Parvathy Thiruvothu | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Parvathy Thiruvothu Kottuvatta[1] (1988-04-07)7 April 1988 (age 37) |
| Alma mater | All Saints College |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Works | Full list |
Parvathy Thiruvothu Kottuvatta (born 7 April 1988), known mononymously asParvathy, is an Indian actress who predominantly works inMalayalam andTamil films. She has received several accolades including aNational Film Award, twoKerala State Film Awards, and fiveFilmfare Awards South.[2]
Parvathy began her acting career with the Malayalam filmOut of Syllabus in 2006, and gained critical acclaim for her performance in the Tamil romantic dramaPoo (2008). She rose to prominence with her roles inBangalore Days (2014),Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015) andCharlie (2015). Her success continued with acclaimed performances inTake Off (2017),Uyare (2019),Virus (2019), andPuzhu (2022). For her performance inTake Off, she received theNational Film Award – Special Mention.
Beyond acting, Parvathy is an outspoken advocate for gender equality and a founding member of theWomen in Cinema Collective.
Parvathy was born on 7 April 1988 inKozhikode,Kerala, to P. Vinod Kumar and T. K. Usha Kumari, who are both lawyers. She has a brother, Aum Thiruvothu Karunakaran.[3][4]
During her schooling years, her family moved toThiruvananthapuram and she pursued her studies there. After finishing school fromKendriya Vidyalaya, Pangode, she completed her B.A. in English Literature fromAll Saints College, Thiruvananthapuram. She was a successful television anchor atKiran TV, a full-time music channel based in Thiruvananthapuram.[5] She is also a trainedBharatanatyam dancer.[6]
Parvathy made her acting debut in the 2006 Malayalam filmOut 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 alongsideRoma Asrani andMariya Roy, after being picked for one of the three main roles from among 5,000 applicants.[7][8] She was also seen inSathyan Anthikkad's comedy-drama film,Vinodayathra (2007), playing a supporting role alongside anensemble cast includingDileep,Mukesh andMeera Jasmine.[9]
Her first leading role was in the Kannada filmMilana, which became a commercial success upon release. Pairing alongsidePuneet 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 inSibi Malayil'sFlash withMohanlal andIndrajith, 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 inSasi'sPoo (2008) and featured alongsideSrikanth, 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 fromSify.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 thatPoo is "almost entirely Parvathy's film" noting that "she's superb", while Malathi Rangarajan ofThe 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 winthe Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actress, while also securing other accolades and nominations from several other award juries, notably winning theVijay 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 fromPoo.[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 forPrithvi, 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 ofMilana.[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 inLijo Jose Pellissery'sCity 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]
After a two-year break from films, Parvathy made her comeback in 2013 with the Kannada romantic filmAndhar Bahar co-starringShivrajkumar, 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 Tamilthriller,Chennaiyil Oru Naal, featuring her alongside an ensemble cast. The film, a remake of the 2011 Malayalam filmTraffic, has its narrative in ahyperlink format and Parvathy won good reviews for her small role as Aditi.[32][33] She then signed on for the lead role inBharat Bala's romantic dramaMaryan, oppositeDhanush. The director had seen her performance inPoo 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] TheTimes of India 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 earned her multiple nominations for Best Actress, most notably the Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Tamil and theVijay Award for Best Actress.
In 2014, Parvathy appeared inBangalore Days, directed byAnjali 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, includingDulquer Salmaan,Nivin Pauly,Fahadh Faasil,Nazriya Nazim,Nithya Menen andIsha 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 theFilmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Malayalam.
In 2015, Parvathy appeared inEnnu Ninte Moideen which narrated the tragic love tale of Kanchanamala and Moideen which happened in the 1960s inMukkam, 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 firstFilmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam.[40] The same year she appeared inUttama Villain, a Tamil film directed byRamesh Aravind, starringKamal Haasan. The film featured an ensemble cast, includingK. Balachander,Jayaram,Urvashi andAndrea 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 wasCharlie, where she starred alongside Dulquer Salmaan,Aparna Gopinath andNedumudi 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 bothCharlie andEnnu Ninte Moideen, she won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress, as well as the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam forEnnu Ninte Moideen, making 2015 one of the most significant years in her career.[44]
In 2016, Parvathy reprised her role as RJ Sarah inBangalore Naatkal, the Tamil remake of the 2014 Malayalam hitBangalore Days. Directed byBommarillu 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.[45][46]
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Take Off, released in 2017, was one of the major performances in Parvathy's career. Directed byMahesh Narayan and starringKunchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil, the film received widespread acclaim, with praise from celebrities like Kamal Haasan. The film was screened at international festivals, including theInternational Film Festival of India and theInternational Film Festival of Kerala, and enjoyed a theatrical run of over 125 days. Parvathy's performance earned her theIFFI Best Actor Award (Female), making her the first Indian actress to win the Silver Peacock award.[47] She was also nominated for theNational Film Award for Best Actress, where she lost toSridevi in the final round but won her firstNational Film Award – Special Mention. She also secured her secondKerala State Film Award for Best Actress and another Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam.[48] Parvathy made her Bollywood debut in 2017, starring oppositeIrrfan Khan in the romantic comedyQarib Qarib Singlle.[49] Directed byTanuja 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.[50] 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.[51]
In 2018, Parvathy appeared inMy Story, a romantic drama directed byRoshni Dinaker. She was paired with Prithviraj Sukumaran in this film, marking their second collaboration afterEnnu 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.[52] The film's unique narrative structure and lavish cinematography were appreciated, but the film itself faced criticism for its pacing and screenplay.[53] FollowingMy Story, Parvathy's next release in 2018 wasKoode, 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.[54]
In 2019, Parvathy appeared inUyare, 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.[55][56] Her second release in 2019 wasAashiq Abu'sVirus, a medical thriller based on the real-lifeNipah virus outbreak that occurred in Kerala in 2018.[57] Produced byRima 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.[58]
In 2020, Parvathy made a cameo appearance inHalal Love Story, a satirical comedy directed byZakariya Mohammed.[59] 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 andAarkkariyam.[60][61] In Varthamanam, directed bySiddhartha 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.[62] Aanum Pennum, ananthology 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.[63] Parvathy's contribution asRachiyamma added depth to this anthology, which delved into the evolving roles of men and women across generations.[64][65] In Aarkkariyam, a thriller directed bySanu Varghese, Parvathy starred alongsideBiju Menon andSharaf U Dheen in a film set against the backdrop of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[66] The story revolves around secrets uncovered within a family, and Parvathy's performance was well-received for its subtlety and emotional nuance.[67] She also made her debut in web series through TamilAnthology seriesNavarasa in the segmentInmai.[68]
In 2022, she took on a prominent role inPuzhu, a psychological drama directed byRatheena, where she starred alongsideMammootty.[69] The film delved into complex themes of caste, power, and morality, and Parvathy's role added depth to the tense narrative.[70] The project marked her first collaboration with Mammootty, and their on-screen dynamic was noted for its powerful emotional undertones.[71] Additionally, in 2022, Parvathy appeared inWonder Women, an Indian English-language film directed by Anjali Menon. The film, centred on a group of pregnant women navigating the challenges of impending motherhood, featured an ensemble cast that includedNadiya Moidu,Nithya Menen,Padmapriya Janakiraman andAmruta Subhash.[72] The story explored themes of sisterhood and personal growth, with Parvathy playing a significant role in bringing these ideas to screen. The film was well-received for its focus on women's experiences and its collaborative, supportive narrative structure.[73][74]
In 2023, Parvathy made her return to Hindi cinema withKadak Singh, a psychological thriller directed byAniruddha Roy Chowdhury. She played the role of a head nurse who interacts withPankaj Tripathi's character, a man suffering fromretrograde amnesia. Although her role had limited screen time, her character played a key part in the story's development.[75] The film received mixed reviews, with criticism focused on its slow pacing and predictable plot.[76] The same year, Parvathy acted in a web seriesDhootha, a supernatural thriller onAmazon Prime Video. Directed byVikram Kumar and starringNaga 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.[77] The series received mixed reviews, with praise for its suspenseful atmosphere but criticism for its disjointed narrative.[78][79]
In 2024, Parvathy delivered three notable performances inUllozhukku,Thangalaan andHer. InUllozhukku, a family drama directed byChristo 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.[80] Her performance earned her the Best Performance (Female) award at theIndian Film Festival of Melbourne.[81] InThangalaan, a Tamil period drama directed byPa. Ranjith and set during the British colonial era in theKolar Gold Fields, Parvathy portrayedGangamma, a central character in a narrative that explored themes of oppression, caste dynamics, and exploitation.[82] 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.[81] 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.[83][84] InHer, directed byLijin Jose, Parvathy portrayed Ruchi, one of five women whose interconnected stories explore personal and professional challenges. While her performance was described as compelling and deeply personal, critics noted that the film's fragmented narrative and tokenistic handling of certain themes weakened its overall impact.[85][86] In the same year, she played the central character Sudha inKazhcha a segment of the MalayalamAnthology seriesManorathangal directed byShyamaprasad in which her performance was well acclaimed.[87][88]
In the early stages of her career, Parvathy was often credited as "Parvathy Menon" in several films.This misattribution arose from an interview following the release ofMilana (2007), where the interviewer assumed her surname was Menon. Despite her efforts to correct this misconception, the name persisted in media references. In 2015, Parvathy publicly clarified that her surname is Thiruvothu, not Menon, and emphasized that she never had a surname in any of her official documents except her birth certificate and expressed her desire to be referred to simply as "Parvathy", without any caste-based surname.[89][90]
In 2016, she became one of the first actors in Indian cinema to openly criticize misogyny in films. She specifically named the Malayalam filmKasaba for its problematic portrayal of women, urging veteran actors likeMammootty to refrain from roles that perpetuate such stereotypes.[91] Her statement provoked significant backlash and cyberbullying from fans, with two individuals later arrested for online abuse.[92][93] In 2017, Parvathy spoke about Islamophobia in Indian films, including in her own projects such asEnnu Ninte Moideen andTake Off, acknowledging past mistakes and vowing to approach such themes more responsibly in the future.[94]
In 2019, during a Film Companion roundtable at theInternational Film Festival of India (IFFI), she criticizedArjun Reddy andKabir Singh for glorifying toxic masculinity and abuse. Her remarks, made in the presence of lead actorVijay Deverakonda, were widely praised for addressing these issues.[95]
In October 2020, Parvathy resigned from theAssociation of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to protest controversial remarks by General SecretaryEdavela Babu about a fellow female actor. She called for his resignation and urged other members of the body to seek the same.[96][97]
In 2024, she criticizedNetflix's decision to remove the filmAnnapoorani following controversies, calling it a dangerous precedent for censorship. On social media, she expressed concern about the growing trend of restricting artistic freedom.[98][99] She addressed theHema Committee Report, which investigated malpractices in the Malayalam film industry. She described its release as a "bitter-sweet" moment, emphasizing its purpose to improve workplace culture rather than sensationalize issues.[100][101] Parvathy advocated for similar studies across other industries to foster better working conditions and gender equality.[102]
Parvathy is also a founding member of theWomen in Cinema Collective (WCC), an organization dedicated to improving working conditions and addressing gender-based challenges faced by women in Malayalam cinema.[103]
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Parvathy's characters inTake Off,Uyare andCharlie are recognized as some of the strongest portrayals of female characters in Malayalam cinema.[104][105] She was named theKochi Times Most Desirable Women in 2017.[106] In the same list, she was placed 2nd in 2018 and 10th in 2020.[107][108] In 2015,Rediff.com named Parvathy as the "Best Malayalam Actress" of the year.[109] She is also considered as one of the highest paid Malayalam actresses.[110]
