This 2-hour, 22-minute film depicts a harrowing village story, climax will leave you terrified, movie is…. lead actors were…

A recently released Telugu film set in a rural backdrop is drawing attention for its daring subject and intense storytelling, centered around deep-rooted traditions and the silent resilience of women.

Written by: Ayush Srivastava

Published: September 28, 2025, 11:59 PM IST

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There’s a new village‑based Telugu film that’s stirring conversations, bold in its premise, unsettling in its narrative, and ambitious in its scope. It unravels a story about customs, oppression, and courage in a rural community. The film has already made its way to OTT, and early reactions reflect a mix of respect and critique.

Which film is this?

The film in question is called Paradha (2025), directed by Praveen Kandregula. It stars Anupama Parameswaran, Darshana Rajendran, and Sangeetha Krish, among others. The premise follows a village where tradition dictates that women must forever veil themselves, and one woman’s face is unintentionally revealed. The fallout is violent, relentless, and deeply symbolic.
Currently, Paradha holds an IMDb rating of 5.5. It is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Telugu and Malayalam versions with subtitles and was released theatrically on August 22, 2025.

What is the storyline?

Paradha is set in the village of Padathi, where women are forced to wear a veil (paradha) for life after puberty, believing that showing their face leads to death. The story follows Subbu (Anupama Parameswaran), whose veil accidentally slips, sparking fear, shame, and social backlash. As a photo of her uncovered face spreads, Subbu fights to prove her innocence. With support from two women, Rathna and Ami, she challenges age-old beliefs, exposing how patriarchy uses fear to control women.

Why has the film received less reception from audience?

The film has struggled with reception largely due to its implausible premise and uneven storytelling. Critics point out that forcing women to veils under threat of death feels artificially dramatic, which makes it hard for viewers to invest emotionally. Still, performances have received positive notes. Anupama Parameswaran is praised for anchoring the film with emotional depth, handling limited screen visibility yet conveying conviction. Darshana Rajendran, who returned to Telugu industry after her 2015 film Moodu Mukkallo Cheppalante, delivered a commendable performance, while Sangeetha Krish brings nuance to her supporting role.

Story Highlights

1. Paradha is a Telugu village-based film centered on oppressive customs forcing women to remain veiled for life.
2. The story follows Subbu, whose accidental unveiling triggers social chaos and violence in her village.
3. The film explores themes of patriarchy, fear, and rebellion, as Subbu and two other women rise to challenge age-old beliefs.
4. Despite bold performances, the film received mixed reviews due to its exaggerated premise and inconsistent execution.

Paradha dares to explore bold, unsettling themes set in a deeply patriarchal village, where veiling is a matter of life and death.