Acting debut and success (2006–2011) Parvathy made her acting debut in the 2006 Malayalam film
Out 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 alongside
Roma Asrani and
Mariya Roy, after being picked for one of the three main roles from among 5,000 applicants. She was also seen in
Sathyan Anthikkad's comedy-drama film,
Vinodayathra (2007), playing a supporting role alongside an
ensemble cast including
Dileep,
Mukesh and
Meera Jasmine. Her first leading role was in the Kannada film
Milana, which became a commercial success upon release. Pairing alongside
Puneet Rajkumar, she was a surprise selection for the film and began working on the film in April 2007. 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". The film went on to become a big commercial success, running for 500 days at a multiplex in Bangalore. She returned to the Malayalam industry portraying the leading female role in
Sibi Malayil's
Flash with
Mohanlal and
Indrajith, and prior to release revealed that she hoped the film would give a breakthrough as a lead actress in the industry. However, the film failed commercially and garnered poor reviews on release. Parvathy was selected to play the lead role in
Sasi's
Poo (2008) and featured alongside
Srikanth, 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. Upon release, the film and her performance won rave reviews. A critic from
Sify.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." Similarly,
Rediff.com's reviewer mentioned that
Poo is "almost entirely Parvathy's film" noting that "she's superb", while Malathi Rangarajan of
The Hindu wrote, "Parvathy makes optimum use and plays a rustic belle to the hilt in attire and expression, also getting the body language right." The actress subsequently went on to win
the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actress, while also securing other accolades and nominations from several other award juries, notably winning the
Vijay Award for Best Debut Actress. 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 from
Poo. 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." In 2010, Parvathy reunited with Puneet Rajkumar for
Prithvi, 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 of
Milana. 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". In 2011, she starred in
Lijo Jose Pellissery's
City 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". After the film, Parvathy voluntarily took a break, choosing to be more selective with her roles moving forward.
Established actress (2013–2018) After a two-year break from films, Parvathy made her comeback in 2013 with the Kannada romantic film
Andhar Bahar co-starring
Shivrajkumar, 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. The film received positive reviews, with one critic noting "Parvathy lights up the screen whenever she appears and is a delight to watch". She was next seen in the 2013 Tamil
thriller,
Chennaiyil Oru Naal, featuring her alongside an ensemble cast. The film, a remake of the 2011 Malayalam film
Traffic, has its narrative in a
hyperlink format and Parvathy won good reviews for her small role as Aditi. She then signed on for the lead role in
Bharat Bala's romantic drama
Maryan, opposite
Dhanush. The director had seen her performance in
Poo 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. 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." The
Times 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". Her portrayal as Panimalar earned her multiple nominations for Best Actress, most notably the Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Tamil and the
Vijay Award for Best Actress. In 2014, Parvathy appeared in
Bangalore Days, directed by
Anjali Menon, which became a major commercial success, with reports claiming as "one of the biggest hits in the history of Malayalam cinema". The film featured an ensemble cast, including
Dulquer Salmaan,
Nivin Pauly,
Fahadh Faasil,
Nazriya Nazim,
Nithya Menen and
Isha Talwar. Parvathy's performance as RJ Sarah, a paraplegic radio jockey, was widely appreciated for its depth and sensitivity. Her performance received critical acclaim for bringing authenticity and warmth to the character, earning her several accolades, including the
Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Malayalam. In 2015, Parvathy appeared in
Ennu Ninte Moideen which narrated the tragic love tale of Kanchanamala and Moideen which happened in the 1960s in
Mukkam, 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 first
Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam. The same year she appeared in
Uttama Villain, a Tamil film directed by
Ramesh Aravind, starring
Kamal Haasan. The film featured an ensemble cast, including
K. Balachander,
Jayaram,
Urvashi and
Andrea Jeremiah. Parvathy played a key role in this experimental film, which combined elements of mythology, theatre, and personal redemption, further showcasing her versatility. Her final release of 2015 was
Charlie, where she starred alongside Dulquer Salmaan,
Aparna Gopinath and
Nedumudi Venu. The film, a light-hearted adventure-drama, was a major commercial success and went on to win eight Kerala State Film Awards. 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. For her performances in both
Charlie and
Ennu Ninte Moideen, she won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress, as well as the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam for
Ennu Ninte Moideen, making 2015 one of the most significant years in her career. In 2016, Parvathy reprised her role as RJ Sarah in
Bangalore Naatkal, the Tamil remake of the 2014 Malayalam hit
Bangalore Days. Directed by
Bommarillu 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. and Parvathy Thiruvothu at a special screening of
Qarib Qarib Singlle Take Off, released in 2017, was one of the major performances in Parvathy's career. Directed by
Mahesh Narayan and starring
Kunchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil, the film received widespread acclaim, with praise from celebrities like Kamal Haasan. The film was screened at international festivals, including the
International Film Festival of India and the
International Film Festival of Kerala, and enjoyed a theatrical run of over 125 days. Parvathy's performance earned her the
IFFI Best Actor Award (Female), making her the first Indian actress to win the Silver Peacock award. She was also nominated for the
National Film Award for Best Actress, where she lost to
Sridevi in the final round but won her first
National Film Award – Special Mention. She also secured her second
Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress and another Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam. Parvathy made her Bollywood debut in 2017, starring opposite
Irrfan Khan in the romantic comedy
Qarib Qarib Singlle. Directed by
Tanuja 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. 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. In 2018, Parvathy appeared in
My Story, a romantic drama directed by
Roshni Dinaker. She was paired with Prithviraj Sukumaran in this film, marking their second collaboration after
Ennu 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. The film's unique narrative structure and lavish cinematography were appreciated, but the film itself faced criticism for its pacing and screenplay. Following
My Story, Parvathy's next release in 2018 was
Koode, 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.
Continued success and expanding horizons (2019–present) In 2019, Parvathy appeared in
Uyare, 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. Her second release in 2019 was
Aashiq Abu's
Virus, a medical thriller based on the real-life
Nipah virus outbreak that occurred in Kerala in 2018. Produced by
Rima 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. In 2020, Parvathy made a cameo appearance in
Halal Love Story, a satirical comedy directed by
Zakariya Mohammed. 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 and
Aarkkariyam. In Varthamanam, directed by
Siddhartha 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. Aanum Pennum, an
anthology 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. Parvathy's contribution as
Rachiyamma added depth to this anthology, which delved into the evolving roles of men and women across generations. In Aarkkariyam, a thriller directed by
Sanu Varghese, Parvathy starred alongside
Biju Menon and
Sharaf U Dheen in a film set against the backdrop of the
COVID-19 pandemic. The story revolves around secrets uncovered within a family, and Parvathy's performance was well-received for its subtlety and emotional nuance. She also made her debut in web series through Tamil
Anthology series Navarasa in the segment
Inmai. In 2022, she took on a prominent role in
Puzhu, a psychological drama directed by
Ratheena, where she starred alongside
Mammootty. The film delved into complex themes of caste, power, and morality, and Parvathy's role added depth to the tense narrative. The project marked her first collaboration with Mammootty, and their on-screen dynamic was noted for its powerful emotional undertones. Additionally, in 2022, Parvathy appeared in
Wonder 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 included
Nadiya Moidu,
Nithya Menen,
Padmapriya Janakiraman and
Amruta Subhash. 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. In 2023, Parvathy made her return to Hindi cinema with
Kadak Singh, a psychological thriller directed by
Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury. She played the role of a head nurse who interacts with
Pankaj Tripathi's character, a man suffering from
retrograde amnesia. Although her role had limited screen time, her character played a key part in the story's development. The film received mixed reviews, with criticism focused on its slow pacing and predictable plot. The same year, Parvathy acted in a web series
Dhootha, a supernatural thriller on
Amazon Prime Video. Directed by
Vikram Kumar and starring
Naga 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. The series received mixed reviews, with praise for its suspenseful atmosphere but criticism for its disjointed narrative. In 2024, Parvathy delivered three notable performances in
Ullozhukku, Thangalaan and
Her. In
Ullozhukku, a family drama directed by
Christo 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. Her performance earned her the Best Performance (Female) award at the
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. In
Thangalaan, a Tamil period drama directed by
Pa. Ranjith and set during the British colonial era in the
Kolar Gold Fields, Parvathy portrayed
Gangamma, a central character in a narrative that explored themes of oppression, caste dynamics, and exploitation. 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. In
Her, directed by
Lijin 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. In the same year, she played the central character Sudha in
Kazhcha a segment of the Malayalam
Anthology series Manorathangal directed by
Shyamaprasad in which her performance was well acclaimed. == Other works and advocacy ==