The narrative of the film #ParuParvathy revolves around Paru, also known as Parvathy (portrayed by Poonam Sirnaik), a homemaker in her sixties residing alone in Bengaluru. Her husband, an army officer, is stationed in distant Uttarakhand, while her five children visit infrequently, offering her guidance but lacking genuine engagement. Yearning to escape her suffocating solitude, Paru resolves to embark on a transformative road trip with her friend, travel vlogger Payal (played by Deepika Das).

The film #ParuParvathy can be classified as a road movie that emphasizes the journey rather than the destination, presenting a unique and underexplored theme that centers on the travelers themselves. The red Isuzu adventure utility vehicle, which transports the two protagonists, Deepika Das and Poonam Sirnaik, along with a third companion, Fawaz Ashraf, plays a pivotal role in the storyline, equally as significant as the human characters.

Poonam Sirnaik, known for her roles in Hindi television series such as Patiala Babes and Shubh Laabh Aapkey Ghar Mein, makes her debut in Kannada cinema as the titular character in #ParuParvathy. Paru's circumstances are relatable to anyone who has relocated to a new city, state, or country, leaving behind an aging parent. In the midst of daily professional and personal obligations, the time dedicated to that parent—whether in person or through other means—often becomes a secondary consideration. The portrayal of Paru, surrounded by family yet feeling profoundly isolated, strikes a familiar chord.

The film quickly transitions as Paru embarks on her mission, setting out on this life-altering expedition across the nation. This journey is characterized by breaking conventions and stepping beyond her comfort zone. However, it is noteworthy that much of the emotional weight of Paru’s character is carried by the seasoned actress Sudharani, who provides the voice for the character.

Poonam may be a skilled actress and possesses driving abilities, yet her struggles with lip syncing and the lack of depth in her expressions significantly detract from her performance. This role would have been better suited for someone like Urvashi or even Rekha Kudligi. Nevertheless, Poonam makes a commendable effort to infuse warmth into Paru’s relationship with Payal; however, one cannot help but ponder how the portrayal might have fared with an actress more adept in language, comedy, and drama.

Deepika Das presents a convincing and grounded portrayal of Payal, appearing to genuinely relish her role. Fawaz Ashraf, who plays the young man that Payal and Paru meet during their journey and who briefly joins them, attempts to inject humor into the film and achieves some success. He is visually appealing, and the playful energy he brings to his character, Midhun, evokes comparisons to Naslen or even Tovino Thomas.

The cinematography of #ParuParvathy stands out as its greatest asset; DOP Abin Raj skillfully utilizes drone shots to showcase the vastness of India. However, the film falters in maintaining a concise narrative—at 2 hours and 40 minutes, it feels excessively lengthy, particularly since much of it is set within the confines of a car. Given the limited storyline, filmmaker Rohit could have eliminated certain elements, such as the subplot involving a lecherous truck driver or Payal’s lost love, which would have easily trimmed 20-25 minutes and rendered #ParuParvathy a more enjoyable experience.

The film conveys two primary messages: the importance of providing care and attention to elderly family members and the value of breaking free from societal constraints to seek life experiences on the road. As someone who frequently drives but tends to focus on reaching the destination rather than enjoying the journey, the latter message did not resonate with me. However, the former certainly did.

The verdict on the film ParuParvathy is that it is an uplifting road movie that encapsulates a journey of introspection and transformation, interwoven with elements of humor and drama, all set against the picturesque backdrop of India's hinterlands. However, a more discerning approach to editing by the creators could have significantly enhanced the overall quality of the film.

Read Also: Plainclothes Review: Tom Blyth Delivers a Stunning Breakout Performance in Gritty Cop Drama

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!