Paranthu Po / Fly Away

Staying with the 'Slice of Life' genre in Kollywood, Paranthu Po has received a lot of good reviews and is finally on streaming.

The film urges you to take a break from 'life' every now and then, to not only look after what your children want, but also after what the child within wants, no matter how old you are. As a story - Good. It's not your traditional "setup, problem, resolution" storytelling but more of a "go with the flow" type of type. You'll be disappointed if you expect a 3-act structure. The story story simply starts and ends like a regular day.

The acting, messaging, music - All good. As a film - Good for the most part. Siva and Grace were good. So glad the kid in the movie wasn't portrayed as a 'smartass know-it-all' kid for comedic purposes. Some negatives - I don't know if the whole nostalgia baiting "crush" segment was necessary, felt forced. You may feel it's slow, even that it drags along, in the 2nd half.

The film says "Happiness is right there, waiting to be found, if you know where to look" - easier said than done, especially in this economy. While it wasn't the feel good movie I thought it would be, it's still a good one-time watch that leaves you with several things to reflect on - your parents, your kids - if you have any, and the amount of work one has to put in, to simply exist in this day-and-age.

Paranthu Po is a pure musical journey filled with humor, emotions, and deep understanding. It's a heartfelt film that resonates deeply with the audience.

Actor Shiva showcases his humor at its peak. Every scene featuring him had the audience laughing and thoroughly entertained.

Grace Antony delivers an outstanding performance. Her transformation in the last 30 minutes is truly powerful and unforgettable.

"Why are all fathers liars?" - the film provides a touching and emotional answer to this question. It's a must-watch gem, so don't miss it in theatres!

Please watch it in theatre only then only you can travel with the journey.

Parandhu Po is a breath of fresh air that takes flight not just in its title, but in its soul. Director Ram, known for his grounded and emotionally stirring narratives, crafts a warm, insightful, and gently humorous tale that speaks to both the child and the adult in us.

The film follows the journey of an 8-year-old boy who is often left locked inside his home by his well-meaning but overworked parents. What begins as a mundane routine takes a delightful turn when a series of unexpected events allows him to break free. Not just from the four walls of his home, but from societal expectations, loneliness, and monotony.

What sets Parandhu Po apart is its effortless blend of innocence and introspection. From climbing a hilltop in search of wonder, to diving into temple waters with unfiltered joy, to an endearing interaction with Shiva's childhood crush, and even orchestrating a hilarious moment where his father ends up stuck on a tree - every scene feels alive and deeply symbolic. The boy's small adventures become metaphors for larger themes: the need for attention, the cost of modern parenting, and the subconscious longing for nature and community.

The film does not preach - instead, it gently nudges. Ram's writing and direction weave in powerful themes such as parental responsibility, emotional neglect, and even smoking addiction. But with a lightness that never overwhelms. There is wisdom in every smile, and lessons behind every laugh.

The performances are uniformly strong. The young boy who leads the film is an absolute delight. Charismatic, natural, and deeply affecting. Shiva brings both humour and emotional depth, and Grace Antony impresses with her quiet strength and nuance. The supporting cast also shines, each contributing richly to the film's textured world.

Technically, the film is beautifully shot with natural landscapes and small-town aesthetics that echo the inner freedom the protagonist seeks. The music is understated yet moving, adding emotional warmth without ever manipulating the viewer.

In a world chasing speed and success, Parandhu Po reminds us to pause, breathe, and connect. Not just with each other, but with ourselves and the earth beneath our feet. It leaves behind a subtle yet stirring message: that joy doesn't come from wealth or material comfort alone, but from love, freedom, and the little wonders of everyday life.

Sound plays a major role in this film's emotional impact. Arul Murugan's sound design and M. R. Rajakrishnan's audiography create a world that feels immediate and immersive. From the ambient noises to the intentional silences, everything works to serve the emotional rhythm.

Rajashekaran's color grading, Karthik Kambettan's VFX, Jaikumar Vairavan's stills, and the team behind the film's publicity and creative campaigns - Twenty. One. G (Pravin P. K) and On The House - all contribute to a consistent, aesthetic and emotional identity. The teaser edit by Pradeep E Ragav deserves a mention for setting the tone right from the start.

Credit also goes to producers Ram, V Gunasekaran, V Karupuchaamy, and V Shankar for backing a film that prioritizes artistic integrity over commercial calculation.

Director and the actors/actresses need to be complimented for a very good, family entertainment movie with a message for parents. Director RAM has come up with a simple, powerful story and has done a very good job extracting the best out of even child actors Mithul and Jess. The pain of middle-class life is expressed very well by the lead actors - Shiva and Grace. Young Mithul must be a very good dancer. Simple story but with an important message of the need for parents to spend time with their children. Compliments to the whole team for a good family entertainment which seems to be rare nowadays.