Pongal Box Office Clash Sees 'Parasakthi' Release While 'Jana Nayagan' Stalls
The recent Pongal festive season created an interesting box office scenario in Tamil cinema. Two films, 'Parasakthi' and 'Jana Nayagan,' found themselves in an unexpected rivalry. However, only one managed to reach theaters during the crucial holiday period.
'Jana Nayagan' faced a significant setback. The film could not secure its theatrical release due to delayed censor certification. This administrative hurdle kept the movie away from audiences during the profitable festival window.
Meanwhile, 'Parasakthi' experienced smoother sailing. The production team obtained their censor certificate just one day before the scheduled release date. This timely approval allowed the film to premiere on multiple screens across theaters. Director Sudha Kongara's project finally saw the light of day.
Director's Candid Comments Ignite Social Media Firestorm
During the theatrical run of 'Parasakthi,' director Sudha Kongara made some revealing statements. She spoke openly about the challenges filmmakers encounter in the industry. Kongara specifically addressed the issue of rowdy fan behavior.
The director pointed out that certain actor fanbases tend to display what she called "goonda and rowdy" characteristics. Her choice of words immediately caught attention. These comments quickly spread across various social media platforms.
Vijay fans in particular felt targeted by Kongara's remarks. They launched a massive trolling campaign against the director on X, formerly known as Twitter. The platform became a battleground of opinions and reactions.
Netizens Unleash Creative Mockery Through Memes and Posts
Social media users responded with remarkable creativity. They flooded platforms with memes, videos, and posts mocking Sudha Kongara's statements. The online community demonstrated both humor and criticism through their content.
One popular meme depicted a two-wheeler skidding on the road. A woman in the image claimed a vehicle behind caused the accident. The caption tagged this character as "Lady Director," clearly referencing Kongara.
Another post utilized a familiar Vadivelu comedy template. It humorously suggested that directors deserve physical punishment if they demand salaries comparable to actor Lokesh. This post gained significant traction among users.
Several netizens creatively adapted dialogue from the film 'Mudhalvan.' They posted variations of Arjun's iconic line: "Parasakthi running? Vijay fans are the reason. Vettaiyan running? Vijay fans are the reason." This became a popular method to ridicule Kongara's original statement about fan influence.
Political Figures and Commentators Join the Fray
The controversy attracted attention beyond casual social media users. Political figures and public commentators entered the discussion with their perspectives.
Shalin Maria Lawrence, associated with the Naam Tamilar Katchi political party, offered sharp criticism. She referred to Sudha Kongara as "a bougie path" for what she perceived as trashing the movie. Lawrence requested that the director recognize the film's merits instead of blaming fans for any shortcomings.
Other netizens questioned the reported success of 'Parasakthi.' They highlighted that the film might not have earned the amounts being circulated in media reports. Many shared memes and posts under the hashtag #ParasakthiDisaster to express their skepticism.
Several fans raised an important point about representation. They argued that a movie poster cannot label an entire fan community as rowdy. Such statements, they claimed, do not support the growth and development of Tamil cinema as an industry.
The criticism reached personal levels in some cases. One netizen went so far as to call the female director "the most disgusting face of 2026." This extreme comment demonstrated the depth of emotion surrounding the controversy.
Audience Reaction and Constructive Advice Emerge
Despite the trolling and criticism, some voices advocated for caution and restraint. These commentators offered more measured perspectives on the situation.
Industry observers pointed out that criticism remains an inherent part of cinema. However, they emphasized that bashing audiences crosses an important boundary. The relationship between creators and viewers requires mutual respect.
Social media users highlighted the strong family audience demand for 'Parasakthi.' They reiterated that no single segment of fans can determine a movie's ultimate success or failure. Multiple factors contribute to a film's performance at the box office.
The prevailing view among many commentators suggested that Sudha Kongara should exercise greater care with her words during future interviews. More thoughtful communication could help avoid similar controversies and minimize trolling incidents. The director's experience serves as a reminder about the power of public statements in the digital age.
