A Bold Tale of Tradition and Rebellion

Anupama Parameswaran’s latest film, Paradha, a Telugu-Malayalam comedy-drama, has made its way to Amazon Prime Video just three weeks after its theatrical release on August 22, 2025. Directed by Praveen Kandregula, known for Cinema Bandi, the film dives into the life of Subbu, a young woman in a rural village bound by a custom that forces women to veil their faces. The story takes a dramatic turn when a photograph accidentally reveals Subbu’s face, sparking a personal crisis and a journey to reclaim her dignity. With a strong female-led narrative, the film also features Darshana Rajendran and Sangeetha Krish in pivotal roles, alongside Gautham Menon and Rajendra Prasad.

Theatrical Struggles and Mixed Reviews

Despite high expectations, Paradha struggled to connect with theater audiences. The film grossed a modest ₹34 lakh in India and USD 13.8K in North America during its opening weekend, with the Telugu version contributing ₹39 lakh over three days. Critics and audiences delivered mixed reviews, praising Anupama’s compelling performance but noting that the narrative failed to fully resonate. Some lauded its bold take on societal oppression and identity, while others felt the execution fell short, leading to low theater occupancy and a quick exit from many screens. Anupama herself called Paradha the finest work of her career, but the box office numbers told a different story, marking it as one of her weakest theatrical performances.

A New Life on OTT

Now streaming on Prime Video in Telugu and Malayalam with English subtitles, Paradha aims to find a second chance with OTT audiences. The platform’s reach could amplify the film’s socially conscious message, which tackles outdated customs like veiling and even references the historical practice of Sati. Backed by producers Sreenivasulu P, Vijay Donkada, and Sridhar Makkuva, and with music by Gopi Sundar, the film offers a visually striking rural backdrop captured by cinematographer Mridul Sujit Sen. The script, crafted by Poojitha Sreekanti, Prahaas Boppudi, and Kandregula, weaves humor and drama as Subbu, inspired by two city women, challenges the norms of her village.

Star Power and Industry Impact

Anupama Parameswaran, a beloved name in Telugu cinema, brought her signature emotional depth to Subbu, while Darshana Rajendran’s Telugu debut added fresh energy. Sangeetha Krish’s role further strengthened the ensemble, making Paradha a notable women-centric project. Director Praveen Kandregula, supported by acclaimed duo Raj & DK, aimed to spark a shift in Telugu cinema by championing female-led stories. At the film’s pre-release event, he emphasized the need for such narratives to achieve commercial success, highlighting the industry’s imbalance where only a handful of the 250 annual Telugu films focus on women’s stories.

What’s Next for Paradha?

As Paradha transitions to OTT, its early streaming release offers hope for broader reach and appreciation. The film’s themes of empowerment and resistance against oppressive traditions may resonate more with digital viewers, who often embrace thought-provoking content. Will Paradha redeem its theatrical shortfall and cement Anupama’s reputation for bold roles? Only time—and viewer reactions—will tell.

Read Also: Manoj Bajpayee’s Captivating Performance in Jugnuma – The Fable: A Cinematic Gem

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