Telugu language period romantic drama ‘Virata Parvam‘ released on Netflix India last Friday. Set in Telangana region in the 1990s amidst peak Naxalite Movement, Virata Parvam narrates the story of Vennala (Sai Pallavi), who in pursuit of her love – Ravi Shakar (Rana Daggubati), a Naxal leader ends up having her life toppled upside down due to political turmoil.
The film theatrically released on June 17th to dismal box office returns. Despite positive critical reception, this Naxalite movement themed movie had no takers at the theatres. Virata Parvam began streaming on Netflix India hardly two weeks after its theatrical release, adding on to the fact that streaming window reduction is cutting down on theatre revenues.
However, a good film needs to be well received and watched nevertheless. If not at the theatres, be it at the streaming platforms. Probably that’s the only reason Virata Parvam’s performance on Netflix India is deemed important for its makers despite disastrous box office returns.
Early Netflix India release however couldn’t be termed as a blessing in disguise because here is a huge corporation we are talking about. But from an artistic point of view, It is indeed heart-warming to see Virata Parvam hitting a silver on Netflix Top 10. In hardly 3 days, the film managed to out-run Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Anek and She Season 2 as it occupied first position in Movies and 2nd position overall in Netflix India Top 10. It could have even gone up to #1 if Stranger Things Season 4 Vol 2 hadn’t dropped on the same day.
What is yet to be seen is how long will the film maintain its glorious run in Netflix India Trends and global charts. Will it prove to be a worthy successor to Nani and Sai Pallavi’s ‘Shyam Singha Roy’ that even made world record viewership on Netflix or will it just be mercilessly replaced when this week’s releases pop up? We never know. Whatever be the outcome on the Netflix, a good film deserves to find its audience. We hope Virata Parvam finds its niche audience too. Even if the film isn’t adored by every tom, dick and harry.