The much-anticipated period drama 'Parasakthi' is finally set to hit the silver screen this week, marking a crucial release for its lead star, Sivakarthikeyan. Directed by the acclaimed Sudha Kongara, the film has generated significant buzz as one of the major Tamil releases of the year. Originally scheduled for a January 14 premiere, the makers opted for an earlier launch, locking in January 10 as the new release date.
A High-Stakes Box Office Clash
The excitement surrounding the release is tinged with high tension due to a direct box office clash. 'Parasakthi' will go head-to-head with the release of Vijay's last film, 'Jana Nayagan'. This sets the stage for a fierce battle for audience share, with both films commanding strong and passionate fan bases. The simultaneous release has become a major talking point in the industry, with predictions and fan wars already dominating social media.
Plot, Setting, and Cast Details
'Parasakthi' is a period piece set in the year 1965. The narrative revolves around two brothers played by Sivakarthikeyan and Atharvaa. Their characters offer a compelling contrast: while Atharvaa's role questions the rule from the Centre, Sivakarthikeyan portrays a Railways employee who perceives the situation differently. This ideological conflict within a family forms the core of the story.
The film delves into the historical context of Hindi imposition and Tamil Nadu's reaction to it, while also exploring how political discourse can seep into and strain family life. The cast includes Ravi Mohan in the role of a government officer. With its socio-political themes and strong character-driven premise, the film promises the engaging storytelling that director Sudha Kongara is known for.
Censor Hurdles and OTT Plans
The path to release hasn't been entirely smooth. Reports confirm that 'Parasakthi' has received a U/A certificate from the censor board. However, the certification process has faced delays and is not yet fully complete. This last-minute hurdle has had a tangible impact, causing theatres to hold back and affecting the pace of advance bookings for the film.
On the digital front, speculation suggests that the film's post-theatrical streaming rights have been acquired by ZEE5. It is expected to premiere on the platform after its cinema run concludes. However, an official confirmation from the production team is still awaited.
Theatre Owners Voice Financial Concerns
Beyond the clash, theatre owners are expressing deep anxiety over the financial viability of screening these big-ticket films. In a candid interview with Puthiya Thalaimurai, theatre owner Tiruppur Subramaniam outlined the core issue: demanding profit-sharing terms.
He explained that while 'Jana Nayagan' commands an estimated 60% audience share in some regions and 'Parasakthi' around 40%, the distributors' demands are cutting deeply into theatre profits. With a ticket priced at Rs. 190 plus Rs. 42 tax, and distributors asking for 75-80% of the remaining amount, theatres are left with as little as Rs. 37 per ticket.
"Do we need to run a theatre? Can we pay salaries? Can we pay EB bills? What can we do?" Subramaniam questioned. He clarified that theatre owners are willing to share profits, even up to 70%, but terms of 75% or 80%, especially in places like Tirunelveli, are deemed "abnormal." He directly linked these harsh terms to the slow advance bookings, stating there is no other reason for the sluggish response.
This release is particularly pivotal for Sivakarthikeyan, who is looking for a box office winner after the disappointing performance of his highly anticipated previous film, 'Madharaasi'. With a powerful plot, skilled director, and relevant themes, 'Parasakthi' aims to be that redeeming success, provided it can navigate the crowded release window and industry dynamics successfully.
