[2] Parvathy began her acting career with the Malayalam film Out of Syllabus in 2006, and gained critical acclaim for her performance in the Tamil romantic drama Poo (2008).

[7][8] 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.

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.

[21] 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 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".

[38] The film featured an ensemble cast, including Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly, Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya Nazim, Nithya Menen and Isha Talwar.

[39] 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.

Parvathy played a key role in this experimental film, which combined elements of mythology, theatre, and personal redemption, further showcasing her versatility.

[42] 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.

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.

Directed by Mahesh Narayan and starring Kunchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil, the film received widespread acclaim, with praise from celebrities like Kamal Haasan.

[49] 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.

[50] 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.

Koode is an emotional drama that explores themes of family, loss, and personal growth, set against a backdrop of rural life in Kerala.

In the film, she played the role of Pallavi Raveendran, an aspiring pilot whose life takes a drastic turn after surviving an acid attack.

[57] 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.

[60][61] In Varthamanam, directed by Siddhartha Siva, she played a central role as a student activist, addressing themes of social justice and political unrest.

[62] 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.[63] Parvathy’s contribution as Rachiyamma added depth to this anthology, which delved into the evolving roles of men and women across generations.

[64][65] 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 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.

[72][73] In 2023, Parvathy made her return to Hindi cinema with Kadak Singh, a psychological thriller directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury.

She portrayed DCP Kranthi Shenoy, a strict investigative officer tasked with solving mysterious deaths linked to supernatural events.

[80] 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.

[81] 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.

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.

She specifically named the Malayalam film Kasaba for its problematic portrayal of women, urging veteran actors like Mammootty to refrain from roles that perpetuate such stereotypes.

[89][90] In 2017, Parvathy spoke about Islamophobia in Indian films, including in her own projects such as Ennu Ninte Moideen and Take Off, acknowledging past mistakes and vowing to approach such themes more responsibly in the future.

[92] In October 2020, Parvathy resigned from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to protest controversial remarks by General Secretary Edavela Babu about a fellow female actor.