The much-anticipated Tamil film Parasakthi, starring Sivakarthikeyan, finally hit theatres on Saturday, navigating a turbulent pre-release phase to secure a steady opening. The film, which explores the historic Anti-Hindi agitation in Tamil Nadu, garnered a mixed response from critics but managed to pull in an estimated ₹11.5 crore in net collections on its opening day in India, as reported by industry tracker Sacnilk. This takes its worldwide gross earnings beyond the ₹27 crore mark.
A Release Marred by Uncertainty and Competition
The journey to the screen for Parasakthi was far from smooth. The film received its U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) just one day before its scheduled release. This last-minute clearance significantly hampered advance bookings across several key markets, putting the film at an immediate disadvantage.
Furthermore, the box office battlefield was fiercely contested. Prabhas's pan-India mega-release, The Raja Saab, had stormed into theatres a day earlier on Friday. It dominated the opening day numbers with a colossal ₹63.3 crore haul, further bolstered by nearly ₹10 crore from preview shows. This created a formidable challenge for screen space and audience attention.
In the Hindi-speaking regions, the juggernaut Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, continued its phenomenal run even in its sixth week. It reportedly added over ₹3 crore to its tally on Friday, further squeezing screen availability for new entrants like Parasakthi.
Silver Lining and Production Scale
One factor that worked in favour of the Sivakarthikeyan-starrer was a shift in the release calendar. The Tamil film Jana Nayagan, initially set for a January 9 release, was postponed due to its own certification issues. This deferral eased some of the direct competitive pressure within the Tamil market, allowing Parasakthi more breathing room.
Directed by Sudha Kongara and produced by Dawn Pictures, Parasakthi is a high-stakes venture with a reported production budget of approximately ₹142 crore. The film marks the Tamil debut of actress Sreeleela and features Ravi Mohan as the primary antagonist. The ensemble cast is rounded out by notable names including Atharvaa, Guru Somasundaram, Basil Joseph, and Rana Daggubati.
Audience Verdict and Road Ahead
As the crucial weekend collections unfold, the film's long-term box office trajectory hinges heavily on word-of-mouth publicity and its ability to retain screens amidst multiple high-profile releases. Early audience reactions on social media platform X have been largely tepid.
Many viewers expressed disappointment with the film's pacing and writing. While some appreciated director Sudha Kongara's intent and the authenticity of the period setting, a common critique was that the execution failed to match the ambition. One user described the film as "unbearable," citing excessive build-up, while another gave it a 1.5/5 rating, noting a draggy second half. Several also felt the emotional core of the language movement narrative lacked depth.
However, not all feedback was negative. A section of the audience praised the film's authentic portrayal of history. One user tweeted, "A powerful, authentic well made film by #SudhaKongara on the historic Anti-Hindi students agitation... The last 30 minutes is edge of the seat. What makes it tick is the superb characterisation & performance of #Sivakarthikeyan..." This divide in opinion sets the stage for a volatile performance in the coming days.
The coming Monday will be a critical test for Parasakthi as it indicates whether the film has managed to build positive momentum over the weekend or if it will succumb to the intense competition and mixed word-of-mouth.
