In a big win for Tamil cinema, the critically acclaimed thriller Parking has clinched three major accolades at the 71st National Film Awards. The film, which stirred up conversations when it quietly dropped in December 2023, has now roared back into the spotlight — and for all the right reasons.
The Government of India announced the full list of winners on Friday, and Parking emerged as one of the biggest surprises. It’s now streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium — a good time as any to catch up.
A Triple Crown for Parking
It’s rare for a debut film to sweep at the National Film Awards. Yet Parking, directed by first-time filmmaker Ramkumar Balakrishnan, did just that. It didn’t just win Best Film in Tamil. It also bagged Best Supporting Actor for veteran performer MS Bhaskar and Best Screenplay Writer for Balakrishnan himself.
For a film that arrived with minimal fanfare, the post-release acclaim has been deafening. And the awards? They seal the deal.
What makes this achievement more striking is how intimate the film feels — a contained story, mostly set inside an apartment complex, that ends up saying a lot about human nature.
The Storyline Hits Closer Than You Think
At its heart, Parking is deceptively simple. A young IT employee, Eshwar, moves into a residential complex with dreams and a brand new car. But there’s a catch: his elderly downstairs neighbor Ilamparuthi, played by MS Bhaskar, already treats the parking space like it’s his personal property.
The spark is small. The fire, massive.
As the two men — from vastly different generations — clash over the slot, the story spirals into darker, almost absurd depths. What starts as a quiet turf war morphs into a psychological battle laced with tension, pride, and stubborn masculinity.
What Makes Parking Stand Out?
A lot of films talk about ego, conflict, and the male psyche. But Parking shows it. And it does so without judgment, sensationalism, or side-taking.
What makes it click?
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The realism: No over-the-top villainy or heroism. Just men who let their emotions spiral.
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The screenplay: Smartly structured, every moment feels like it’s ticking toward something bigger.
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The performances: Harish Kalyan brings a slow burn intensity, but it’s MS Bhaskar who steals the show.
Bhaskar’s Ilamparuthi is not a caricatured cranky old man. He’s layered — bitter, proud, occasionally remorseful. He’s you, he’s me, he’s anyone who’s ever let their pride get the better of them.
Why MS Bhaskar’s Win Matters So Much
If you’ve followed Tamil cinema at all, you’ll know MS Bhaskar is no newcomer. He’s been delivering scene-stealing performances for years. But he’s rarely front and center.
This win? It’s overdue.
Playing Ilamparuthi, Bhaskar shows just how much pain, pride, and regret a single look can carry. There’s a moment in the film — no spoilers — where he says nothing but says everything. That’s acting that goes beyond dialogue.
And awards committees clearly noticed.
Streaming Now — and Still Relevant
Despite being released in late 2023, Parking feels very now. Maybe it’s the political climate. Maybe it’s the urban housing crises. Maybe it’s just how familiar this sort of spat feels to anyone who’s ever lived in a shared space.
It’s on JioHotstar through OTTplay Premium. And it’s not alone.
Alongside Parking, you can now stream other 71st National Film Award winners like:
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Hanu-Man
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Sam Bahadur
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Baby
That’s a pretty solid lineup for a weekend binge.
Parking Lot Problems and the Men Who Fight Them
The brilliance of Parking lies in its metaphor. It’s not just about a concrete parking space. It’s about personal space. Ownership. Territory. Respect.
And men? Oh, they fight for these things like it’s war.
Here’s where it hits the hardest: you don’t see a villain here. You see two people stuck in their own heads. The older man sees change as a threat. The younger man sees resistance as injustice. Neither is entirely right. Neither is entirely wrong.
But ego doesn’t care about nuance.
What’s Next for Director Ramkumar?
Balakrishnan has already moved on to his next project. And it’s got some serious buzz.
His upcoming film, tentatively titled STR 49, stars none other than Silambarasan (STR) in the lead. It also features Santhanam and Kayadu Lohar, and is being produced by Dawn Pictures. The music? Scored by rising composer Sai Abhyankkar.
The anticipation is high. And thanks to the success of Parking, expectations are even higher.
