Paranthu Po review: Shiva and Ram’s musical road, Comedy wins hearts online

The director Ram, who is well-known for his emotionally intense dramas, has taken a refreshing detour with ‘Paranthu Po,’ a musical road comedy that hit theatres on July 4, 2025. The movie is starring Shiva, Grace Antony, and child actor Mithul Ryan, the film has quickly become a talking point on social media, with netizens praising its warmth, humor, and emotional depth.

Plot

‘Paranthu Po’ follows the story of Anbu, an energetic 8-year-old boy living in a cramped Chennai apartment with his overworked parents, Gokul played by Shiva and Glory portrayed by Grace Antony. As they are struggling to balance EMIs and parenting, the couple often leaves Anbu alone with his toys and online classes. A spontaneous road trip between father and son becomes the actual heart of the film, as they meet strangers, landscapes, and life lessons that reshape their bond once and for all.

Netizens react: “So heartwarming, poignant, and funny”

Social media platform lit up with praise for the film. One user wrote, “Who would've thought Ram would team up with an actor like Shiva and give a movie like Paranthu Po. So heartwarming, poignant, and funny. Cinema.”Another fan shared their excitement after a chance encounter with the director: “Went 3BHK, had an option to watch Paranthu Po in Sathyam or Palazzo, chose Palazzo… guess what. Met Ram and hugged him.”A third viewer summed up the film’s charm saying, “#ParanthuPo is light, beautiful, and musical.

As always, Ram covers heavy topics, but this time he blends them with humor. The hills and trees feel like characters themselves. Grace, Shiva, and the kid Anbu deliver fabulous performances.”

Music, visuals, and performances shine

The film’s music which is composed by Santhosh Dhayanidhi with background score by Yuvan Shankar Raja, has been praised for enhancing the emotional beats of the story. Cinematographer NK Ekambaram and editor Mathi VS bring a defining quality to the visuals, capturing the lush landscapes of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

A new side of Shiva

Known for his comedic timing in ‘Tamizh Padam,’ Shiva’s performance as a guilt-ridden but loving father has been described as his “best so far” by early reviewers. His chemistry with Mithul Ryan, who plays Anbu, anchors the film’s emotional core.

What’s next?

Following its theatrical release, ‘Paranthu Po’ is expected to stream on JioHotstar, with satellite rights secured by Vijay TV and Colors Tamil. The film had its international premiere earlier this year at the International Film Festival Rotterdam under the Limelight section.