“A bold voice from the past — but does it echo today?”
The much-awaited Tamil film Parasakthi, directed by Sudha Kongara, hit theatres on January 10, 2026, becoming one of the biggest Pongal releases of the year. Starring Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Sreeleela, and Atharvaa, the film arrived with heavy expectations — but early reactions show a mixed and polarizing response.
Set during the 1960s anti-Hindi imposition protests in Tamil Nadu, Parasakthi is a political period drama that aims to blend history, emotion, and mass appeal. However, its journey to release was not smooth. The film faced CBFC delays, undergoing 25 cuts before receiving a UA 16+ certificate. Once cleared, advance bookings opened quickly, especially in Chennai and major cities.
⭐ What Worked Well
Audiences widely praised the performances, especially Sivakarthikeyan, whose restrained and boy-next-door portrayal feels sincere and grounded. His chemistry with director Sudha Kongara shows in emotional moments. Ravi Mohan and Atharvaa impress as brothers, with their interval block scenes delivering goosebumps for many viewers.
Sreeleela stands out with strong screen presence, while the visuals and set design successfully recreate 1960s Tamil Nadu. The film’s depiction of student movements and language politics feels authentic and bold, earning appreciation from a section of critics and producers alike. Producer G Dhananjeyan described the film as “emotionally powerful and rooted in truth.”
⚠️ Where It Faltered
Despite a promising premise, many viewers felt the first half drags, weighed down by slow narration, a weak romantic track, and forgettable music. The post-interval portions received the harshest criticism, with complaints of stretched scenes, convenient writing, and shallow emotional payoff.
Several reviews called the film boring overall, with some critics rating it as low as 1–2 stars. Certain characters, including Ravi Mohan’s role, were seen as underdeveloped, limiting emotional impact.
💰 Box Office & Buzz
Made on an estimated budget of ₹142–148 crore, Parasakthi earned around ₹17 crore India net on Day 1, with ₹24 crore worldwide, releasing across 1800+ screens. Ticket prices in Chennai ranged between ₹250–300, boosted by last-minute censor clearance.
Originally planned with Suriya, the casting switch to Sivakarthikeyan added curiosity, though social media reactions suggest fans remain divided.
🎯 Final Verdict
Parasakthi is ambitious, brave, and politically charged — but uneven execution holds it back. While it wins points for intent and performances, its slow pace and weak emotional grip make it a polarizing Pongal release with uncertain long-term box office potential.
