My role in Telugu film Paradha, an emotionally challenging one: Anupama Parameswaran

“More than physical hard work, it was an emotionally challenging role,” said Anumpama Parameswaran, the protagonist in the Telugu film Paradha, scheduled to release in theatres on August 22, 2025.

Directed by Cinema Bandi fame Praveen Kandregula, the film is set in a village where women are bound by the “paradha” custom which is the practice of covering their faces with veils. Anupama plays Subbu, a young woman raised to believe that marriage and motherhood are a woman’s ultimate destiny. The trailer of the film suggests that it is a compelling glimpse into a story rooted in deep-seated tradition and portrays the fight to break free of the shackles.

As part of a promotional tour, the Paradha team visited Vijayawada on Tuesday (August 12, 2025) and spoke to the local media. “I have faced many difficulties while doing this film and this is my dream role. I request you to please watch this film only in theatres and I promise that you will not be disappointed,” she said.

Speaking about how her character in the film needed to navigate complex and emotionally draining situations, Ms. Parameswaran became emotional and broke down. “It’s a unique and very special film that will be spoken about for many years. It takes courage to make films like this and I am privileged to play this role,” she said.

Ms. Parameswaran said the film portrays female empowerment and resilience, suggesting that a woman can overcome challenges and achieve her goals, potentially even in traditionally male-dominated fields or situations. Speaking about her costumes in the film, she said she loved wearing the traditional ‘langa-voni’. “I feel very comfortable in it and I love the way the great amount of focus given to every minute detail in the way we look in this project,” she said.

The director of the film Praveen Kandregula said he would consider this project as his cinematic debut. “My first two films were quirky and comedy-based, but this is a serious subject packed with emotions,” he said.

‘A fan of Mani Ratnam’

Calling himself a huge Mani Ratnam fan, Mr. Praveen said Paradha is visually appealing. “I love to tell new stories in my own sensibilities and Paradha is an attempt in that direction,” he said, making a fervent request to people to watch the film in theatres on August 22.