Disney+ Hotstar collaborates with director Ram on his next movie ‘Paranthu Po’. The Mirchi Shiva-starrer has been officially selected for the Rotterdam film festival
India’s leading streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar has collaborated with one of Tamil cinema’s finest directors Ram on his eagerly-awaited next film ‘Paranthu Po’, which has now been officially selected for the Rotterdam Film Festival.
The film is a light-hearted, buoyant musical comedy featuring actors Mirchi Shiva, Grace Antony, Anjali and master Mithul Ryan in the lead. Film’s first look poster got released on Disney+ Hotstar social handles.
The story is about an obstinate schoolboy and his loving but cash-strapped dad, both of whom undertake a road trip away from the anxieties of the city.
Speaking about ‘Parandhu Po’ being selected for the Rotterdam film festival, director Ram said, “After ‘Peranbu’ (Resurrection) and ‘Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai’ (Seven Seas Seven Hills), I’m thrilled to have this film premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). When ‘Seven Seas Seven Hills’ was premiered at IFFR 2024, Mithul Ryan asked if ‘Paranthu Po’ (Fly Away) would also be screened there and if he could come to Rotterdam. I am delighted that a year later, his wish has come true. ‘Paranthu Po’ (Fly Away) will have its world premiere at IFFR 2025’s Limelight section.” Both Shiva and he will be attending the premiere on February 4, 8 pm at de Doelen Jurriaanse Zaal.
Talking about the film’s lead actor Mirchi Shiva, Ram said, “Shiva and I began our careers in 2007 – he with ‘Chennai 28’ and I with ‘Katrathu Tamil’. At that time, he was working at Radio Mirchi and interviewed me. We’ve been friends since then and have always wanted to collaborate. Finally, it happened with ‘Paranthu Po’ in 2024.”
‘Paranthu Po’ will also be the first time that Ram has ventured into the comedy genre.
“This film marks my first venture into feel-good comedy, featuring a talented ensemble cast. Grace Antony, known for her work in Malayalam cinema, was my perfect choice for the role given her natural flair for comedy. As always, Anjali has been incredibly supportive. Aju Varghese and Vijay Yesudas have been instrumental during both shooting and dubbing, making the process smooth. I’m also excited to introduce Master Mithul Ryan, a gifted young actor whose natural performance will surely surprise audiences. Collaborating with Hotstar has been a wonderful experience – they trusted my vision and allowed me to stay true to my original script. The entire team made it a peaceful and pleasant journey,” Ram said.
Talking about the experience of working with the iconic director Ram, Mirchi Shiva said, “It was a fantastic, new and great experience working with Ram sir. I always say Ram sir is one of a kind. He is an asset. Thank you, Disney+ Hotstar and Pradeep sir for this wonderful opportunity. When I signed this film, a lot of people asked me how this combination was going to work. When Ram sir approached me, I asked him the same question.”
However, Shiva said he got his answer soon.
“The story is fantastic. It is a nice and feel-good film. It will definitely be a film that everybody can watch and enjoy,” he said with confidence and expressed his gratitude to the director saying, “Once again, I would like to express my special thanks to Ram sir regarding this.”
Written and directed by Ram, ‘Parandhu Po’ is presented by Disney+ Hotstar and produced by Seven Seas and Seven Hills productions.
Background score for the film is done by Yuvan Shankar Raja and music is by Santhosh Dhayanithi. NK Ekhambram has cranked the camera for this film, which has editing by Mathi VS.
The film’s songs have lyrics by Madhan Karky while its stunts have been choreographed by Stunt Silva.
About Disney+ Hotstar:
Disney+ Hotstar (erstwhile Hotstar) is India’s leading streaming platform that has changed the way Indians watch their entertainment – from their favorite TV shows and movies to sporting extravaganzas. With the widest range of content in India, Disney+ Hotstar offers more than 100,000 hours of TV Shows and Movies in 8 languages and coverage of every major global sporting event.
