The new Tamil film Parasakthi opened to mixed reviews on its release day, just ahead of Pongal celebrations. Directed by Sudha Kongara, the movie hit screens on January 10, 2026. It tells a story set against the 1965 anti-Hindi language agitations in Tamil Nadu. Sivakarthikeyan leads the cast, with Atharvaa, Ravi Mohan, and Sreeleela in key roles.
Many fans came out happy after the first shows. They liked the strong acting from the main stars. Sivakarthikeyan plays a young man caught up in the protests. People said he brought energy to the role. Ravi Mohan stands out as a tough antagonist. One viewer called his performance cold and powerful. Atharvaa and Sreeleela add to the emotional side. The love track got some praise, but not everyone felt it worked well.
GV Prakash Kumar’s music scored big points. The background score fits the tense moments of the agitations. Songs play a part in building the mood. Fans shared clips online, saying the interval block felt stirring. It shows the struggles of students and leaders fighting for Tamil language rights. Some called it a nod to the real events that shaped Tamil Nadu’s politics back then.
The look of the film impressed across the board. Sudha Kongara recreated the 1960s well. Old Madras streets, clothes, and vehicles look authentic. Crowds in protest scenes feel real. Technical work like cinematography and editing got good mentions in most reviews.
Not all feedback was positive. Several critics pointed out slow pacing. The first half drags in places, with too much talk and setup. One review gave it just 2 out of 5 stars. They said the screenplay feels weak at times. The love story came across as dull to some. A few felt the film tries hard to educate but misses on entertainment. Online posts called parts boring or cliché toward the end.
The movie has a political edge. It focuses on the youth uprising against Hindi imposition. That topic still matters in Tamil Nadu. Some viewers appreciated how it brings history to life. Others thought it leans too much into ideology without enough emotion. A few comments online said the film tests patience.
This project started with Suriya in mind years ago. It got shelved, then revived with Sivakarthikeyan. That history added to the buzz. Some fans joked that Suriya avoided a tough role. Rivalries between actor fan groups played a part in the split opinions. Posts on X and Reddit showed strong takes from both sides.
Early box office numbers are not out yet. Theatres reported decent crowds for morning shows. Pongal holidays usually help family films, but this one carries serious themes. It runs for about 162 minutes, which might affect repeat views.
Sudha Kongara is known for films like Irudhi Suttru and Soorarai Pottru. She brings real events to the screen again here. The 1965 protests led to big changes, including deaths and shifts in government. The film tries to capture that fire without holding back.
Some minor controversy came up before release. The censor board asked for cuts, but the team fought most of them. A U/A certificate came through. Reports of a slur upset viewers in neighbouring states, but the focus stayed on the story.
Overall, Parasakthi divides audiences. Fans of historical dramas find a lot to like. Those wanting fast action might walk away disappointed. Performances and music keep it afloat for many. As more people watch over the weekend, the full picture will clear up. For now, it stands as an ambitious take on a key moment in Tamil history.
Theatres in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu stay busy. Word of mouth will decide how long it runs. Pongal releases often set the tone for the year in Kollywood. This one has sparked talks, even if not everyone agrees.