The Tamil film industry is set for a major box office showdown this week as two highly anticipated movies, Sivakarthikeyan's 'Parasakthi' and Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan', are gearing up for a simultaneous release. The clash has not only heightened excitement among fans but also sparked significant concern among theatre owners over revenue sharing terms.
Release Date Shift and High-Stakes Clash
Directed by Sudha Kongara, 'Parasakthi' was initially scheduled to hit the screens on January 14. However, in a strategic move, the makers decided to advance the release. The film will now grace theatres on January 10. This pits it directly against the mighty 'Jana Nayagan', leading to a tense battle for audience share. Both stars command massive fan bases, making this one of the most talked-about cinematic clashes of the year in Tamil Nadu.
Plot, Setting, and Star-Studded Cast
'Parasakthi' is a period drama set in the year 1965. The narrative revolves around two brothers played by Sivakarthikeyan and Atharvaa. Their ideological conflict forms the crux of the story. While Atharvaa's character questions and resists the rule from the Centre, Sivakarthikeyan portrays a Railways employee who views the situation through a different lens. This contrast promises engaging drama.
The film delves into the historical issue of Hindi imposition and Tamil Nadu's strong reaction to it. It also explores how political ideologies can seep into and strain family dynamics. The cast includes Ravi Mohan in the role of a government officer. With director Sudha Kongara at the helm, known for her compelling storytelling, the film is expected to deliver a powerful socio-political narrative.
Censor Clearance and OTT Plans
The Central Board of Film Certification has reportedly granted the film a U/A certificate. However, the censor process has faced some delays, which has consequently affected advance bookings for the movie. Post its theatrical run, reports from OTT Play suggest that 'Parasakthi' is likely to stream on the platform ZEE5. An official confirmation from the producers is still awaited.
Theatre Owners Voice Financial Worries
The clash is causing more than just fan rivalry; it's creating a financial headache for cinema hall operators. Prominent theatre owner Tiruppur Subramaniam, in an interview with Puthiya Thalaimurai, highlighted the core issue: demanding profit-sharing terms as high as 75-80% from exhibitors.
He broke down the economics, stating that after taxes, if the distributor takes 75% of the remaining ticket price, the theatre is left with a meagre amount. "A ticket costs Rs.190 and tax is Rs.42. If they charge 75% of the remaining amount, we will get only Rs.37 for a ticket," Subramaniam explained.
He raised critical questions about sustainability: "Do we need to run a theatre? Can we pay salaries? Can we pay EB bills? What can we do?" He clarified that theatre owners are willing to share profits, even up to 70%, but find the demand for 75-80% in many regions to be "abnormal." He directly linked these harsh terms to the slow pace of advance bookings for both films.
A Crucial Film for Sivakarthikeyan
'Parasakthi' carries extra weight for its lead actor, Sivakarthikeyan. His last much-awaited film, 'Madharaasi', unfortunately underperformed at the box office. A strong showing for 'Parasakthi' is therefore seen as vital for reaffirming his star power. With its potent mix of historical context, political themes, familial drama, and a talented crew, all eyes are on whether this period drama will emerge victorious in this high-stakes box office duel.
