Parasakthi

 Hello everyone! As a passionate follower of Tamil cinema, I'm excited to delve into Parasakthi, the highly anticipated 2026 release that premiered today, January 10, coinciding with Pongal festivities. Directed by the acclaimed Sudha Kongara, known for her masterful storytelling in films like Soorarai Pottru, this historical political action drama stars Sivakarthikeyan in a transformative role. Produced by Aakash Bhaskaran under Dawn Pictures with a hefty budget of ₹141.50-150 crore, the film explores the 1965 anti-Hindi imposition agitations in Tamil Nadu.

With a runtime of 162 minutes (2 hours 42 minutes), it's a pan-India release in Tamil and Telugu, blending intense drama, action, and socio-political commentary. Early buzz highlights its gripping narrative and stellar performances, making it a must-watch despite initial censor hurdles. In this post, I'll cover a short intro, cast and crew, story, box office collection, OTT streaming options, and a balanced review—all backed by accurate sources. Let's explore!

Short Introduction

Parasakthi (translated as "The Supreme Power") is a 2026 Indian Tamil-language historical political action drama that captures the essence of linguistic pride and resistance. Written and directed by Sudha Kongara, with dialogues co-crafted by Arjun Nadesan, Madhan Karky, and Shan Karuppusamy, the film is based on a story by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi. It marks Sivakarthikeyan's 25th film and GV Prakash Kumar's 100th as a composer. Set against the backdrop of 1965 Madras State (now Tamil Nadu), it dramatizes the anti-Hindi imposition movement, a pivotal event in Tamil history that shaped regional identity.

The movie faced CBFC scrutiny, undergoing 25 cuts to secure a U/A certificate, but emerged stronger with themes of brotherhood, patriotism, and social justice. Released amid high expectations, it benefits from Jana Nayagan's postponement, securing more screens. With international shoots, period sets, and advanced CGI, it's poised to be a career-defining project for Sivakarthikeyan, blending commercial elements with profound messaging.

Cast and Crew

The film's strength lies in its powerhouse cast and skilled crew, blending star power with nuanced performances. Sivakarthikeyan leads as Chezhiyan, a young man drawn into the anti-Hindi agitation, showcasing his dramatic range beyond comedies. Ravi Mohan debuts as the antagonist Thirunaadan, bringing intensity to the role. Atharvaa Murali supports as a key ally, while Sreeleela makes her Tamil debut as the female lead, adding romance and depth. The ensemble includes Basil Joseph, Dev Ramnath, Prithvi Rajan, Guru Somasundaram, Papri Ghosh, Prakash Belawadi, and a cameo by Rana Daggubati.

Behind the camera, Sudha Kongara directs and co-writes, infusing authenticity into the historical narrative. Aakash Bhaskaran produces under Dawn Pictures, ensuring grand production values. GV Prakash Kumar's score amplifies the emotional highs, with cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran capturing the era's turmoil vividly. Editor Sathish Suriya maintains a tight pace.

Here's a detailed table summarizing the key cast and crew:

Role/Position	Name
Lead Actor (Chezhiyan)	Sivakarthikeyan
Antagonist (Thirunaadan)	Ravi Mohan
Supporting Actor	Atharvaa Murali
Female Lead	Sreeleela
Supporting Actor	Basil Joseph
Supporting Actor	Dev Ramnath
Supporting Actor	Prithvi Rajan
Supporting Actor	Guru Somasundaram
Cameo	Rana Daggubati
Director/Writer	Sudha Kongara
Producer	Aakash Bhaskaran
Music Composer	GV Prakash Kumar
Cinematographer	Ravi K. Chandran
Editor	Sathish Suriya

Story

Parasakthi transports viewers to 1965 Madras State, amid the fervent anti-Hindi imposition agitations that ignited student movements and reshaped Tamil identity. The narrative centers on Chezhiyan (Sivakarthikeyan), a young man from a modest background who becomes unwittingly entangled in the protests against the central government's push for Hindi as the official language. As tensions escalate with police crackdowns and political maneuvering, Chezhiyan evolves from a bystander to a symbol of resistance, fighting for linguistic rights and social justice.

Spoiler Warning: The plot weaves personal stakes with historical events—Chezhiyan's family faces threats from oppressive forces led by Thirunaadan (Ravi Mohan), a powerful antagonist embodying the establishment. Amidst romance with Sreeleela's character, who represents resilience, and brotherhood with Atharvaa, the story explores themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and community. Drawing from true events, it highlights student activism, self-immolations, and the Dravidian movement's rise. Action sequences depict riots and chases, balanced by emotional family bonds. The climax confronts systemic injustice, delivering a message of unity without overt propaganda. Sudha Kongara's direction ensures a blend of high-stakes drama and relatable human elements, making it both educational and entertaining.

Inspired by real agitations, the film avoids glorification, focusing on the human cost while celebrating Tamil pride.