Plot Summary
The story takes place in a village called Padati. Subbalakshmi (Anupama Parameshwaran) lives there with her father after losing her mother in childhood. The village is bound by a strange belief tied to the goddess Jwalamma. Women must always wear a veil (Paradha), and if anyone is seen without it, the villagers believe it will anger the goddess, endangering pregnant women and unborn children.
Those who break the rule are forced to sacrifice their lives by jumping into a well. Subbalakshmi, while bound by these customs, falls in love with Rajesh, a young man from the same village, and their marriage is arranged. However, on the engagement day, Subbalakshmi’s photo appears on the cover of an English magazine without a veil. The villagers cancel the marriage and demand that she prove her innocence or face ritual sacrifice. The rest of the story follows her struggle to prove the truth and the challenges she faces in the process.
Analysis
Director Praveen Kandregula attempts to showcase a sensitive subject—a young woman trapped in oppressive traditions. The story begins with Jwalamma Jathara, blending village ambience, narration, and Anupama’s look, but quickly raises doubts. The strict rules appear exaggerated, making the audience question their relevance in today’s time and place.
The narrative feels disconnected. While viewers expect the story to be set in a bygone era, modern elements like smartphones and English magazines shatter the believability. The clash between outdated practices and a contemporary setting weakens the impact.
The message—condemning blind traditions and emphasizing the right to live freely—is valid. However, the attempt to combine it with entertainment fails due to uneven pacing and lack of conviction in storytelling.
Performances
Anupama Parameshwaran carries the film with a sincere performance, convincingly portraying Subbalakshmi’s emotional struggle. Despite her strong acting, uneven makeup at times distracts on screen. Sangeetha and Darshana Rajendran deliver good support, while other cast members are passable.
Technical Aspects
Praveen Kandregula’s choice of subject is interesting but poorly executed. The inconsistent depiction of time and place reduces credibility. The naming of the village (Padati) and the exaggerated customs feel forced.
- Cinematography by Mridul Sujith Sen captures the rural backdrop neatly.
- Gopi Sundar’s music is average, with the background score failing to elevate tension.
- Editing by Dharmendra Kakarala is functional but could have been sharper to improve pacing.
Final Verdict
Paradha had the potential to be a strong social drama but falters due to its lack of coherence between story, setting, and execution. Despite Anupama’s earnest performance and an important message, the film suffers from a predictable narrative and poor engagement. Ultimately, it becomes just another story that moves exactly the way the audience anticipates.