Establishing legacies has become an inseparable part of an election year in Tamil Nadu, where cinema and politics have always shared an intimate relationship. The much-anticipated box office clash between Parasakthi and Jana Nayagan never happened, but the mere expectation of it reflected how deeply the idea of political legacy preoccupies both the DMK and the TVK. Had Vijay’s film released alongside Parasakthi, the clash would have been remembered as a historic flashpoint a fittingly theatrical moment in Tamil Nadu’s cinematic-political history.
This makes it an intriguing time for journalists and chroniclers, as films increasingly double as political statements.
Parasakthi
Release Year: 2025
Language: Tamil
Genre: Social Drama
Story
Parasakthi opens amidst fire and chaos in 1959 Tamil Nadu, during the height of anti-Hindi imposition agitations. Chezhiyan (Sivakarthikeyan) is introduced as a student revolutionary, a near-mythical figure among fellow protestors. However, devastating personal losses force him to abandon the movement. He drops out of college and takes up work as a fireman on a train, shovelling coal — a symbolic descent from revolutionary idealism to survival.
The narrative then jumps to the 1960s, focusing on his younger brother Chinna (Atharvaa), who remains actively involved in the movement. Despite Chezhiyan’s repeated attempts to stop him, Chinna continues his activism. Chezhiyan, now seeking stability, believes that learning Hindi might earn him fair employment as a ticket collector. This belief is shattered when he realises he can never compete with native Hindi speakers. A tragic incident ultimately pulls him back into the movement he once abandoned.
Movie Trailer
Movie Details
| Directed by | Sudha Kongara |
|---|---|
| Screenplay by | Sudha Kongara Arjun Nadesan Ganeshaa |
| Dialogues by | Sudha KongaraArjun Nadesan Madhan Karky Shan Karuppusamy |
| Story by | Mathimaran Pugazhendhi |
| Produced by | Aakash Baskaran |
| Starring | Sivakarthikeyan Ravi Mohan Atharvaa Sreeleela |
| Cinematography | Ravi K. Chandran |
| Edited by | Sathish Suriya |
| Music by | G. V. Prakash Kumar |
| Production company | Dawn Pictures |
| Distributed by | Red Giant Movies |
| Release date | 10 January 2026 |
| Running time | 162 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Movie Review
Sivakarthikeyan delivers an earnest performance and clearly attempts to create a hero audiences can root for. Unfortunately, the screenplay offers little emotional authenticity to support him. The narrative loses momentum quickly, pacing becomes sluggish, and character arcs feel flat.
The situation worsens due to last-minute cuts demanded by the CBFC. The 25 changes leave visible gaps in editing, disrupting narrative flow.
Produced by DMK-linked Dawn Pictures, Parasakthi heavily incorporates party messaging. Slogans such as “We are against Hindi imposition, not Hindi speakers” are explicitly stated early on. In one scene, even amid a burning train rescue, Chezhiyan pauses to reassure a North Indian family — a moment that feels carefully staged for political optics.
While historically the DMK opposed Congress over Hindi imposition, the film simplifies this by presenting Congress as a stand-in for central authority. At the same time, it carefully avoids offending current political allies, resulting in narrative gymnastics that feel calculated.
Conclusion
Parasakthi (2025) rightly reminds audiences that protest is a democratic right, that student movements shape politics, and that police brutality during anti-Hindi agitations must not be forgotten. Tackling such subjects today is undeniably risky.
However, while ideology dominates the foreground, cinematic craft retreats into the background. The film raises important questions but fails to weave them into a compelling narrative. What could have been a powerful historical drama ends up feeling more like an election-era statement than a timeless piece of cinema.
FAQ
1. What is Parasakthi (2025) about?
Parasakthi (2025) is a Tamil-language film that explores strong social themes, focusing on justice, oppression, and the voice of the common people, presented through an intense dramatic narrative.
2. Is Parasakthi (2025) a remake of the classic Parasakthi (1952)?
No. Parasakthi (2025) is not a direct remake of the 1952 classic. While it carries the same title and ideological depth, the story, characters, and presentation are reimagined for a modern audience.
3. Who are the main cast members in Parasakthi (2025)?
The film features a powerful ensemble cast. Official confirmations about all lead and supporting actors were revealed gradually during promotions.
4. Who directed Parasakthi (2025)?
The movie is directed by a filmmaker known for handling content-driven and socially relevant cinema, bringing a contemporary vision to the title Parasakthi.
5. What genre does Parasakthi (2025) belong to?
The film falls under social drama, with elements of political commentary, emotional storytelling, and realistic performances.
6. Is Parasakthi (2025) suitable for family audiences?
The movie contains serious themes and strong dialogues. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for younger audiences, due to its intense social messages.
7. What makes Parasakthi (2025) different from other Tamil films?
Unlike typical commercial entertainers, Parasakthi (2025) focuses on ideology, dialogue strength, and realism, making it stand out as a thought-provoking cinema experience.