many wounds and scars the Mammootty-starrer left behind. Not only is there no dull moment in Paranthu Po, but even the instances when the characters get emotional are handled with such sensitivity and care that the film never veers into dramatic territory. To ensure this warm, gentle vibe, Ram sprinkles songs, crafted by Santhosh Dhayanithi and penned by Madhan Karky, throughout the movie that reminds one of nursery rhymes such as 'Jack and Jill', 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' or 'Johny Johny Yes Papa'. Even as the movie progresses, Ram ensures he doesn't shift gears unnecessarily, maintaining the pace he established early on and letting the narrative unfold organically. Paranthu Po also demonstrates clearly that the writer-director, despite this being his sixth filmmaking venture, hasn't lost connection with the grassroots. Instead of resorting to templated moments typical of slice-of-life films, he picks more mundane and far more relatable instances from the real lives of such middle-class families, which keeps the movie grounded. Even the interactions between characters are stripped of unnecessary cinematic or dramatic flourishes, and he adheres to the unique tone of Paranthu Po throughout without slipping. However, while this is indeed the movie's strength, it also becomes its weakness at certain points, as the conflicts — predominantly stemming from Anbu's adamant and restless nature — start to feel repetitive. For example, at the beginning itself, we see his tendency to run away and venture into the massive outside world to enjoy real-life experiences. It also shows that he doesn't listen to his parents much and has a strong inclination to follow only his instincts. While this is cute at first, the repeated use of the same tropes becomes tiresome after a point, and one can't help but feel sad and sorry for Gokul, who is forced to run around with his weak knee, chasing Anbu. Although Ram manages to pull the narrative out of this somewhat monotony by bringing in Gokul's old classmate from school, Vanitha (an extraordinarily brilliant Anjali), who was also his crush, along with her husband Gunasekaran (an impressive Aju Varghese) and their child, with whom Anbu forms a deep bond very quickly, such moments are scattered across the film. As a result, we are mostly just watching Gokul and Anbu, and a bit more effort from the filmmaker to eke out something more or venture into fresher territories would indeed have benefited Paranthu Po. As mentioned before, since the movie is filled with nursery rhyme-like songs such as 'BTS', 'Yaarunu Theriyudha', 'Daddy Baddy', 'Daddy Romba Paavam', 'Anboda Serupa Kaanom', and 'Dino', Ram could even have allowed Gokul and Anbu to break into silly, adorable dances once or twice, which would have worked greatly in the film's favour. However, his overt attempts to stick to realism have cost him to some extent here. Nonetheless, the movie is more or less like a gentle, warm hug to all young parents who are still figuring out their new roles, and to the kids of this era who are waiting for chances to fly away. In that regard, Paranthu Po works beautifully, thanks in part to exceptional performances by Grace Antony, Shiva and Mithul Ryan. Grace knocks it out of the park as Glory, brilliantly portraying her joys, sorrows, anguish and grief over her family's resentment since she married a man of another religion. Cinema has time and again shown us that actors who excel at comedy will be equally talented in serious roles, and Shiva demonstrates this well. Although Gokul isn't a very serious character, Shiva never allows his knack for exaggerated comedy to seep in. Instead, he uses his ability to deliver spontaneous humour with a straight face to great effect. Ram also deserves credit for not just entrusting Shiva with such a role, but for extracting the best from him as both an actor and a comedian. Considering that Anbu is a tricky character, where even a step overboard in terms of cuteness or annoying behaviour could have made him insufferable, Mithul also does a brilliant job, doing justice to the role. NK Ekhambram's cinematography and Mathi VS' editing also contribute significantly to Paranthu Po's overall quality. Although the songs are in tune with the tone of the movie, I personally felt that Ram could have toned them down a notch, as both the tracks and the background score often felt forced. Had he embraced ambient and atmospheric sounds a bit more, Paranthu Po could have been even more enjoyable. But that's just me. Paranthu Po movie cast: Shiva, Grace Antony, Mithul Ryan, Anjali, Aju Varghese, Vijay Yesudas Paranthu Po movie director: Ram Paranthu Po movie rating: 3 stars Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at ... Read More
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Britney Spears Proves Son Jayden Is All Grown Up in Rare Selfie
Originally appeared on E! Online Britney Spears is feeling so lucky with Jayden by her side. After all, the "Baby One More Time" singer shared a glimpse into her day at home with her 18-year-old son after spending the weekend together. Alongside a short clip flipping her hair next to Jayden—whom she shares with ex Kevin Federline, along with 19-year-old son Sean—Britney wrote June 16, "Went to church today !!! Sang and praised !!!" The mother-son duo's outing, which she also shared a snap of, comes nearly six months after they first reunited for the holidays, with her writing on Instagram in December, "I hadn't seen him in 2 and half years or maybe 3 !!! I'm in shock !!!" After their time apart, she couldn't help but reflect on how much Jayden had grown in that time. "He came back and he feels older and smarter than me," the 43-year-old continued. "He's a man and I cry every day of my life because of the miracle and genius he is !!! When he plays the whole earth shakes !!!" More from E! Online Jennifer Garner Honors Ben Affleck With Never-Before-Seen Family Photo on Father's Day 'Traumatized' Justin Bieber Shares Text Message Ending a Friendship Why Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Says Kody Brown and Robyn Brown's Courtship Wasn't "Really Appropriate" Since celebrating the holidays with Jayden—who lives in Hawaii full-time with Sean, Kevin, his stepmom Victoria Price and younger siblings Jordan, 13, and Peyton, 10—the pair has continued spending quality time together. Britney proved she's her youngest son's biggest fan as she gushed over his musical talents in March on Instagram, where she spotlighted his piano and rap skills. She wrote, "He's a genius and I'm in awe of him. I can't believe he's mine !!!" But their days together aren't just spent cooped up at home. Most recently, the Grammy winner soaked in the sun as Jayden drove them in a convertible as Lenny Kravitz's "Fly Away" played. "He is 6'3 and his hands are so big now," she reflected June 9. "How long am I going to be in shock ??? It's so incredibly crazy, it's not even funny !!! I'm blessed !!! Just please be careful with my heart too !!!" For Jayden, mending his relationship with his mom after her 13-year conservatorship ended in 2021 has been a priority. As he said of their relationship in a 2022 ITV documentary, "It's just going to take a lot of time and effort. I just want her to get better mentally. When she gets better, I really want to see her again." Keep reading for a piece of Britney's sweet relationship with her sons. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Los Angeles Times
07-06-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Conquer the Horseshoe: Your Guide to Navigating LAX Transit Like a Pro
Ah, LAX. Just the name can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned traveler. And even though the long-promised Metro Rail connection has opened as of today (June 6), Los Angeles International Airport, is still a sprawling beast of terminals, often feeling less like a gateway to adventure and more like an obstacle course. But fear not! With a little know-how and a sprinkle of patience and 'aw shucks' inevitability, you can transform your LAX experience from a frantic dash into a smooth glide. Ongoing construction of new transit infrastructure, such as the Automated People Mover and aforementioned Metro Transit Center station, continues to enhance airport connectivity. Think of this guide as your secret weapon and conquer the concrete jungle. Welcome to Los Angeles International Airport – better known to the world as LAX. As the primary international airport for the Los Angeles metropolitan area, LAX is more than just a travel hub; it's a global crossroads where millions of journeys begin and end. Operated by Los Angeles World Airports, this international airport is the busiest on the West Coast and a vital link for flights to Asia, Australasia, Mexico and Central America, as well as domestic locations coast to coast. In 2023 alone, LAX welcomed over 75 million passengers, making it the eleventh-busiest airport on the planet by passenger traffic. With more airlines calling LAX home than any other U.S. airport, it's no wonder this airport is a favorite launchpad for world travelers and international visitors alike. Getting to LAX has never been more convenient, thanks to the brand-new LAX/Metro Transit Center Station. This state-of-the-art hub connects the Los Angeles Metro C and K Lines, making it a breeze to reach the airport from Downtown Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, or anywhere in Los Angeles County. Simply hop on the Metro Rail and ride to the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, where a free shuttle bus whisks passengers to all airport terminals every 10 minutes. Prefer a direct ride? The FlyAway bus service offers nonstop shuttle connections between LAX and Union Station in Downtown L.A., as well as Van Nuys in the San Fernando Valley. With these transit options, you can skip the traffic, save on parking, and enjoy a stress-free journey to your terminal. Whether you're a local commuter or an international visitor, the Metro and shuttle services make LAX more accessible than ever. Once you've landed at LAX, a world of ground transportation options awaits. The LAX City Bus Center, conveniently located on 96th Street, is your gateway to a network of bus lines – including Los Angeles Metro Bus, Beach Cities Transit, Culver CityBus, and Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus – connecting you to destinations across the region. Need to get between terminals? The LAX Shuttle (Route A) runs a continuous loop, offering free rides to all terminals and making those last-minute dashes a little less frantic. Navigating LAX starts with understanding its unique layout. Spanning 3,500 acres, the airport features four parallel runways and a central terminal area arranged in a signature U-shape – affectionately (or maddeningly) known as 'the horseshoe.' With nine passenger terminals and a whopping 161 gates, LAX is built to handle the world's travelers with ease. The Tom Bradley International Terminal stands out as the crown jewel for international flights, offering state-of-the-art amenities and connections. Getting around is a breeze thanks to the LAX Shuttle (Route A), which links all terminals, and pedestrian corridors that allow passengers to move airside between terminals without the hassle of re-clearing security. With its modern facilities and thoughtful design, LAX ensures that every passenger – whether arriving, departing, or connecting – enjoys a smooth and efficient airport experience. First things first: know your terminal. LAX isn't just one big building; it's a collection of nine terminals. Before you even dream of packing, double-check your airline and flight details. Why? Because some airlines, like Delta (T2 & T3) or American (T4 & T5), like to keep you on your toes by operating out of multiple spots. And if you're an international passenger jetting off to or arriving from an international paradise, chances are TBIT is where you'll be. A quick peek at the LAX Terminal Guide online is your best friend here – consider it your pre-flight GPS! Arriving passengers should also verify their terminal for smooth navigation and easy access to ground transportation options. While you may be fancy and get dropped off at the VIP entrance, let's assume you won't. Instead, you've arrived, luggage in tow, ready to tackle the drop-off. Resist the urge to dive straight into the curbside chaos; it's often a tangled mess, especially around the Tom Bradley International Terminal. For a smoother start, aim for the Express Drop-Off (Upper Level) at the entrance to the U-shaped loop. It might sound arduous, but simply means getting out a little earlier and enjoying a pleasant walk or taking one of the convenient shuttles, which provide a direct connection to your terminal. Think of it as a pre-flight warm-up. Now, for the golden rule of LAX: arrive early. Seriously. Even lax people who prefer a more relaxed approach will benefit from getting to the airport ahead of time, especially with improved transit options making access easier. For domestic flights, aim for at least two hours before departure. Going international? Give yourself a generous three hours. Why the buffer? Because LAX loves a good lineup. Check-in lines can snake, baggage dropoffs can take its sweet time and security? Well, that's an adventure of its own. Each terminal is a kingdom unto itself, complete with its own TSA checkpoint. If you're a member of the CLEAR club, you're in luck – it's available in most terminals, and offers a speedy bypass. And for our TSA PreCheck friends, look for those designated fast lanes, but always do a quick check to ensure your terminal supports it. No one likes a fast lane that leads to a dead end! Got a layover or just want to explore? Getting between terminals can be surprisingly manageable. If you're looking for a stretch, walking is your friend, especially between T1-3 and T4-8 via sidewalks. Even better, terminals 4 through 8 are interconnected post-security check in, meaning you can move between them without the dreaded re-clearing of security. For the more relaxed traveler, the free Airline Connector Shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes, serving all the terminals, TBIT included. And for a glimpse into the future, keep an eye out for the Automated People Mover, set to arrive next year – this rail system connecting the terminals to the aforementioned Metro stop will truly change the way you LAX. Let's talk amenities! Unsurprisingly, TBIT is the reigning champion, offering the most extensive array of food, shops, and lounges – a true paradise for international travelers. But don't count out Terminals 1, 2 or 3; recent renovations have brought a fresh wave of delicious food options. Driving yourself? The P1-P7 parking structures are closest to the terminals and offer short term parking for travelers, but savvy travelers reserve ahead online for better rates. LAX employee lots are also available for airport staff or those seeking long-term parking options. For rideshare devotees (Uber/Lyft), bypass the curb and head straight to the LAX-it Lot near Terminal 1, or hop on the free LAX-it shuttle from other terminals. Taxis also route through LAX-it, where authorized taxicab supervision ensures regulated taxi service and a streamlined pick-up. To truly master LAX, arm yourself with the LAX Official App (Google Play) or lean on Google Maps for real-time terminal tracking, wait times, and gate changes. Travelling with the family or famished your self? Always pack snacks and water – those lines can be surprisingly long, and amenities might be sparse in some areas. And while LAX signage is generally good, always, always double-check gate changes on the airport monitors. So, there you have it! Navigating LAX doesn't have to be a nightmare. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to a smoother travel experience.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'90s Rock Icon, 61, Nearly 'Snaps' After Having Continued Guitar Issues Mid-Show
'90s Rock Icon, 61, Nearly 'Snaps' After Having Continued Guitar Issues Mid-Show originally appeared on Parade. One of the major solo artists to emerge from the '90s rock scene is Lenny Kravitz. The New York star has had massive amounts of success over the years as one of the premier solo rock acts of his decade, reaching the Billboard Hot 100's top ten multiple times with songs like "It 'Aint Over 'Til It's Over," Fly Away," and "Again." Kravitz also set a record for most consecutive Grammy wins in the "Best Male Rock Vocal Performance" category. Needless to say, Kravitz is a superstar and somebody who knows how to give a performance. As it turns out though, everybody is victim to technical difficulties. At a recent show, the artist showed some clear frustration after suffering some malfunctions with his equipment. When someone asked, "What happened?," the creator explained, "He kept having issues with his guitars and sound... but to us, it was perfect... we didn't notice any issues." He might have been "snapping," but he played it off like a true pro. Taking to the comments, fans shared their support for the artist. "The show must go on… Lenny is super professional. 💗""Yeah, he really didn't need to bring it up. He was smashing." "He doesn't have time for nonsense." Technical issues or not, you're guaranteed a good show when this legend is performing. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 '90s Rock Icon, 61, Nearly 'Snaps' After Having Continued Guitar Issues Mid-Show first appeared on Parade on Jun 6, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
NBC News
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's daughter says she's 'out and proud queer' in Pride Month post
Gracie McGraw, the daughter of country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, said she has been an 'out and proud queer, bisexual woman' after tabloid media said she had come out in an Instagram post. The 28-year-old posted a message to her Instagram followers on June 3. 'It has come to my attention that some tabloids have taken an Instagram story I posted yesterday and have used it as click bait saying I've 'come out,'' she wrote. 'Let me be VERY clear here,' she continued. 'I've been an out and proud queer, bisexual woman and I wouldn't have it any other way.' Gracie McGraw added that she has been 'very vocal' about her support of LGBTQ+ rights and the community, and cheekily thanked the media outlets for 'shedding light that it's pride month!!!' 'So many people out there don't have the support, love or understanding from their families when it comes to sexuality or gender identity, but just know that there is a beautiful community out there that loves you and cares about and for you,' she said. Gracie McGraw finished her Instagram story with a call to her followers to check on the people in their lives and 'keep safe out there.' The post comes after she reposted a message on June 2 that read 'Everyone get more gay now' on her Instagram story. 'HAPPY FREAKING PRIDE,' she captioned the post, adding, 'I love being queer.' The reshared post led to several media outlets writing headlines about her message, with many saying she had come out or identified as queer. posted a throwback photo in honor of her 28th birthday last month. 'Can't believe this little bit turns 28 today! Happy birthday to our Gracie! You are a light in this world my sweet girl. So much heart, soul, respect and yes LOADS of talent!!! We hope you have the best day ever and know that you are loved beyond measure! I love you my little girl,' Tim McGraw wrote in the caption of an Instagram post, signing the message with '- Dad.' Gracie McGraw is the oldest child of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, who also share two younger daughters, Maggie and Audrey. The trio joined their father on stage in Nashville last month while he was performing at the Music City Rodeo on May 31. They performed his 2007 hit 'Last Dollar (Fly Away),' and the country star said his daughters used to belt the song 'when they were little kids.' 'They're all grown up now!' Tim McGraw said at the end of the track before he gave them a hug. 'My girls!'
