After a period of uncertainty, actor Sivakarthikeyan's highly anticipated film, Parasakthi, has finally made its way to cinema screens across the country. The film's release, which was initially in doubt due to pending clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), proceeded as planned on 10 January 2026. This followed the board granting the movie a UA certificate, allowing it to meet its scheduled Pongal release date.
About the Film and Its Cast
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sudha Kongara, Parasakthi is a Tamil period drama set in the 1960s Madras. The narrative delves into the student agitations that took place in Pollachi, focusing on the contentious issue of Hindi imposition. Sivakarthikeyan leads the ensemble cast, which includes Ravi Mohan and Sreeleela in pivotal roles.
The film boasts a strong supporting lineup featuring Daali Dhananjaya, Dev Ramnath, Prithvi Rajan, Guru Somasundaram, Basil Joseph, Papri Ghosh, and Rana Daggubati. This historical drama marks a significant release for Sivakarthikeyan, showcasing him in a role that departs from his usual comedic fare.
Netizens Share Mixed Early Reactions
As fans flocked to theatres for the first-day-first-show screenings, social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), became a hub for immediate reactions. The early verdict from netizens on Parasakthi is decidedly mixed, with opinions varying widely on its pacing, content, and impact.
Several viewers praised the film's emotional core and powerful performances. One user on X highlighted the film's strong first half, writing, "Terrific first half. The interval scenes give absolute goosebumps! Atharva and Sivakarthikeyan's brotherly bonding is deeply soulful. Sreeleela is a blast with her stunning screen presence. Ravi Mohan and Sivakarthikeyan deliver fantabulous performances." Another echoed the sentiment about the interval block, calling it "pure madness" and stating that Sivakarthikeyan is in his "absolute PRIME."
However, other reviews pointed out issues with the film's pacing and the handling of its sensitive subject matter. One netizen found the first hour to be a "real patience tester," noting that "too many controversial topics are discussed." Another detailed review mentioned, "Film jumps straight into the story with an authentic period setup, but drags right after the setup with a very slow narration and a filler love track that takes up most of the time and is boring." The love track between Sivakarthikeyan and Sreeleela's characters was cited by multiple users as a segment that tested audience patience.
A Key Release in a Competitive Season
The release of Parasakthi is a major event in the Pongal 2026 box office race. It finds itself in a direct clash with Prabhas' big-ticket film, The Raja Saab. This competition is intensified by the absence of another potential blockbuster, Vijay's Jana Nayagan, which was also slated for this period. The mixed early word-of-mouth will be a crucial factor in determining the film's performance in this highly competitive cinematic landscape.
Despite the divergent opinions, the consensus among many social media reviewers is that the interval block is a standout moment, and the music by G.V. Prakash has been widely appreciated. The film's willingness to tackle historical and politically charged themes has sparked conversation, ensuring that Parasakthi remains a talking point as more audiences experience it in theatres.
