Paranthu Po Review – Aju Varghese Shines as the Pure Soul of Ram’s Musical Road Trip

Last night, I watched Paranthu Po—and somewhere between the father–son mischief, the catchy musical beats, and the breezy road-trip charm, a single character walked in and quietly took over my heart. That character was played by Aju Varghese.

Yes, Paranthu Po is many things—a joyful Tamil road musical by director Ram, a feel-good escape filled with innocence and laughter—but for me, it became Aju Varghese’s film. His character wasn’t loud or showy. He wasn’t the “hero” in the conventional sense. But in the Ram cinematic universe, he felt like another pure soul, the kind you can’t help but treasure.

A Pure Soul in the Ram Universe

Watching him on screen instantly reminded me of Meiyazhagan because of that rare, unfiltered kindness his character carries., Aju’s presence felt like a pause—a moment of calm and goodness.

He doesn’t force emotions on you; he lets you discover them. His warmth is in the little things: the way he listens, the way he looks at people with genuine understanding, and the way his smile feels like it belongs to someone who has never lost faith in humanity.

The Journey Around Him

The film’s main journey follows Gokul (Shiva) and his spirited 8-year-old son Anbu (Mithul Ryan) on an unplanned road trip. Along the way, they meet vibrant characters, enjoy music-filled adventures, and learn small but profound lessons about life.
And then… they meet Aju Varghese’s character.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the tone of my experience shifted the moment he entered. Up until then, the film felt like a fun, heartwarming ride. But after his appearance, there was this sudden depth—an unspoken understanding that some people simply exist to make the world better.

Why He Stands Out

• He embodies the “good stranger” archetype, a reminder that not all new faces are dangerous; some are blessings in disguise.

• His performance is so natural that you stop seeing the actor and only see the human.

• In a film where every character has quirks, his simplicity becomes the strongest charm.

The Music and the Mood

Of course, Paranthu Po wouldn’t be the same without its vibrant music by Santhosh Dhayanidhi and background score by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The songs—22 little musical snippets penned by Madhan Karky—give the whole journey a whimsical flow. But even in these lighthearted moments, Aju’s scenes feel grounded, like emotional anchors in a sea of playful chaos.

Leaving the Theatre with a Smile

When the credits rolled, I realised something—yes, I laughed, I enjoyed the musical journey, I adored the father–son bond… but the image I carried home was Aju Varghese’s kind eyes and that soft, reassuring smile.

For me, Paranthu Po isn’t just another feel-good Tamil film. It’s a reminder that in a world rushing past, there are still Meiyazhagans—pure souls who quietly change your day without even trying.

And in Ram’s universe, Aju Varghese just became one of the most memorable of them all.

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