“The Shell of the Mask” is one of this year’s most highly anticipated, eclectic bilingual releases set to thrill audiences with its strong narrative, Devan Key’s stellar ensemble cast, and the way it deals with cultural themes.
This Telugu and Malayalam drama by Praveen Kandregula of Cinema Bandi of the extremely well received debut flick is definitely an emotional and soul searching watch. We cover every aspect of Paradha in our in-depth guide, including the release date, cast, plot, trailer, music, and more, so you can be sure you have all the information you need about this masterpiece that focuses on women.
Overview of Paradha
Paradha is a social drama that explores themes of tradition, resilience, and the divine feminine, set against the backdrop of rural India. The movie is bilingual in Telugu and Malayalam, and is produced by star producer duo Raj and DK, who has given us The Family Man series. A story revolving around the cultural traditions, personal travels and the social challenges that women face, Paradha is expected to be a gritty yet inspiring story.
Key Details:
- Genre: Drama, Mystery, Adventure
- Languages: Telugu, Malayalam
- Director: Praveen Kandregula
- Producers: Vijay Donkada, Sreenivasulu PV, Sridhar Makkuva (Ananda Media)
- Release Date: August 22, 2025
- Cinematography: Mridul Sujit Sen
- Music: Gopi Sundar
- Editor: Dharmendra Kakarala
Release Date
Paradha is set to hit theaters worldwide on August 22, 2025, coinciding with Megastar Chiranjeevi’s birthday, adding to the buzz surrounding its release. The film will be screened in various theaters across India, including locations like Bellary, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and more. Fans can book tickets through platforms like BookMyShow, Paytm, Ticketnew, and Vue Cinemas, where screening times and availability are listed.
Cast and Crew
The supporting cast in Paradha is solid, with Anupama Parameswaran leading the way, Darshana Rajendran and Sangeetha Krish are part of the pivotal roles. The film also marks Rag Mayur’s entry and features a stellar cast comprising of Mahesh Achanta, Chammak Chandra, Jhansi Shatru, Kalpalatha, Khedar Shankar among others.
Key Cast Members:
- Anupama Parameswaran as Subbu: Subbu is a character struggling with the emotional lines drawn and society pressure compels to change as the time.anupama is a notable actress known for Premam and Tillu Square.
- Darshana Rajendran: A versatile actress who adds depth to the narrative with her compelling performance.
- Sangeetha Krish: A seasoned actress contributing to the film’s emotional core.
- Rag Mayur: Plays an important supporting role in this women-centric drama.
Crew Highlights:
- Director Praveen Kandregula: After the success of Cinema Bandi, Praveen brings his unique storytelling style to Paradha, blending realism with emotional depth.
- Producers Raj and DK: The duo’s involvement adds credibility, ensuring a high-quality production.
- Music by Gopi Sundar: Known for his soulful compositions, Gopi Sundar’s score enhances the film’s emotional and spiritual tone.
- Cinematography by Mridul Sujit Sen: The film’s visuals, shot in the picturesque locales of Himachal Pradesh, promise stunning imagery.
Plot and Themes
The teaser and promotional materials for Paradha provide intriguing hints about the story, even though the entire storyline is kept a secret to avoid spoilers. The story’s main character, Subbu (played by Anupama Parameswaran), goes on a very personal and emotional journey and attempts suicide, spending an astounding ₹70 lakh.
She is accompanied by two other ladies, played by Darshana Rajendran and Sangeetha Krish, whose lives become intertwined with hers in a village full with antiquated traditions and superstitions, including the controversial Sati ceremony.
The film explores the following themes:
- Cultural Traditions: Paradha explores the traditions of rural India, and shares not only their beauty, but the hardships which these traditions impose on women, including societal expectations.
- Valuing women: The story honours the power of women with a spiritual flavour to it, as in the song Yatra Naryasthu.
And the story is about the emotional resilience of these people as they face bereavement, society’s demands and their own reinvention.
Tellingly, Subbu briefly flashes her faced in a dramatic teaser before hiding it behind a parda, or a curtain, a metaphor that disengenuously doubles up for title of the film and the facade that people wear in society or the hidden motives of life. And “In the Name of Love” is exactly this way, appropriately enough given the subtitle: the story is rooted in depths of pure emotion.
Also Read: Andaaz 2 Movie: Chapter of Love and Drama Awaits in 2025
Trailer
The first look teaser of Paradha, released on January 22, 2025, has been making headlines for the breathtaking visuals and deep emotional connect. Narrative of Subbu’s journey and cultural milieu of the story — the picturesque backdrop of Himachal Pradesh — are displayed in the teaser. The song ends with Anupama’s insight, with a devotional song on spiritual points, and images of veiled women and a female deity.
Music and Soundtrack
The sounds of Paradha, by Gopi Sundar, is the strength. The first single, Yatra Naryasthu was published with the release date of the film as 17 July 2025. Sung by Anurag Kulkarni with lyrics by Vanamali, the song is a ballad that lauds the women power and their divinity, and manages to mix emotional resonance with spiritual gravity. Its soul-stirring melody and poignant lyrics have been well-received, setting expectations high for the rest of the soundtrack.
Production
The involvement of Raj and DK lends credence to Paradha, which is produced by Ananda Media’s Vijay Donkada, Sreenivasulu PV, and Sridhar Makkuva. According to Anupama Parameswaran, the business is hesitant to support films that focus on women, with OTT platforms, distributors, and producers usually taking a backseat. The movie struggled to get a release as a result. Despite these obstacles, the team’s dedication over the course of three years of hard work has resulted in a film that is ready to make an impression.
OTT Release and Streaming Platform
There is currently no official confirmation of Paradha’s OTT debut date or streaming service. Fans can, however, stay informed by going to websites like Filmibeat, which offer the most recent information on the movie’s digital distribution. Following its theatrical release, it is anticipated that the film would draw interest from significant over-the-top (OTT) platforms due to its well-known cast and production.
Conclusion
More than just a movie, Paradha is a celebration of the culture, power, and resilience of women. When it premieres on August 22, 2025, viewers will surely be impressed by its outstanding cast, imaginative director, and compelling story. Regardless of your preference for the film’s striking imagery, cultural commentary, or emotional nuance, Paradha is definitely worth seeing. For an amazing experience, don’t miss it in theatres and stay tuned for details on its OTT release.