Parava

Bollywood can't touch the cinematic authenticity of films from Kerala!! Truly original plot, storytelling and nuanced direction and performances

In Parava, a school teacher makes a failure student the leader of the class he is going to repeat. That is the kind of motivation I want in real life. And that is the kind of fresh and crisp writing you will find in the film as two streetwise kids, played amazingly by newcomers, practice for an upcoming pigeon flying tournament in Mattanchery, a town in Kerala, India known for its diverse culture, effervescent attitudes, and a dark criminal undercurrent. Director Soubin Shahir sheds light into one too many stark social issues that hamper life in the town, including the growing drug menace, child marriage, and gang rivalries we last saw in Angamaly Diaries, but ultimately focuses on the game. I can only imagine the difficulty in filming those pigeons, shots of which are as awe-inspiring as the rest of the film's. Although a trim would have made this platter tastier, the story is heavily compelling and filled with warm doses of friendship and life stories in general. There's a certain cordiality that encapsulates the narrative and that's exactly where the film shines. Solid attention to detail that make you smile, beautifully-structured captivating score, and the controlled decency while talking about porn and menstruation to avoid sexual innuendos just for the laughs are what makes Parava a film to watch, treasure, and revere. It's nothing like I remember seeing in Malayalam cinema.

The Film tells us different themes of lives in Mattanchery,Kochi.The Film tells about the story of two boys dreaming of Championing the Parava(Pigeon) Tournament and some romance between Ichappi(Irshad),one of the two boys.The Film also tells the story of some boys and their club.DULQUER's role has a great part in the movie.Comedy is also average...Sentiments Too...

Parava (2017) : Brief Review -

A film which proved that Soubin Shahir isn't just a great actor, but a great director too. His debut is nothing short of a lesson for established directors. I hereby humbly request Soubin Shahir to direct more films and more often. Man, you are truly a cinematic gem. Such great directing skills you have. You should start direction workshops and teach other directors in India how to direct a film. Parava doesn't have any extraordinary material in the writing; it doesn't have a solo hero, heroine, or even a standalone story; nor does it have any sensational fictional concept; and then it's a long film, spreading its wings for about 156 minutes, but believe me, it doesn't bore you for a moment. How did that happen? The answer is Shahir's marvellous direction. That's all. The story of Parava revolves around the pigeon race, a game which is prominent in Mattancherry, Kerala. It has multiple stories grabbed together, each linked to the other one from the start. It is not a story of one hero or two, and hence it has no main hero. It is a story of every single character involved in the narrative, and that's why everyone is a hero/heroine and has his/her own story to tell. Shahir makes sure that it doesn't drag anywhere, especially in the pigeon scenes. I can't disclose the details of how beautifully it has been shot because it would only spoil your viewing experience. But still, what fantastic cinematography, background score, and editing. Shahir's direction is simply amazing, and you can see it in every big scene in the film. And believe me, there are plenty of scenes like that. The actors simply follow the natural flow to make you fall in love with their characters so that you connect with them. Despite its not-so-great story, Parava is mesmerising, and that's why it is strongly recommended. Not every film is about writing, scripting, and sensational stuff; some are simple yet wonderful.

RATING - 7.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

A very well made movie. An average story lifted by some heavy performances by almost every actor. The bgm, songs, cinematography and the direction were top notch. Special mention to the performances of Shane Nigam & Srinath Bhasi.