Paranthu Po

Storyline

Paranthu Po is a Tamil road musical comedy-drama that follows Gokul (Shiva), a struggling father drowning in middle-class stress, and his curious young son Anbu (Mithul Ryan). When Gokul's wife leaves for a work trip, father and son embark on an impulsive journey. What starts as a distraction becomes a profound experience of bonding, music, and emotional rediscovery. Directed by Ram, the film beautifully captures the subtle joys of life and the importance of slowing down.

Tags

Tagline

Rediscovering the simple joys of life

Motion Picture Rating (MPA)

NC16 and U

Trivia

• Director Ram wrote the script during the COVID-19 lockdown, inspired by the idea of freedom in stillness.
• Most songs were shot live on location with natural lighting and ambient sound to preserve realism.
• Child actor Mithul Ryan (Anbu) improvised several lines, which were kept in the final cut due to their authenticity.
• The film was shot entirely on the road, with minimal use of sets — adding to its documentary-like realism.
• The title Paranthu Po (“Fly Away”) was kept secret until the first teaser dropped, sparking curiosity on social media.

Goofs

• In one scene, Gokul uses a phone with a 4G signal in a supposedly no-network village.
• A minor continuity error: the scooter fuel level changes abruptly between two shots.
• A background clock jumps forward an hour mid-conversation in a house scene.

Quotes

• Anbu: “Appa, if you don’t smile, your eyes get tired.” A line that became a fan favorite for its innocence.
• Gokul: “Vaazhkai enna bus stop illa pa… adhu nadandhuttu thaane irukum.”Life isn’t a bus stop, son... it keeps moving.
• Glory: “Nee thaane sonna, chinna santhosham dhaan periya vaazhkai".You’re the one who said, Small joys make the biggest life.”

Crazy_credits

• During the end credits, a montage of unseen travel moments between Gokul and Anbu plays, backed by a lullaby-style version of the theme song.
• The names of the local villagers who hosted the crew are listed in a special “Thanks for your warmth” section.
• Credits end with:
• “Dedicated to every parent who learned to live again, through their child.”

Connections

• Director Ram subtly connects Paranthu Po to his earlier film Peranbu (2019); both explore parenting, but from opposite ends: Peranbu was about a special needs daughter; Paranthu Po is about emotional reconnection with a son.
• One of the background scores contains a reworked melody from Thanga Meengal, another Ram film.
• There’s a brief poster in one scene referencing Balumahendra, director Ram’s mentor.

Soundtracks

• Music composed by: Ved Shankar or Yuvan
• "Parakkum Neram" – Sung by Sid Sriram
• Uplifting road trip song, full of energy and freedom.
• "Anbu Mazhai" – Sung by Uthara Unnikrishnan
• Emotional father-son bonding song, soft and heartfelt.
• "Mazhaiyin Kural" – Sung by Chinmayi
• A gentle montage song about small moments and inner feelings.
• "Thanimaiyin Osai" – Sung by Pradeep Kumar
• Calm, soul-touching track used toward the end of the film.
• Background Score – Composed in a minimal, natural style
• Enhances the road journey and emotional tone of the film.