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#ParuParvathy movie review: Deepika Das is solid in road movie that’s beautifully shot but just too long

#ParuParvathy movie review: Deepika Das is joined by Poonam Sirnaik, who makes her Kannada film debut, in this transformative road trip, which releases in theatres on January 31

3/5rating
#ParuParvathy movie review: Deepika Das is solid in road movie that’s beautifully shot but just too long
Deepika Das plays a travel vlogger in ParuParvathy

Last Updated: 02.18 PM, Jan 30, 2025

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#ParuParvathy movie story: Paru, aka Parvathy (Poonam Sirnaik), a homemaker in her 60s, lives alone in Bengaluru, what with her army man husband stationed in far-off Uttarakhand, while her 5 kids visit occasionally, give her instructions, but don’t really pay attention to her. Desperate to get away from this stifling and lonely existence, Paru decides to take off with her pal and travel vlogger Payal (Deepika Das) and go on a life-altering road trip.

#ParuParvathy movie review: A road movie that is more about the journey than the destination itself, is an interesting and less explored concept - one that puts the focus firmly on the travellers, and, in the case of #ParuParvathy, the mode of travel too. A red Isuzu adventure utility vehicle that takes the two leads – Deepika Das and Poonam Sirnaik – and a third travel companion, Fawaz Ashraf, across India, is just as central to the plot as the human characters.

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Poonam Sirnaik, who’s been a part of Hindi TV series like Patiala Babes and Shubh Laabh Aapkey Ghar Mein, among others, makes her Kannada film debut as the title character in #ParuParvathy. Paru’s situation is one that will resonate with anyone who’s migrated to a different city, state or country and left behind a single parent back home. When caught up in day-to-day professional and personal responsibilities, time spent with that parent – in person or otherwise – does become an afterthought. Watching Paru surrounded by her kith and kin and yet being so alone has a familiar ring to it.

It doesn’t take long for the film to shift gears, as Paru has a mission to achieve, for which she sets out on this life-changing journey across the country. A trip that is about breaking rules and stepping out of her comfort zone. All of which is fine, except that much of the load-bearing of Paru’s role is done by veteran actress Sudharani, who voices the character.

Deepika Das and Poonam Sirnaik in ParuParvathy
Deepika Das and Poonam Sirnaik in ParuParvathy

Poonam maybe an accomplished actress and can drive, but the lip sync fails and that her expressions often lacked the gravity of the words she spoke are major deterrents. This is a role that needed someone like, say, Urvashi. Even Rekha Kudligi, perhaps. Having said that, Poonam does give it her best to give Paru’s bond with Payal a certain warmth, but I just couldn’t help but think how it would have been with someone with a flair for the language, comedy and drama.

Deepika Das looks good and presents Payal as realistically and grounded as possible. The actress really seems to have enjoyed every bit of being Payal. Fawaz Ashraf, as the youngster that Payal and Paru encounter on the way, and briefly becomes their travel companion, tries to bring in the laughs and succeeds to some extent. He’s easy on the eye, but the goofy energy he brings to his character, Midhun, has Naslen or even Tovino Thomas vibes.

Fawaz Ashraf in ParuParvathy
Fawaz Ashraf in ParuParvathy

#ParuParvathy’s biggest strength is its cinematography; presented with a landscape as wide as the country, DOP Abin Raj goes to town, making the most of drone shots to capture India at its best. Where the film fails is in keeping things crisp – 2 hours and 40 minutes is a very, very long time, especially when a lot of it is confined to the car and the drive itself. Given that there’s not much by way of story, filmmaker Rohit could have done away with, say, the bit about a lecherous truck driver, or, Payal’s lost love. That could have easily knocked off 20-25 minutes and made #ParuParvathy a far breezier watch.

The film has two core messages – one, about giving elderly folk in the family the care and attention they well and truly deserve and two, about breaking free from societal shackles and seeking life experiences on the road. As someone who drives a lot, but has always prioritised getting to the destination, than making the most of the drive, the latter did not really resonate with me. The first, most definitely did.

#ParuParvathy movie verdict: A feel-good road movie with a journey of reflection and change, humour and drama, all amid the beautiful hinterlands of India. If only the makers had been a tad more judicious with the edit, it would have been a lot better.

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