Ram’s latest film, “Paranthu Po” (Fly Away), offers a refreshing and warm embrace to young parents and their kids, standing as a gentle counterpoint to his previous, more intense work, “Peranbu.”
A Refreshing Look at Modern Parenting
Are you tired of on-screen kids whose sole purpose seems to be making adult lives miserable? While some films lean into this trope, “Paranthu Po” takes a nuanced approach. It delves into the honest struggles and limitations of modern-day parenting, without glorifying or condemning.
The film acknowledges that many couples, despite their desire to be parents, often feel ill-equipped and unprepared for the realities of raising children today. It’s a relatable depiction that resonates with the everyday challenges many families face.
Meet Anbu and His World
At the heart of the story is eight-year-old Anbu, portrayed by Mithul Ryan. His life largely revolves around school and the confines of his small Chennai apartment. With both parents, Gokul (Shiva) and Glory (Grace Antony), employed, Anbu often finds himself locked inside, seeking solace in his toys and online classes.
Despite having everything he needs, Anbu yearns for more time outdoors and with his parents. Gokul and Glory are well aware of their absence and often feel guilty, trying their best to make up for lost moments. From a child’s perspective, however, it’s never quite enough.
An Impromptu Journey of Discovery
The story truly takes flight when Glory is away for work. An impromptu road trip begins when Anbu and Gokul venture out, leading to unexpected adventures. Their journey, filled with minor tensions and differing opinions, brings them face-to-face with joyful strangers and life lessons that impact them all, including Glory, who remains a constant presence through calls.
Director Ram crafts a musical, slice-of-life road comedy that serves as a gentle balm after the emotional intensity of his 2019 film, “Peranbu.” “Paranthu Po” maintains a consistent, warm vibe, avoiding unnecessary drama even during emotional moments.
Strengths and Minor Stumbles
The film’s strength lies in its grounded realism. Ram steers clear of typical cinematic tropes, instead opting for relatable, mundane instances from the lives of middle-class families. The interactions feel genuine, stripped of dramatic flourishes, maintaining the film’s unique tone throughout.
However, this commitment to realism occasionally leads to repetition. Anbu’s persistent stubbornness and tendency to run off, while initially endearing, can become tiresome. Gokul, often left chasing his son with a weak knee, garners much sympathy from the audience.
The narrative finds welcome breaks when Gokul encounters his old classmate, Vanitha (a brilliant Anjali), and her husband Gunasekaran (Aju Varghese), whose child forms a quick bond with Anbu. While these moments provide variety, more such diversions or even playful, simple dances could have further enhanced the film’s appeal.
Exceptional Performances Light Up the Screen
The movie truly shines thanks to its talented cast. Grace Antony delivers an outstanding performance as Glory, capturing her joys, sorrows, and the quiet anguish over her family’s disapproval of her inter-religious marriage.
Shiva, known for his comedic timing, proves his versatility as Gokul. He skillfully blends spontaneous humor with a restrained performance, never letting exaggerated comedy take over. Mithul Ryan handles the tricky role of Anbu with remarkable balance, making him relatable without becoming insufferable.
- “Paranthu Po” offers a realistic, warm portrayal of modern parenting challenges.
- The film avoids overt drama, maintaining a gentle, slice-of-life tone.
- Strong performances by Grace Antony, Shiva, and Mithul Ryan elevate the narrative.
- While relatable, some repetitive elements in the plot could have been varied.
Overall, “Paranthu Po” is a comforting cinematic hug for young parents still navigating their roles and for children longing for more freedom and connection. Its authenticity and heartfelt performances make it a truly endearing watch.
