Parasakthi, the latest Tamil-language period drama starring Sivakarthikeyan, opened in cinemas on Friday with a divided critical and audience response. Directed by Sudha Kongara, the film released nationwide amid high expectations, owing to its political backdrop, ensemble cast, and the director’s strong reputation for socially driven storytelling.
The film hit theatres on January 10 and is set against the anti-Hindi imposition protests of the 1960s, a sensitive and historically significant phase in Tamil Nadu’s political and cultural history. While the subject matter has drawn attention and debate, early reactions suggest that Parasakthi struggles to fully translate its powerful intent into a consistently engaging cinematic experience.
Strong Performances but Uneven Execution
Early reviews broadly agree that Parasakthi benefits from committed performances across its principal cast. Sivakarthikeyan is seen in a restrained, intense role that marks a departure from his lighter commercial outings. Ravi Mohan and Atharvaa play key roles that anchor the film’s ideological conflict, while the supporting cast adds emotional weight to the narrative.
However, critics and viewers have pointed out that the film’s writing and pacing dilute its overall impact. Several reactions describe the screenplay as dense and overextended, with abrupt editing choices that affect narrative flow. While individual scenes and sequences stand out for their emotional power, the film reportedly struggles to maintain momentum across its lengthy runtime.
Mixed Audience Response on Release Day
Audience feedback following the first day of screenings reflects a clear split in opinion. A section of viewers has praised the film for tackling a politically charged subject with sincerity and scale, highlighting its historical detailing, background score, and select dramatic moments.
At the same time, others have described Parasakthi as an average watch, citing issues such as uneven tone, prolonged sequences, and missed opportunities to deepen character motivations. Some viewers felt that the film raises important questions but does not always offer the narrative clarity or emotional payoff expected from such material.
Box Office Opens Steady, Not Exceptional
At the box office, Parasakthi registered a steady opening but fell short of pre-release expectations in several centres. Trade estimates indicate that while advance bookings were encouraging, actual footfalls on opening day varied by region.
Industry observers suggest that the film’s long-term performance will depend heavily on word-of-mouth over the weekend. Given the mixed critical reception, Parasakthi may see stronger traction in select markets where politically themed dramas traditionally perform better.
Context and Industry Significance
Parasakthi arrives at a time when Tamil cinema is increasingly engaging with political and historical narratives. Directed by Sudha Kongara, known for blending social themes with mainstream storytelling, the film was expected to resonate widely. Its release also follows extensive post-production changes, reportedly aimed at refining its final cut before theatrical launch.
Despite its divided reception, Parasakthi has succeeded in sparking discussion around language, identity, and protest movements, topics that remain relevant even decades after the events depicted in the film.
What Lies Ahead
With its opening weekend still underway, Parasakthi’s box office trajectory remains uncertain. While strong performances and thematic ambition work in its favour, the film’s reception suggests it may find appreciation among niche audiences rather than achieving universal acclaim.
As audiences continue to engage with the film over the coming days, its ultimate standing will likely be shaped by how viewers respond to its blend of political history and cinematic drama.
