Synopsis: Anbu, a young little boy, is tired of online classes and staying at home. He somehow convinces his father to take him on a bike ride, which turns into a full fledged road trip — little do they know, it would change their perspectives on life.  

Review: 

Have you ever sat down near the seashore, experiencing the liquid rhythm of waves crashing against it again and again? Or sat atop a mountain, watching a miniature version of a busy city below — and clouds wandering across the sky? I hope you might have experienced any one of these.

We quietly turn to such places whenever the chaos of the world becomes too much; we just feel like pausing things for a second, and do absolutely nothing, just to revive our tired soul.  Sometimes, nature’s calm and grandeur make our problems feel insignificant, clearing what’s inside our head. 

The reason for highlighting this is, just like nature, Paranthu Po also leaves us an everlasting impact. It isn’t simply because it’s a road trip film, but more so because of Ram’s meticulous take on human emotions. We have seen him handling nuances of human emotions in his previous films, but what separates Paranthu Po from others is that it doesn’t feel heavy. It is light, heartwarming and full of laughter. Sometimes, it even makes us think. 

What unfolds when the father-son duo — Anbu (Mithul Ryan) and Gokul (Shiva) — spend a night in an unfamiliar place with a stranger is truly beautiful — it gently breaks the stereotype while leaving a smile on our face. We witness the same when Glory (Grace Antony) mistakenly doubts her co-worker for taking away the hard earned penny. 

Additionally, we experience a sudden wave of love when Gokul unexpectedly meets Vanitha (Anjali). Everybody looks carefree, takes everything lightly, and is least worried about Gokul and Vanith’s relationship. Unlike the characters that represent popular incel culture, everybody in Ram’s fictional world seems mature — no ‘boy bestie’ nonsense! 

Paranthu Po subtly touches on contemporary issues like modern-day parenting through an easily digestible narrative. Raising a child is never easy, especially in a world transitioning from outdated patterns. In one scene, Gokul learns that his mother said something inappropriate to Anbu about Glory. He gently handles it, explaining to his son that there’s nothing wrong with women being financially independent — and why some people think otherwise.

Throughout the film, Gokul and Glory often discuss the challenges of parenting and managing tantrums. But, what’s interesting is that Anbu’s outbursts never irritate us — they only entertain. It even reminds us of the famous cartoon Tom and Jerry, whenever Anbu escapes from his father. Meanwhile, we wonder what might actually stop Anbu from running away — will it be when his parents pull him out of loneliness, or when Gokul quits smoking? Only the kid knows…

The Final Verdict? 

Paranthu Po refreshes us like a morning coffee or an evening chai. It feels as though we went near the seashore or sat at hill top. It reminds us of the love that has lost its essence in our fast-paced lives. The film’s delicate take on modern-day parenting is commendable, and Anbu’s run is enjoyable because of the convincing screenplay, cinematography and performances of the artists.