When a film chooses to retell a powerful moment from history, it takes on a huge responsibility. Parasakthi (2026), directed by Sudha Kongara, tries to do exactly that — bring the emotions, tension, and fire of the 1965 Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu to the big screen. With a strong cast led by Sivakarthikeyan and Atharvaa Murali, this movie is not just another period drama. It’s a political statement.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Set during the turbulent 1960s, Parasakthi follows the lives of ordinary Tamil citizens caught in the middle of a language war. At its heart, the story is about a young man who becomes the voice of protest against the forced imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu. His journey from a regular citizen to a revolutionary is emotional and fiery.
The film weaves fictional characters into real events. It doesn’t try to glorify or dramatize too much but instead sticks close to reality. The narrative is layered with tension, passion, and cultural pride. There’s also a strong emotional core — family, identity, and sacrifice play a big part.
The Historical Context Behind Parasakthi
To truly understand this movie, it helps to know what really happened. In 1965, Tamil Nadu saw one of its biggest political uprisings — the Anti-Hindi Imposition agitations. The central government tried to make Hindi the only official language of India, and this sparked massive protests in the South, especially in Tamil Nadu. For Tamilians, this wasn’t just about language; it was about identity and survival.
Parasakthi captures this political fire. It shows how students, farmers, and workers all joined together to protect their mother tongue. You’ll see references to C. N. Annadurai (Anna) and the rise of Dravidian politics, making it not just a film but a lesson in Tamil Nadu’s history.
Performances & Cast Analysis
Let’s talk about the acting. Sivakarthikeyan is the surprise package here. Known mostly for lighter roles and mass entertainers, he completely transforms into a political activist. His body language, dialogue delivery, and emotional scenes feel raw and real.
Atharvaa Murali plays a quieter, more controlled character, but his intensity shines in key moments. Sreeleela, as the female lead, doesn’t have a huge role but delivers with grace and strength. The supporting cast — including Guru Somasundaram and Rana Daggubati — add weight to the story.
There are moments where some performances feel a bit theatrical, but overall, the cast holds the film together.
Direction, Writing & Screenplay
Director Sudha Kongara, known for her sharp storytelling in Soorarai Pottru, brings that same energy here. She doesn’t rush the plot. Instead, she builds it brick by brick — slowly showing the anger boiling in society.
The screenplay, written by Ganeshaa, Madhan Karky, and Shan Karuppusamy, focuses more on emotion than exposition. You might not hear long political speeches, but you’ll feel the impact of every protest scene. The dialogues are powerful, especially when they talk about identity, injustice, and mother tongue.
That said, the pacing does drag at times. Some scenes could’ve been tighter. But overall, the writing does justice to the seriousness of the topic.
Technical Aspects
Visually, Parasakthi is stunning. The cinematography captures the streets of Chennai in the ’60s beautifully — smoky roads, protests, political graffiti, and crowded rallies all feel alive. The production design deserves a special mention for recreating the era with precision.
The background score adds energy, though the songs don’t really stick with you after the film. The movie uses Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital well — the chants, marches, and crowd scenes sound powerful in the theatre.
Costumes, props, and even old buses and cars help take you back in time. The attention to detail is strong.
Audience Reception & IMDb User Reviews
Currently holding a 6.0/10 rating on IMDb, the film has received mixed reactions. Many viewers praised the effort and the historical importance, but criticized the writing and slow pacing. One user called it “overhyped and underwhelming,” saying it had “a good cast but weak script.”
Still, some praised the performances and the bold theme, especially in today’s political climate where language issues are still sensitive in India.
Comparison With Classic Parasakthi (1952)
Some might wonder if this is a remake of the iconic Parasakthi (1952), which starred Sivaji Ganesan and had dialogues by Karunanidhi. The answer is no. While both films deal with Dravidian ideology, this 2026 version is more of a spiritual successor than a remake.
The 1952 film focused on social reform. This one is more politically charged, dealing directly with government policies and protest movements. But both share one thing — a deep love and respect for the Tamil language and culture.
Themes & Takeaways
The biggest takeaway? Language is identity.
Parasakthi is not just about politics — it’s about pride, memory, and resistance. It shows how ordinary people can stand up for what matters to them, and how language connects us deeply to our culture.
The film also raises questions about national unity versus regional identity, and whether policies should be one-size-fits-all in a diverse country like India.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
If you’re someone who loves political dramas, historical films, or stories about social justice, Parasakthi (2026) is worth a watch. It’s not perfect — the pacing can be slow, and some parts feel too heavy — but it’s bold, relevant, and thought-provoking.
It’s a film that wants to make you feel proud of your roots, question authority, and think about how far we’ve come as a society. That alone makes it an important watch.
