A quirky family thriller that keeps you engaged in parts
“Parimala and Co”
– Review
Director Pandiraaj steps away from his familiar rural family-drama territory and ventures into dark comedy with ‘Parimala and Co’, a murder mystery built around a thoroughly dysfunctional family. The result is an uneven but reasonably entertaining film that benefits from an unusual premise, committed performances, and a willingness to embrace absurdity.
The story revolves around a family that suddenly finds itself entangled in a murder investigation. As suspicion spreads and secrets begin to surface, every member becomes both a potential suspect and a source of comic chaos. Rather than treating the crime with conventional seriousness, the film uses it as a backdrop for family conflicts, misunderstandings, and unexpected revelations.
Jayaram and Urvashi are the film’s strongest assets. Their effortless chemistry lends credibility to even the most outlandish situations, and they bring warmth to characters who could have easily become caricatures. The supporting cast, including Mysskin, Sanjana Krishnamoorthy, Sandy, and Yogi Babu, contribute to the film’s lively atmosphere and help sustain the humour through several entertaining stretches.
What works best is the film’s central idea. A family trying to navigate everyday life while being connected to a murder case offers ample room for both suspense and comedy. Pandiraaj finds several amusing situations within this setup, and some of the interactions feel refreshingly different from standard Tamil comedy-thrillers.
The film is less successful when it tries to balance mystery and humour simultaneously. Certain twists are easy to anticipate, and the investigation occasionally loses momentum. A tighter screenplay could have sharpened both the laughs and the suspense. Some subplots also feel longer than necessary, slowing the pace during the second half.
Still, ‘Parimala and Co’ remains watchable because of its energetic cast and its willingness to experiment with genre conventions. It may not fully realise the potential of its intriguing premise, but it delivers enough amusing moments and family drama to keep audiences invested.
For viewers looking for a light-hearted thriller rather than an intense whodunnit, ‘Parimala and Co’ offers a pleasant one-time watch with a few genuine laughs and a handful of clever surprises.
Rating: 3/5
