The 12:45 AM Call: Kamal Haasan Surprise for Sudha Kongara

New Delhi, january 22, 2026: In a world where digital praise is often limited to a social media “like,” legendary actor Kamal Haasan continues to uphold the old-school tradition of personal appreciation. Filmmaker Sudha Kongara, the visionary behind hits like Soorarai Pottru and Sarfira, recently shared a heartwarming story about a late-night phone call from the “Ulaganayagan” that left her stunned.

The call, which came at 12:45 am, wasn’t about business or scheduling—it was about pure artistic admiration for her latest cinematic triumph.

A Midnight Validation

The buzz began when Sudha Kongara’s latest directorial venture, Parasakthi (released January 10, 2026), starring Sivakarthikeyan, took the box office and critics by storm. The film, a gritty political drama set in 1960s Madras, explores the intense “anti-Hindi imposition” movement—a subject deeply rooted in Tamil history.

According to Sudha, her phone rang well past midnight. On the other end was Kamal Haasan, who had just finished watching the film. The veteran actor didn’t wait for morning to share his thoughts.

“Kamal Haasan sir saw our film and called around 12:45. He told me, ‘You recalled an incident that happened 60 years ago and made us think about it. That itself is a big thing,'” Sudha shared in a recent interview.

For a director, receiving a call from a man often hailed as a “walking encyclopedia of cinema” is the ultimate badge of honor. Sudha expressed that his words perfectly mirrored her own intentions for the project—reviving history to spark contemporary dialogue.

Why “Parasakthi” is Making Waves

The film’s success isn’t just about the star power of Sivakarthikeyan; it’s about the meticulous craft Sudha Kongara brings to the table. Parasakthi follows two brothers caught in the socio-political whirlwind of the 1960s.

Critics have praised the film for:

• Historical Authenticity: Capturing the aesthetic and emotional pulse of 1960s Tamil Nadu.
• Narrative Courage: Tackling sensitive political themes without losing the “mass” appeal.
• Performances: Sivakarthikeyan’s departure from his usual comic timing into a heavy, dramatic role.

The Kamal-Sudha Connection

This isn’t the first time the two have been linked in the headlines. Fans have long awaited a collaboration between the master performer and the National Award-winning director. While Kamal Haasan has been busy with his recent release Thug Life (directed by Mani Ratnam), this midnight call has reignited rumors about a potential future project together.

In an industry often criticized for being transactional, Kamal Haasan’s habit of reaching out to younger filmmakers to celebrate their work stands out. It serves as a reminder that great art bridges the gap between generations.

For Sudha Kongara, the 12:45 am call was more than just a review; it was a moment of “mission accomplished.”