The much-anticipated Tamil period drama Parasakthi, starring Sivakarthikeyan, finally hit theatres across India on January 10. Riding on significant pre-release hype and a politically charged backdrop of the 1965 Tamil Nadu anti-Hindi protests, expectations were sky-high. However, the film's initial box office performance has delivered a surprising twist.
Opening Day Collections Fall Short of Predictions
According to trade tracking portal Sacnilk, Parasakthi managed to net approximately Rs 0.71 crore in India on its first day. This figure landed well below industry projections, which had estimated an opening day gross of over Rs 12 crore. The lower-than-expected turnout has been attributed by some observers to limited screen availability in certain regions and the challenge of attracting audiences to early morning shows.
This muted opening comes despite reported advance Zoom bookings worth around Rs 6 crore, indicating a strong initial interest that did not fully translate into footfall. The film, directed by Sudha Kongara, finds itself in a crowded January release window alongside big-ticket projects from stars like Prabhas and Vijay.
Audience and Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
Initial reactions from moviegoers who caught the premiere shows have been largely positive regarding the film's cinematic quality. Many have praised it as a film crafted explicitly for the theatrical experience. Sivakarthikeyan's performance, along with that of co-star Atharvaa, has received considerable applause.
The technical crew has also earned kudos for their work, including:
- GV Prakash for the film's music.
- Ravi K. Chandran for cinematography.
- Sathish Suriya for editing.
The film's core premise, which pits two brothers against each other—one working with the Railways and the other opposing the central government's imposition of Hindi—has sparked debate among viewers. While the period setting and performances are praised, some have pointed out slower sections in the narrative. The Tamil debut of actress Sreeleela has been noted as a fresh addition, and Ravi Mohan's portrayal of the antagonist has been deemed effective.
Can Pongal Holidays Turn the Tide?
All eyes are now on the coming weekend and the upcoming Pongal festival. Trade analysts suggest that strong word-of-mouth from the initial audiences could be the key to the film's recovery. The weekend collections are seen as decisive for Parasakthi's long-term box office trajectory.
There is a prevailing hope within the industry that the film could evolve into a sleeper hit, leveraging the festive holiday period when family audiences flock to cinemas. The film's engagement with a significant chapter in Tamil Nadu's socio-political history continues to be its unique selling point, potentially drawing in viewers over the extended holiday.
Disclaimer: The box office figures are based on estimates and various public sources. They are approximate and subject to change.
