Paranthu Po (2025): A Beautiful, Feel-Good Road Movie

by reviewzinsight.com · 4 July 2025

Paranthu Po is a Tamil movie released in July 2025. Directed by Ram, the film is a sweet and emotional story about a father and son who go on an unexpected road trip. The movie brings together humor, love, and life lessons in a simple yet touching way. Unlike Ram’s earlier films that were usually heavy and serious, Paranthu Po feels light and playful, like a gentle breeze that slowly carries the audience along.

🎬 The Story

The story starts with Gokul, a single father living in Coimbatore. He is a tired, overworked man trying to balance his job, bills, and parenting. One morning, his 8-year-old son Anbu asks him to take him out for a short bike ride. Gokul agrees, thinking it will be a short outing. But Anbu has other plans.

As soon as they step out, Anbu keeps asking to go to one more place… and then another… and another. Their little trip turns into a full-day adventure that keeps growing longer. Gokul and Anbu end up traveling across Tamil Nadu and even reach parts of Kerala. Along the way, they meet different people, experience unexpected joys, and slowly rediscover their relationship.

What begins as a simple bike ride turns into a beautiful journey about parenting, childhood, and how sometimes the best memories are made when nothing is planned.

🎭 Performances

Shiva, who plays Gokul, gives one of the best performances of his career. He is funny, natural, and full of emotion. He doesn’t act like a hero; he feels like a real father. His expressions of tiredness, frustration, and quiet love for his son make the character feel very real.

Mithul Ryan, who plays the little boy Anbu, steals the show. He is cute, clever, and full of energy. Whether he’s being stubborn, silly, or emotional, Mithul makes Anbu feel like a real child—not a dramatic movie version. He makes the audience laugh and cry in equal parts.

Grace Antony plays Anbu’s mother. She appears only in short scenes, mostly over the phone, but she makes a strong impression as a caring, practical woman.

The film also has short appearances by other actors like Anjali, Vijay Yesudas, Aju Varghese, and others. They each bring charm to the film, playing interesting characters the father and son meet on their journey. These small roles help build the feel of a real-life road trip filled with strange but memorable people.

🎶 Music and Visuals

Music plays a big role in Paranthu Po. There are multiple songs and musical moments woven into the story. Santhosh Dhayanidhi and Yuvan Shankar Raja have created the songs and background score. The music feels fresh and fun, though some viewers might think there are too many songs.

The songs are used like storytelling tools. Sometimes, the characters talk through songs instead of regular dialogues. The lyrics are thoughtful, often expressing emotions that the characters can’t say out loud. However, a few musical moments feel slightly too long and slow down the film’s pace.

Cinematography by N. K. Ekambaram is another strong point. The film looks beautiful. The shots of green fields, busy towns, and calm roads make the journey feel peaceful and nostalgic. The camera work gives the movie a warm and homely look, which fits the theme perfectly.

✍️ Direction and Writing

Director Ram, known for emotional dramas like Thanga Meengal and Taramani, tries something different this time. With Paranthu Po, he tells a story that is more cheerful and simple, but still meaningful. He shows that deep emotions don’t always need heavy scenes. Even small, light-hearted moments can carry great depth.

The writing is charming and full of little surprises. The conversations between Gokul and Anbu feel real. The humor is natural, not forced. Ram doesn’t focus on one big problem or climax. Instead, he lets the characters grow with each stop on their journey.

One unique feature in the movie is the use of “musical cards”—these are visual quotes that appear on screen during songs, often expressing thoughts from the director. Some people might feel these quotes are too direct or unnecessary, but others might find them poetic.

🧠 Themes and Emotions

Paranthu Po explores many small but powerful ideas:

Parenting is hard but beautiful: Gokul loves his son deeply but struggles to show it while managing daily responsibilities.
Children see life differently: Anbu doesn’t care about time, money, or tiredness. He wants to enjoy the world one moment at a time.
Freedom is not always in big things: Sometimes, skipping work for a silly trip with your child gives more joy than a promotion.
Unplanned moments become the best memories: The film reminds us that it’s okay to stop worrying and just live a little.

🎥 What Critics Say

Critics have responded positively to Paranthu Po. Many praised the performances, especially Shiva and Mithul Ryan. They also appreciated the film’s fresh tone and heartfelt writing.

Some critics said the film moves a bit slowly, especially in the second half, and that the songs sometimes interrupt the flow. But most agreed that these are small issues in an otherwise lovable film.

The movie has been described as “gentle,” “kind,” and “thoughtful.” Director Ram received praise for trying something different and making a film that the whole family can enjoy.

📣 Audience Reaction

Audiences have embraced the film warmly. Families, in particular, are connecting deeply with the father-son story. Many viewers said the movie made them emotional and reminded them of their own childhood or parenting memories.

Children love Anbu’s energy and cuteness. Parents appreciate the message about giving time and attention to their kids. Social media is full of people sharing how the movie made them smile, cry, and want to hug their families.

🎟️ Box Office and Release

Paranthu Po released on July 4, 2025, across Tamil Nadu and a few other regions. The film had a quiet release without big promotions, but strong word-of-mouth has helped its box office numbers grow steadily.

The movie also premiered earlier at an international film festival, which gave it a strong reputation among cinema lovers. Television and streaming rights have already been sold, so the movie will soon reach wider audiences on digital platforms.

✅ Final Thoughts

Paranthu Po is not a big, action-packed blockbuster. It is a small, honest film with a big heart. It shows that everyday life—filled with mistakes, laughter, and love—can be the most beautiful story.

The movie gently reminds us that not all journeys need a destination. Sometimes, the road itself gives us everything we need.