Parking

Yes, the ending wasn't great, but let's set that aside for a moment. 2023 has witnessed the release of a few unexpectedly good single-conflict Tamil movies; from 'Good Night', to 'Ayodhi', to 'Dada', etc. Joining this impressive list is Ramkumar Balakrishnan's 'Parking', where a seemingly trivial dispute between two tenants over a parking space spirals out of control propelled by the egos on both sides. A premise this simple is dangerously easy to fumble, but debutant Balakrishnan's measured self-awareness makes the cinematic experience fresh and rewarding.

The film's success is underpinned by several factors, with the standout being its acting unit. Veteran actor M. S. Bhaskar delivers one of his most compelling performances to date, understanding the depths of his character and playing it to uncriticizable perfection. Complementing his presence is co-lead Harish Kalyan, whose uncompromising performance matches auras with that of Bhaskar's. The supporting cast too is equally well-chosen, seamlessly blending into the narrative when required. On the technical side, much credit is due to the director for elevating what could have been yet another low-budget B-movie into a finely crafted thriller. Every directorial choice is meticulously thought out and executed to perfection, with cinematography and sound playing pivotal roles in stylizing the movie.

Now onto the climax, which I'll avoid spoiling with specifics. The film maintains a consistent tone throughout, and the way in which the movie progressed, the ending seemed almost inevitable. While the logic behind the climax can be debated, the extent to which the conflict gets overblown seems a tad ridiculous and bombastic for the sake of an elevated climax. If it had been any more careless in its handling, it could have severely undermined an otherwise great movie. Thankfully, the damage isn't irreparable, and 'Parking' can still be relished for its thrilling buildup and pointed storytelling. If you're contemplating watching this movie, please do go ahead. The climax can always be debated afterwards.

The core conflict is slightly misleading, and the basic premise (from outside) may raise doubts among the majority of viewers, who would question how a simple disagreement over a parking spot could lead to more serious consequences.

I can understand their concerns, as I had the same doubts initially. My skepticism grew during the first half an hour, as there were no major events taking place. However, once the story started to escalate, there was hardly any time to catch your breath. This was thanks to a fast-paced screenplay that kept the momentum going.

"Parking" is undoubtedly one of the better films in the Anti-Revenge space, with a strong script that delves into the clash of egos between two self-centered individuals and their ideological differences, portrayed with remarkable authority and conviction.

My only complaint is the lack of development for the supporting characters. While I was fully invested in the intense battle of egos between the lead characters, I wish there had been more emphasis on their families to make me more worried about their well-being.

I and my family loved this movie because:

-> Every scene is interesting

-> Very realistic

-> Vera level BGM in the scenes

-> Great humour in 1st half

-> Serious tone in second half having us at the edge of the seat - Every scene was thrilling, making us think what will happen next

-> One of the few films that doesn't mock women for the sake of joke, and that shows the aggressive mindset of some husbands and how it's unacceptable (kudos for that, appreciate such films)

-> Like others said, top-notch acting from the two leads and even some of the side characters

Some said the ending could have been different but it was good enough, I can't think of how it could have been done better.

The entire November there was no good movie out so I was forced to go to Jigarthanda and I regretted in the first scene itself that I had to come out of the theatre during interval because it was SO boring. After watching that kuppa padam, I wanted to go for a family-oriented, violence-free, story-rich, humourous movie and thank goodness this movie is released! Before watching Parking, I first thought that this is going to be a decent film that won't bore me and that I'll just go to the movie to have the theatre experience, enjoy it and come back. But I did not expect that the movie was going to be soo much good. That too, I watched Parking in the biggest screen in TN (EPIQ) and I loved the entire experience. Thanks to the movie team for creating such a great film.

Man what a movie I have watched. Such a good gem of a thriller. Movie started normally and took a great turn as a suspense thriller. Nothing new story but the the presentation and screenplay keeps you edge of seat. Fresh movie coming out of stupid mass movies.

MS Baskar such an artist. Nailed his character with his acting, body language and dialogues, Such an great actor who deserves national award. Shows all emotions easily. Harish can clearly say this is his best so far. Equally competed with MS Baskar. An ego between two good people makes life miserable. All supporting characters (Ms Baskar wife, his daughter, indhuja and all others) really did well.

Kudos to director for taking such a simple story(simple parking issue)and clearly written a screen play and dialogues (was wondering if these kind of simple and good movies will come only in Malayalam. But great attempt by director and applause for production house in believing this story).

Special note to music director who's the main reason for such an gripping thriller.

New age so called high budget directors should learn from this movie director on how to make a good movie with simple plot.

Really enjoyed. Pls support these kind of good movies in theatres to come out of some stupid movies.

One of the best ego clash movie i have ever witnessed in any language. This will be one of the best in tamil ever. Harish kalyan will be his career best movie, one of the best performance from him. And M. S. Baskar omg he is a master of all perfomances. The negative shade which has perfectly suited him. He just lived in that character. Every scene and screenplay is top notch not a bit boredom. A pure ego clash. The director script is soo good. So animative and makes audience feel the heat in the seat. A perfect thriller. Parking a must watch movie available in hotstar. Please do watch it. All the other characters did their best.