Parannu Parannu Parannu Chellan Movie Review
Parannu Parannu Parannu Chellan: A Story of Love, Tradition, and Family Conflict
In a predictable yet heartfelt tale set against the backdrop of traditional art forms, Parannu Parannu Parannu Chellan follows a young couple from different social backgrounds as they fight for their love amidst familial and cultural obstacles.The title of this film is inspired by a well-known Malayalam song, which makes a few appearances throughout the movie. True to the lyrics, the characters in Parannu Parannu Parannu Chellan embark on their romantic journeys by breaking free from societal constraints related to religion and status. Director Jishnu Harindra's approach is refreshingly free of extravagant gimmicks, instead incorporating the rich tradition of puppetry and porattu nadakam, a popular art form in rural Palakkad, to add a unique flavor to an otherwise familiar storyline.
Written by Vishnu Raj, the film opens with Kokkavan (Vijayaraghavan), a master of porattu nadakam. The director uses Kokkavan not only as a witness to the characters' fates but also as a kind of clairvoyant commentator-much like he does in his traditional performances.
The plot of this love story unfolds in a straightforward manner, without much complexity. Though the central conflict is predictable, there is an extended climax that adds some drama. Set in Palakkad, the story revolves around Jiju (played by Unni Lalu), a young man from a humble background, and Sandhya (Samriddhi Tara), a member of a respected family. Jiju dreams of joining the police force, but his aspirations face resistance from Sandhya's family, due to his father's past as a servant in their household. Despite the film's two-hour runtime, much of it follows predictable patterns until the climax, which unfolds during a captivating puppetry performance.
Sandhya's parents (Dasan Kongad and Radha Gomati) take pride in their esteemed ancestry, despite their current financial difficulties. She finds an ally in her relative, Sunanda (Sreeja Das), whose actions play a crucial role in shaping the conflict. When Sandhya's family learns of her love affair, her uncle Satheeshan (Sidharth Bharathan) aggressively confronts Jiju, forcing him to vow to marry her at any cost.
The turning point of the film occurs during an important family puja ceremony. Jiju plans to elope with Sandhya, aided by his friend Abu (Sajin Cherukayil), but his plans are thwarted. From the very beginning, Parannu Parannu Parannu Chellan offers little new aside from its exploration of puppetry and porattu nadakam. The director successfully weaves these cultural elements into the narrative, adding an extra layer of charm to an otherwise formulaic story.
Unni Lalu delivers a convincing portrayal of the earnest lover, though the screenplay does not challenge him with particularly difficult situations. His chemistry with Samriddhi Tara adds warmth to their romantic scenes, further enhanced by the fitting music of composers Joy Jinith and Raamnaath. Sidharth Bharathan's portrayal of the antagonist, who obstructs the couple's relationship, effectively drives the conflict forward.
Technically, the film is strong, thanks to the expertise of cinematographer Madhu Ambat. The film captures the tensions and divisions within the family of Sandhya's ancestral home, particularly in the denouement. While the story is riddled with cliches, the incorporation of puppetry and porattu nadakam serves as the film's most distinctive and redeeming feature, elevating the conflict and offering a refreshing touch to the otherwise conventional plot.
