In the bustling city of Chennai, where space is a premium commodity, the seemingly mundane act of parking becomes the epicenter of a gripping drama in the film “Parking.” Directed by Ramkumar Balakrishnan and released on 1 December 2023, this Tamil-language movie delves into the complexities of human relationships, ego clashes, and the unexpected twists life throws.
Parking (UA-16+)
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Language: Tamil
Runtime: 2h 7min
Release Date: 30 Dec 2023 (OTT)
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Comedy
Streaming On: Hotstar
Directed by: Ramkumar Balakrishnan
Starring: Harish Kalyan, M. S. Bhaskar, Indhuja Ravichandran, Prathana Nathan
Box Office: ₹1.92 crore
Country: India
Plot: “Parking” depicts the conflicts between two families arising from a dispute over a shared parking space in their residential building.
Plot Overview
“Parking” unfolds with the arrival of Eshwar, an IT professional, and his pregnant wife, Aathika, who move into a new house. Their neighbors, Ilamparuthi and his family, have been residing there for over 15 years. The stage is set for a clash of lifestyles and values when Eshwar purchases a car and parks it in the common parking space shared by the two families.
What begins as a simple parking space issue escalates into a fierce battle of egos. Ilamparuthi, an old-fashioned and frugal government official, is perturbed by the intrusion of Eshwar’s car into the space he has considered his own for a decade. Thus commences a cat-and-mouse game, a tug-of-war for the coveted parking space.
The conflict intensifies as both families refuse to back down. A series of incidents ensue, ranging from quarrels to vindictive acts. The parking feud reaches a boiling point when Ilamparuthi breaks Eshwar’s car window, leading to a public confrontation. This confrontation turns dark when Ilamparuthi, seeking revenge, forces his daughter to file a false harassment case against Eshwar.
Retaliation becomes the order of the day. Eshwar, in an act of vengeance, frames Ilamparuthi for bribery, resulting in his suspension. The feud turns dangerous when Ilamparuthi attempts to harm Eshwar and Aathika, culminating in a near-accident. Relationships and families are torn apart as the situation spirals out of control.
Amid the chaos, a unique twist arises. Ilamparuthi, despite the bitter rivalry, extends help to Aathika during a critical moment. This unexpected act of kindness jolts Eshwar, forcing him to confront the consequences of his vengeful actions.
The movie turns poignant when both families, bruised by the relentless conflict, decide to move out. The house owner, seeking new tenants, imposes a condition – no cars allowed. It is a bitter end to a chapter marked by hatred, misunderstandings, and unchecked egos.
Character Portrayals
The film boasts stellar performances from its lead cast:
- Harish Kalyan as Eshwar: The young IT professional caught in the web of a parking dispute. His character evolves from a loving husband to a man consumed by revenge.
- M. S. Bhaskar as Ilamparuthi: The traditionalist government official who sees his world disrupted by Eshwar’s car. Bhaskar skillfully portrays the complexities of a character torn between tradition and modernity.
- Indhuja Ravichandran as Aadhika: Eshwar’s pregnant wife, who becomes an unwitting victim in the escalating conflict. Indhuja brings depth to her character as she grapples with the consequences of the feud.
Production and Music
The film, announced by debutant director Ramkumar Balakrishnan, was entirely shot in Chennai. The title, shared by lead actor Harish Kalyan in June 2023, hinted at the movie’s central theme – a parking predicament that evolves into a full-blown conflict.
The music for “Parking” is composed by Sam C.S. and features soulful tracks such as “Chella Kalliye” and “Yevan Nallavan.” The soundtrack adds emotional resonance to the unfolding drama, enhancing the viewing experience.
Critical Acclaim and Release
“Parking” received positive reviews upon its theatrical release on 1 December 2023. Critics lauded the film for its engaging narrative, compelling performances, and the exploration of societal conflicts in seemingly trivial matters.
Disney+ Hotstar acquired the digital rights for the film, and it was slated to premiere on the platform on 30 December 2023. This move ensures that the gripping tale of parking disputes and human complexities reaches a broader audience.
Conclusion
“Parking” transcends the mundane act of parking a vehicle to unravel the intricacies of human relationships. It mirrors the consequences of unchecked egos, revenge, and the power of unexpected kindness. The characters, brought to life by a talented cast, navigate a journey from conflict to redemption, leaving viewers with a thought-provoking narrative.
As we witness the characters grapple with the fallout of their actions, “Parking” prompts us to reflect on our interactions, the significance of empathy, and the potential for redemption even in the face of bitter hatred. Ultimately, it is not just a story of parking; it is a tale of the complexities that define the human experience.
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FAQs about Parking movie
What is the movie ‘Parking’ about?
“Parking” is a Tamil-language drama thriller that revolves around the conflicts between two families triggered by a dispute over a standard parking space.
Who directed ‘Parking’?
Ramkumar Balakrishnan directed the film in his directorial debut.
Who are the prominent cast members of ‘Parking’?
The main cast includes Harish Kalyan, M. S. Bhaskar, Indhuja Ravichandran, and Prathana Nathan.
In which genres does ‘Parking’ fall?
The film is categorized under the Drama, Thriller, and Comedy genres.
Where can I watch ‘Parking’?
“Parking” is available for streaming on Hotstar.
What is the IMDb rating of ‘Parking’?
The movie has an IMDb rating of 8.2.
When was ‘Parking’ released?
Theatrically, “Parking” was released on 1 December 2023.
What is the runtime of ‘Parking’?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes.
Who composed the music for ‘Parking’?
The music for the film was composed by Sam C.S.
What is the box office collection of ‘Parking’?
“Parking” earned ₹1.92 crore at the box office.