Parasakthi (2026) is a Tamil-language political action drama helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Sudha Kongara, best known for her critically praised film Soorarai Pottru. With Parasakthi, the director once again explores a strong social narrative, drawing inspiration from the anti-Hindi imposition movements of the 1960s in Tamil Nadu.
The film was released in theatres on 10 January 2026, strategically ahead of the Pongal festival. Originally scheduled for a January 14 release, the makers advanced the date to benefit from festive footfalls and extended holiday viewership.
Cast and Performances
Lead Actors
- Sivakarthikeyan plays the central character, marking a significant milestone as his 25th film in a lead role. He delivers a serious and restrained performance, effectively handling the film’s emotional depth and political intensity.
- Sreeleela appears in an important role and adds balance to the narrative with her strong screen presence.
- Ravi Mohan and Atharvaa Murali play pivotal characters, contributing to the film’s dramatic progression and conflict-driven storytelling.
Supporting Cast
The ensemble cast includes Kulappulli Leela, Prakash Belawadi, Dev Ramnath, Prithvi Rajan, among others, all of whom strengthen the film’s realistic and period-based setting.
Director and Technical Team
- Director: Sudha Kongara
- Music Composer: G.V. Prakash Kumar, marking his 100th film as a music director
- Cinematography: Ravi K. Chandran
- Editor: Sathish Suriya
- Production Banner: Dawn Pictures
- Producer: Aakash Baskaran
Sudha Kongara’s direction has been appreciated for its intent and scale, though some critics believe the emotional flow occasionally takes precedence over narrative balance.
Budget and Production Scale
Although the makers have not officially disclosed the budget, industry estimates suggest Parasakthi was made on a large budget ranging between ₹150 crore and ₹200 crore. This makes it one of the most expensive projects in Sivakarthikeyan’s career, featuring high production values, elaborate sets, and detailed period recreation.
Box Office Collection (Early Trends)
Early box office reports present mixed figures:
- Some trade sources indicate an opening day collection of approximately ₹3.79 crore, reflecting a moderate start.
- Other estimates suggest stronger performance, with figures reaching ₹17 crore in India (net) and nearly ₹24 crore worldwide on Day 1.
The film’s long-term box office outcome is expected to depend heavily on Pongal weekend collections and word-of-mouth response.
Languages and Release Details
- Primary Language: Tamil
- Dubbed Version: Telugu (released later in select regions)
Parasakthi received a wide theatrical release across India and overseas markets, targeting festival audiences and holiday crowds.
Critical and Audience Response
The film has received mixed to average reviews from critics and viewers alike. While performances, background score, and thematic ambition have been widely praised, criticism has been directed toward pacing and screenplay consistency.
On social media platforms, audience reactions appear divided, with some appreciating the film’s political depth while others finding it heavy and ideologically intense. The movie also underwent CBFC scrutiny, with minor changes suggested due to its sensitive historical themes.
Parasakthi (2026) stands out as a bold and ambitious political drama that attempts to blend historical context with mainstream cinema. Its strengths lie in strong performances, large-scale production, and socially relevant themes. However, uneven pacing and narrative density may not appeal to all viewers.
The film is recommended for audiences who enjoy political and issue-based cinema, while those looking for light entertainment may find it intense in parts.