Parasakthi FDFS Review: Sivakarthikeyan Bold Attempt Falls Short of Delivering the Punch

January 10, 2026: The anticipation was sky-high as Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th film, Parasakthi, hit screens this Saturday. Directed by the National Award-winning Sudha Kongara, the film promised a gritty, historical dive into the 1960s anti-Hindi agitations—a pivotal moment in Tamil Nadu’s political history. However, despite the grand scale and an earnest performance from its lead, Parasakthi struggles to bridge the gap between a high-concept historical drama and an engaging cinematic experience.

The Plot: A Journey Back to the 1960s

Set against the backdrop of the 1965 student-led protests, the film follows the journey of a young, idealistic student leader (Sivakarthikeyan) caught in the crosshairs of linguistic pride and political turmoil. The narrative attempts to weave a personal story of brotherhood and sacrifice into the larger tapestry of state-wide resistance. With Atharvaa Murali playing a fiery rebel and Jayam Ravi (Ravi Mohan) appearing in a powerful antagonistic shade, the stage was set for a clash of ideologies.

What Works: Visuals and Performances

From the very first frame, it is evident that Sudha Kongara and cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran have spared no effort in recreating the Madras of the 1960s. The production design is authentic, capturing the era’s essence through sepia-toned visuals and meticulous detailing of the student unions.

• Sivakarthikeyan: In a departure from his usual “boy-next-door” roles, SK delivers a grounded and mature performance. His transformation for the role shows his commitment to evolving as a performer.
• The Interval Block: This is arguably the film’s high point. The pre-interval sequences and the final “goosebump” moment before the break are masterfully directed, offering a glimpse of the “punch” the rest of the film lacks.
• Supporting Cast: Atharvaa stands out as the emotional anchor of the first half, while Sreeleela brings a vibrant screen presence, even if her role feels somewhat restricted by the script’s gravity.

What Falls Short: Pacing and Execution

The primary undoing of Parasakthi lies in its sluggish screenplay and lengthy runtime. While the first half takes its time to set up the world, the second half becomes a test of patience for the audience.

1. Stretched Narration: The film often gets bogged down by repetitive emotional beats. The transition from a student protest to a heavy political drama feels disjointed in parts.
2. Weak Romantic Track: The chemistry between Sivakarthikeyan and Sreeleela, while charming in bits, feels like a “filler” that disrupts the serious tone of the movie.
3. Music: For a film of this magnitude, G.V. Prakash Kumar’s score—while decent—doesn’t always elevate the scenes to the required emotional crescendo. Some of the songs feel misplaced in a story about intense social resistance.

The Verdict

Parasakthi is a noble attempt to document a significant chapter of Tamil history, and Sivakarthikeyan deserves praise for choosing such a heavy-weight project for his milestone 25th film. However, the “punch” that one expects from a Sudha Kongara directorial—similar to the raw energy of Soorarai Pottru—is missing here.

It is a visually rich period piece that remains an “average” watch due to its inconsistent pacing and lack of a tight narrative grip. For fans of political history and SK’s transformation, it’s a one-time watch; for those seeking a high-octane commercial entertainer, it might feel like a long day at the theater.