Parvathy debuted her acting career with the Malayalam film Out of Syllabus in 2006, and gained critical acclaim for her performance in the Tamil romantic drama Poo (2008). She rose to prominence with her roles in Bangalore Days (2014), Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015) and Charlie (2015). Her success continued with acclaimed performances in Take Off (2017), Uyare (2019),Virus (2019), and Puzhu (2022).
Beyond acting, she is an outspoken advocate for gender equality and a founding member of the Women in Cinema Collective.
Early life and education
Parvathy was born on 7 April 1988 in Kozhikode, Kerala, to P. Vinod Kumar and T. K. Usha Kumari, who are both lawyers. She has a brother, Aum Thiruvothu Karunakaran.[3][4]
Parvathy made her acting debut in the 2006 Malayalam film Out of Syllabus, portraying a supporting role as a college student. Her second venture, Rosshan Andrrews' Notebook, won media attention due to its theme on teenage pregnancy. She appeared alongside Roma Asrani and Mariya Roy, after being picked for one of the three main roles from five thousand applicants.[7][8] She was also seen in Sathyan Anthikkad's comedy-drama film, Vinodayathra (2007), playing a supporting role alongside an ensemble cast including Dileep, Mukesh and Meera Jasmine.[9]
Her first leading role was in the Kannada film Milana, which became a commercial success upon release. Pairing alongside Puneet Rajkumar, she was a surprise selection for the film and began working on the film in April 2007.[10] The film won mixed reviews, but the actress's role was praised with a critic noting she "has been a wonderful selection for the role", adding that "she has that right attitude for the role".[11] The film went on to become a big commercial success, running for 500 days at a multiplex in Bangalore.[12][13] She returned to the Malayalam industry portraying the leading female role in Sibi Malayil's Flash with Mohanlal and Indrajith, and prior to release revealed that she hoped the film would give a breakthrough as a lead actress in the industry.[14] However, the film failed commercially and garnered poor reviews on release.[15]
Parvathy was selected to play the lead role in Sasi's Poo (2008) and featured alongside Srikanth, portraying the role of a young Tamil village girl named Maari. She revealed that director Sasi selected her after a successful audition, and she learned Tamil to better understand the character. To acclimatize to the role, she had to get her skin tone several shades darker and also visited a firework factory to study Maari's occupation. The actress revealed she found it difficult get out of character and became emotionally attached to the role she had played.[16] Upon release, the film and her performance won rave reviews. A critic from Sify.com noted "Parvathy has lived in the role of Maari and takes your breath away as she effortlessly delivers such a difficult role so convincingly on her debut in Tamil", adding that "she is consistently credible and lifelike and absolutely riveting."[17] Similarly, Rediff.com's reviewer mentioned that Poo is "almost entirely Parvathy's film" noting that "she's superb", while Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu wrote, "Parvathy makes optimum use and plays a rustic belle to the hilt in attire and expression, also getting the body language right."[18][19] The actress subsequently went on to win the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actress, while also securing other accolades and nominations from several other award juries, notably winning the Vijay Award for Best Debut Actress.[20]
Her only release in 2009 was the Kannada film, Male Barali Manju Irali, directed by Vijayalakshmi Singh, where she dubbed for the role in her own voice. Parvathy accepted the venture, which featured mostly rookie technicians, noting that she was impressed by the director's script and revealed she had turned down several offers from Tamil filmmakers during the period who had wanted to cast her in roles similar to her character from Poo.[21] The film won rave reviews, with a critic noting "Parvathy steals the show" and that "she comes with one of the most absorbing performances", adding that "her level of commitment to the role could be gauged by the way she has taken pains to dub in an alien language almost perfectly."[22][23]
In 2010, Parvathy reunited with Puneet Rajkumar for Prithvi, which was based on the political landscape of Karnataka. The director has earmarked her for the role while writing the script and the media highlighted their collaboration, following the success of Milana.[24] Although the film opened to positive reviews, critics pointed out that Parvathy’s character had limited scope, noting that "she was mostly confined to the songs".[25][26]
In 2011, she starred in Lijo Jose Pellissery’s City of God, which garnered mixed reviews. Despite its commercial failure, critics praised her performance as a Tamil refugee girl, calling her "brilliant" and a "dynamo."[27][28] After the film, Parvathy voluntarily took a break, choosing to be more selective with her roles moving forward.[29]
Established actress (2013–2018)
After a two-year break from films, Parvathy made her comeback in 2013 with the Kannada romantic film Andhar Bahar co-starring Shivrajkumar, which told the story of the relationship between a newly married criminal and his wife. She dubbed in her own voice for the film again, revealing that she chose to star in the film as the role had scope for her to perform.[30] The film received positive reviews, with one critic noting "Parvathy lights up the screen whenever she appears and is a delight to watch".[31]
She was next seen in the 2013 Tamil thriller, Chennaiyil Oru Naal, featuring her alongside an ensemble cast. The film, a remake of the 2011 Malayalam film Traffic, has its narrative in a hyperlink format and Parvathy won good reviews for her small role as Aditi.[32][33] She then signed on for the lead role in Bharat Bala's romantic drama Maryan, opposite Dhanush. The director had seen her performance in Poo and subsequently auditioned her for the part, with Parvathy noting that the character was the best she has played to date. She portrayed Panimalar, a girl in love with the titular character Maryan, who inspires him to overcome his struggles. During production, Parvathy worked with fishermen to get into the mind of her character, while also learning to swim to perform the film's underwater scenes.[34] The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release in June 2013. A reviewer from Sify.com noted Parvathy "leaves a lasting impression", while another critic noted that she "is totally in sync with Dhanush all the way; she has matched him step for step, never allowing him to overshadow her."[35][36] The Times of India's noted "Parvathy is the other pillar of the film, and comes up with a scintillating performance", adding "it is such a pleasure to watch her portray various emotions".[37] Her portrayal as Panimalar made received her multiple nominations for Best Actress, most notably the Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Tamil and the Vijay Award for Best Actress.
In 2014, Parvathy appeared in Bangalore Days, directed by Anjali Menon, which became a major commercial success, with reports claiming as "one of the biggest hits in the history of Malayalam cinema".[38] The film featured an ensemble cast, including Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly, Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya Nazim, Nithya Menen and Isha Talwar. Parvathy's performance as RJ Sarah, a paraplegic radio jockey, was widely appreciated for its depth and sensitivity.[39] Her performance received critical acclaim for bringing authenticity and warmth to the character, earning her several accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Malayalam.
In 2015, Parvathy appeared in Ennu Ninte Moideen which narrated the tragic love tale of Kanchanamala and Moideen which happened in the 1960s in Mukkam, a riverside village in Kerala. The film opened to critical acclaim, with several critics regarding it as one of the greatest romance films made in Malayalam. Parvathy's performance was acclaimed critically and commercially. She went onto win many accolades most notably her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam.[40] The same year she appeared in Uttama Villain, a Tamil film directed by Ramesh Aravind, starring Kamal Haasan. The film featured an ensemble cast, including K. Balachander, Jayaram, Urvashi and Andrea Jeremiah. Parvathy played a key role in this experimental film, which combined elements of mythology, theatre, and personal redemption, further showcasing her versatility.[41] Her final release of 2015 was Charlie, where she starred alongside Dulquer Salmaan, Aparna Gopinath and Nedumudi Venu. The film, a light-hearted adventure-drama, was a major commercial success and went on to win eight Kerala State Film Awards.[42] Parvathy's role as Tessa, a free-spirited young woman on a quest to find a mysterious vagabond, was highly praised for its depth and liveliness.[43] For her performances in both Charlie and Ennu Ninte Moideen, she won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress, as well as the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam for Ennu Ninte Moideen, making 2015 one of the most significant years in her career.[44]
In 2016, Parvathy reprised her role as RJ Sarah in Bangalore Naatkal, the Tamil remake of the 2014 Malayalam hit Bangalore Days. Directed by Bommarillu Bhaskar, the film was a faithful adaptation of the original, focusing on the lives of three cousins navigating life and relationships in Bangalore. While the film followed the same narrative as the Malayalam version, it did not replicate the success of the Malayalam version. However, Parvathy's performance as RJ Sarah remained consistent, though the film's overall impact was less significant compared to the original.[citation needed]
Take Off, released in 2017, was one of the major performances in Parvathy's career. Directed by Mahesh Narayan and starring Kunchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil, the film received widespread acclaim, with praise from celebrities like Kamal Haasan. The film was screened at international festivals, including the International Film Festival of India and the International Film Festival of Kerala, and enjoyed a theatrical run of over 125 days. Parvathy's performance earned her the IFFI Best Actor Award (Female), making her the first Indian actress to win the Silver Peacock award.[45] She was also nominated for the National Film Award for Best Actress, where she lost to Sridevi in the final round but won her first National Film Award – Special Mention. She also secured her second Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress and another Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam.[46] Parvathy made her Bollywood debut in 2017, starring opposite Irrfan Khan in the romantic comedy Qarib Qarib Singlle.[47] Directed by Tanuja Chandra, the film follows the journey of two contrasting individuals who meet through a dating app and embark on a road trip across India. The film was well-received for its refreshing take on relationships, and Parvathy’s performance as Jaya, a reserved widow, was praised for bringing emotional depth and authenticity to her character.[48] This film marked an important milestone in her career, showcasing her ability to transition into Hindi cinema seamlessly while maintaining her signature style of acting.[49]
In 2018, Parvathy appeared in My Story, a romantic drama directed by Roshni Dinaker. She was paired with Prithviraj Sukumaran in this film, marking their second collaboration after Ennu Ninte Moideen. While the film did not perform as well as expected at the box office, Parvathy's performance was noted for her natural portrayal of emotion and her chemistry with Prithviraj.[50] The film's unique narrative structure and lavish cinematography were appreciated, but the film itself faced criticism for its pacing and screenplay.[51] Following My Story, Parvathy's next release in 2018 was Koode, directed by Anjali Menon. This marked her third collaboration with Prithviraj and her second with both Anjali Menon and Nazriya Nazim, who was making her comeback after a four-year break. Koode is an emotional drama that explores themes of family, loss, and personal growth, set against a backdrop of rural life in Kerala. The film received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, praised for its storytelling, strong performances, and beautiful cinematography.[52]
Continued success and expanding horizons (2019–present)
In 2019, Parvathy appeared in Uyare, directed by debutant Manu Ashokan. In the film, she played the role of Pallavi Raveendran, an aspiring pilot whose life takes a drastic turn after surviving an acid attack. The film was well received both critically and commercially, and Parvathy’s portrayal of Pallavi was praised by both critics and audiences for its emotional depth and sensitivity.[53][54] Her second release in 2019 was Aashiq Abu's Virus, a medical thriller based on the real-life Nipah virus outbreak that occurred in Kerala in 2018.[55] Produced by Rima Kallingal, the film featured an ensemble cast and explored the devastating effects of the virus on the lives of those affected, while also showcasing the efforts of healthcare workers and government officials to contain the outbreak. Parvathy played Dr. Annu, a pivotal role in the film, contributing to the narrative with a restrained yet powerful performance. Both the film and Parvathy’s role were well-received by critics and audiences, with the film praised for its realistic portrayal of the outbreak and the collaborative effort required to manage such a crisis.[56]
In 2020, Parvathy made a cameo appearance in Halal Love Story, a satirical comedy directed by Zakariya Mohammed.[57] The film revolves around a group of aspiring filmmakers attempting to create a film that aligns with their religious values. Although her role was brief, the film received positive reviews for its humour and social commentary. The following year, Parvathy had three releases: Varthamanam, Aanum Pennum and Aarkkariyam.[58][59] In Varthamanam, directed by Siddhartha Siva, she played a central role as a student activist, addressing themes of social justice and political unrest. The film received praise for its topical relevance and Parvathy’s strong performance as a committed activist.[60] Aanum Pennum, an anthology film, explored three different stories set across distinct periods in Kerala's history, each examining gender roles and dynamics. The segments were directed by Aashiq Abu, Venu, and Jay K.[61] Parvathy’s contribution as Rachiyamma added depth to this anthology, which delved into the evolving roles of men and women across generations.[62][63] In Aarkkariyam, a thriller directed by Sanu Varghese, Parvathy starred alongside Biju Menon and Sharaf U Dheen in a film set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.[64] The story revolves around secrets uncovered within a family, and Parvathy’s performance was well-received for its subtlety and emotional nuance.[65]
In 2022, she took on a prominent role in Puzhu, a psychological drama directed by Ratheena, where she starred alongside Mammootty.[66] The film delved into complex themes of caste, power, and morality, and Parvathy’s role added depth to the tense narrative.[67] The project marked her first collaboration with Mammootty, and their on-screen dynamic was noted for its powerful emotional undertones.[68] Additionally, in 2022, Parvathy appeared in Wonder Women, an Indian English-language film directed by Anjali Menon. The film, cantered around a group of pregnant women navigating the challenges of impending motherhood, featured an ensemble cast that included Nadiya Moidu, Nithya Menen, Padmapriya Janakiraman and Amruta Subhash.[69] The story focused on themes of sisterhood and personal growth, with Parvathy playing a significant role in the exploration of these ideas. The film was well-received for its focus on women’s experiences and its collaborative, supportive narrative structure.[70][71]
In 2023, Parvathy made her return to Hindi cinema with Kadak Singh, a psychological thriller directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury. She played the role of a head nurse who interacts with Pankaj Tripathi's character, a man suffering from retrograde amnesia. Although her role had limited screen time, her character played a key part in the story's development.[72] The film received mixed reviews, with criticism focused on its slow pacing and predictable plot.[73] The same year, Parvathy ventured into the world of web series with Dhootha, a supernatural thriller on Amazon Prime Video. Directed by Vikram Kumar and starring Naga Chaitanya, the series centres around inanimate objects that possess sinister powers. She portrayed DCP Kranthi Shenoy, a strict investigative officer tasked with solving mysterious deaths linked to supernatural events.[74] The series received mixed reviews, with praise for its suspenseful atmosphere but criticism for its disjointed narrative.[75][76]
In 2024, Parvathy delivered two notable performances in Ullozhukku and Thangalaan. In Ullozhukku, a family drama directed by Christo Tomy, Parvathy portrayed Anju, a complex character dealing with deep personal struggles amidst family secrets and grief. Critics praised her performance, describing her portrayal of Anju as "raw and edgy" while balancing the emotional turmoil of her character. Parvathy's scenes with co-star Urvashi were particularly highlighted, with reviews noting how much of the film's tension and emotion were conveyed through their interactions, often without words.[77] Her performance earned her the Best Performance (Female) award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.[78] In Thangalaan, a Tamil period drama directed by Pa. Ranjith and set during the British colonial era in the Kolar Gold Fields, Parvathy portrayed Gangamma, a central character in a narrative that explored themes of oppression, caste dynamics, and exploitation.[79] Her performance was praised as "feisty" and impactful, with critics noting her ability to bring depth and strength to the role of a strong, caring mother.[78] Despite these strong performances, the film received mixed reviews. While it was praised for its bold political commentary and visually striking moments, the slow pacing and convoluted storytelling were noted as drawbacks.[80][81]
Other work and media
Parvathy, who played Dhanush's love interest in Maryan, gave a startling statement to the media, when asked if she agreed to be a part of the film because of her co-star Dhanush, who became popular through the song Why This Kolaveri Di. She replied that she did not know Dhanush before Maryan.[82]
She was inaccurately referred to as Parvathy Menon after an interview post the release of Milana (2007), since the interviewer did not know her last name. In 2015, Pavarthy brought to limelight that her last name is actually Thiruvothu and not Menon.[83]
Parvathy was one of the first actors in Indian cinema to openly state that films with misogynistic dialogues and characters should not be encouraged. She named the veteran actor Mammootty's film Kasaba, as one such film. She requested that senior actors like Mammootty, who is much respected and has a wide fan following, should henceforth refrain from acting in such films that have misogynistic stereotypes for the betterment of the society at large.[84] Her viewpoint came under much criticism and she became the victim of cyber-bullying. She was viciously trolled and abused on various online platforms by Mammootty fans, two of them were arrested by Kerala police following a complaint from her.[85][86] She had also spoken about the reality of Islamophobia in the industry, even in her films like Ennu Ninte Moideen and Take off, deciding not to repeat such mistakes.[87]
She is one of the founding members of Women in Cinema Collective, the organization for the welfare of women workers in the Malayalam movie industry.[88]
In 2019, Parvathy criticized Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh at a roundtable organised by Film Companion for glorifying misogyny, abuse, and toxic masculinity in the films at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Her comments against both the films were met with a lot of appreciation and many pointed out that she was brave enough to address the issue in front of the film's lead actor, Vijay Deverakonda.[89] Later, Deverakonda criticized social media trollers during an interview for blowing the issue out of proportion while simultaneously emphasising how much he respected Parvathy and her work.[90]
In October 2020, she resigned from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to protest against General Secretary Edavela Babu's controversial remarks about a fellow female actor.[91] She also demanded the resignation of Babu and urged other members of the body to seek the same.[92][93]
In 2024, she criticized Netflix's decision to withdraw Annapoorani from its platform, following its controversies. Responding to the film's removal, Parvathy expressed her concerns on her Instagram stories, stating, "A dangerous precedent being set. Censoring left, right, and 'centre' until we won't be allowed to breathe."[94][95]
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