Parvathy Thirovothu very often pops up in news, and for all the right reasons too. Be it standing up for the Women’s Collective in Cinema (WCC) and expressing solidarity with the sexually abused actress of Malayalam cinema, or being vocal about the misogyny in Malayalam films citing example of the Mammooty starrer Kasaba (that unleased the super star’s fan-troll army on her) or wearing the ‘feminichi’—a derogatory (supposedly) term for feminists—tag with pride, she is a force in itself. Recently in the Actor’s Adda hosted by Film Companion, she decoded the difference in glorification of a problematic character on screen (Kabir Singh, Arjun Reddy) vs the depiction of one without embellishments (Joker) receiving much applause, and viral praise on Twitter. The claps strengthened as she acknowledged her mistake on Twitter for a wrong usage of mental illness as an adjective in her discourse.
From a forgettable debut Out of Syllabus in Malayalam to a lead actress-debut in Milana in Kannada to carefully, curated and selected movie projects that she currently works on, Parvathy has proved her mettle as one of the best Indian actors on-screen and a fearless woman off-screen. Here are ten best films, mostly Malayalam and two Tamil (many available on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hotstar) starring Parvathy Thiruvothu.
1.Charlie (2015)
The fiery, jolly, I-don’t-give-a-damn Tessa of Charlie is one of my favourite characters played by Parvathy. The movie being a visual treat—the Meesapulimala hill views or the magnanimous Thrissur pooram shots or the romanticized clutter-to-art room—is just one more reason to watch the film as soon as you can. Here Tessa is in pursuit of the mysterious Charlie (played by Dulquer Salman) who was the previous tenant in the room she rents. Through comic book sketches, strangers and coincidences, they finally meet. Be still, my heart!
2.Bangalore Days (2014)
Bangalore Days is that fun, entertainer that takes you back to those days of chilling out with your cousins. Written and directed by Anjali Menon, it primarily follows three cousins (Kunju, Kuttan and Aju played by Nazriya Nazim, Nivin Pauly and Dulquer Salman). Parvathy slips effortlessly into the garb of RJ Sarah, a paraplegic, who becomes close friends with the good-for-nothing stamped (by family) Kuttan. Bangalore Days was a commercial entertainer and brought Parvathy to the limelight once again in Malayalam cinema. She gained much attention (and fandom) for her look in the film, especially the spectacles.
Where to watch? — Hotstar
3.Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015)
Ennu Ninte Moideen (transl Yours Truly, Moideen) is a tear jerker. I was bawling my eyes out by the end of the film and then again the next day and the day after. The movie follows two lovers, Kanchanamala (Parvathy) and Moideen (Prithviraj) —a Hindu girl from an aristocratic family and a Muslim man from a well known Muslim family—who are not allowed to marry because inter-community marriages were frowned upon in the 1960s. Set in Mukkam in north Kerala, this true story is heart breaking and Parvathy’s performance is nothing short of splendid.
Where to watch? — Hotstar
Read : The ULTIMATE list of BEST Malayalam movies on Hotstar
4.Take Off (2017)
This drama thriller follows the real life incident of 19 Malayali nurses held hostage in an Iraqi hospital by the ISIS, and their rescue. I watched the whole movie holding my breath, literally. Parvathy plays the role of the over worked, tired, Sameera—a divorcee (who marries again). The personal turmoil vs the political situation is portrayed in a deeply realistic manner. The movie ends with the actual footage of nurses reaching Cochin airport and that’s when you’ll break down to tears.
Where to watch? — Hotstar
5.Uyare (2019)
In Uyare, Parvathy plays an ambitious girl, Pallavi Raveendran, who dreams of being a pilot and is blindly in love with her possessive, manipulative boyfriend, thus ignoring the many red flags in her relationship. When her boyfriend (played by Asif Ali in an equally convincing performance as an unlikeable character) takes revenge by throwing acid on her face, it jeopardizes her confidence, career and physical appearance. A gritty story about surviving as an acid attack victim.
Where to watch? — Netflix
6.City of God (2011)
City of God weaves interconnected stories that happen over a road accident in Cochin, very much in the vein of Traffic which led the wave for the ‘New generation cinema’ with non-linear narrative. The crime thriller however did not do well in box office—critics have pointed out that had it been released at a later period in Malayalam cinema, it would’ve been well received. Parvathy is Marathakam, a Tamil immigrant who has run away from an abusive first marriage. She develops feelings for a fellow immigrant but marries (and leaves) a petty thief. Much drama and of course, Marathakam is a pure treat to watch.
7.Notebook (2006)
For those wanting to watch Parvathy’s earliest films, there’s her second film Notebook directed by Rosshan Andrews and written by Bobby-Sanjay. The movie, set in a boarding school in Ooty follows three friends, young love and a teen pregnancy. Parvathy plays the role of Pooja, an ambitious, young girl who makes a selfish choice to secure her future. The film raked up some controversy for the subject matter among adults but was a hit among teens.
8.Maryan (2013)
Maryan (transl Immortal) is no doubt Dhanush’s film, almost like a solo adventure survival drama. But Parvathy who plays Panimalar, his love interest, gives an equally convincing performance in this Tamil film, be it wooing the man she loves or portraying the anguish of waiting for him, thus amplifying his character arc. Dhanush plays a fisherman who runs into money trouble for his lady love and goes to Sudan to work as a labourer on contract basis. But he is kidnapped by terrorists before he can be reunited with Panimalar. The movie is based on the real-life incident of Tamil migrant workers held hostage in Sudan. The cinematography shows the contrast between water teeming with life and the arid desert looming around like death. Be it the long-distance phone calls or the sly glances at the one you love or passing steel tiffins with curry during a movie screening, Maryan is a wonderful watch.
9.Virus (2019)
This close-to-life medical thriller starring many actors in equally meaty roles is as nail biting as the Nipah virus outbreak that shook Kerala. Parvathy plays the role of Dr. Annu who was pivotal in finding the cause of the virus. Watch the film not just for Parvathy’s brilliant performance (much praised because she enacted the mannerisms of Dr. Annu with ease) but also for the role of doctors, nurses, politicians, other staff in battling the outbreak by putting their own lives at risk.
Where to watch? — Amazon Prime
Read : The Best Malayalam Movies Streaming on Amazon Prime
10.Poo (2008)
A Tamil romantic drama with really helped showcase Parvathy’s acting talents. In this rural saga, she is Mari, a new bride living happily with her husband who owns a small provision store. When she visits her village for a festival and meets her old love (and cousin), something changes. Wonderful secondary characters and beautiful depiction of how love matures with age.
And that makes it ten!
Ten films starring Parvathy Thiruvoth that are simply excellent — medical drama, real life based thrillers, romance that'll make your heart flutter and more Click To Tweet For more of Parvathy’s films there are Qarib Qarib Single, a Hindi film opposite Irrfan Khan and Koode, a Malayalam film opposite Prithviraj. Enjoy!All images, except the featured image, are promotional posters of the said films. Please contact me if any need to be removed.
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I hadn’t heard of Parvathy Thirovothu until I watched that Round Table talk. Isn’t that SUCH a pity? And for that i shall always be grateful to Chopra. I completely fell in love with the way Parvathy spoke. She is so articulate and distinguished between the two scenarios with such clarity that I absolutely fell in love with her thought process. Obviously I haven’t watched any of her films. But now i will. I hope to find at least some of these on one of the streaming channels and with subtitles.
You are in for a treat. Hope you love the films you pick.