The much-anticipated Pongal release, 'Parasakthi', starring Sivakarthikeyan, has hit a major roadblock with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, which delves into the sensitive historical theme of the anti-Hindi agitations in 1960s Madras, has been asked to make significant cuts, putting its scheduled January 10 theatrical debut in jeopardy.
Historical Plot Triggers Censor Scrutiny
Directed by Sudha Kongara, 'Parasakthi' is not just another commercial venture. It marks a significant milestone as Sivakarthikeyan's 25th film and composer G.V. Prakash Kumar's 100th musical project. The narrative faithfully recreates the political and social climate of the 1960s when Tamil Nadu witnessed strong protests against the imposition of Hindi. According to a News 18 report, the censor board, upon review, recommended substantial edits to certain visuals and dialogues directly linked to these agitations. The board has reportedly conditioned the certification on the removal of these scenes.
Filmmakers Defy Cuts, Fear for Film's Core Message
The production team, including the director and producer, have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the CBFC's demands. They argue that acceding to all the suggested cuts would dilute the film's central theme and historical authenticity. Sudha Kongara and her team believe that 'Parasakthi' is a cinematic capture of a pivotal period and its militant struggle, and altering key portions would compromise the film's truth. In a bold move, the team has decided to appeal the censor board's decision by taking the film to a revising committee, refusing to let the content be diminished.
Pongal Release Date Hangs in the Balance
This standoff has cast a shadow over the film's planned Pongal 2025 release on January 10. The timeline for the revising committee's verdict and the subsequent certification process are now the critical factors determining its fate. The situation is further complicated by stiff box office competition, with Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' slated for release a day earlier, on January 9. Despite the pressure, the filmmakers remain steadfast in their position to protect the integrity of their work.
Produced on a massive scale with a cast including Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, and Sreeleela, 'Parasakthi' had already generated positive buzz with its well-received music. However, its journey to the silver screen now depends on the outcome of this creative tussle with the censors, making it one of the most closely watched film stories of the coming season.
