Sudha Kongara's directorial venture 'Parasakthi' has been generating significant buzz in the entertainment industry since its theatrical release on January 10, 2026. Starring popular actor Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role, this period drama has sparked both criticism and appreciation from various quarters, creating a polarized yet engaged audience response.
Kamal Haasan's Midnight Appreciation Call
In a recent interview with Cineulugam, director Sudha Kongara revealed a special moment that occurred after the film's release. She received a late-night call from legendary actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan around 12:45 AM, who had just watched 'Parasakthi' and wanted to express his admiration.
"Kamal sir saw my film and spoke to me at midnight, around 12.45 AM. He told me that if you were able to make the audience feel an incident that happened 60 years ago, that itself is a big deal," Kongara recalled during the interview.
The Historical Context of 'Parasakthi'
'Parasakthi' is a political period drama set against the backdrop of the anti-Hindi imposition protests that swept through Tamil Nadu during the 1960s. The film follows the journey of two brothers who become actively involved in the language imposition movement, exploring themes of cultural identity, political resistance, and regional pride.
The film features Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role, supported by an ensemble cast including Sreeleela, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, Dev Ramnath, Prithvi Rajan, Guru Somasundaram, Basil Joseph, and Papri Ghosh in pivotal roles.
Kamal Haasan's Detailed Praise on Social Media
Beyond the personal phone call, Kamal Haasan took to X (formerly Twitter) on January 10 to publicly laud the film and its creators. In a detailed statement, he described 'Parasakthi' as having a "powerful story" that exceeded his expectations.
"Before I began watching Parasakthi, I did not expect at all that this film would become the mighty war drum of the election our alliance is going to face. Yes, this film must succeed; this is not just my wish, but also my sincere blessing," Haasan wrote in his social media post.
He further elaborated on the film's significance, calling it "a victorious tilak etched into the history of the DMK" and expressing how emotionally overwhelmed he felt after watching it.
Recognition for Cast and Crew
In his comprehensive appreciation, Kamal Haasan extended his congratulations to the entire team behind 'Parasakthi'. He specifically mentioned his "first appreciation goes to the biopic's powerful story, its director Sudha Kongara, and to my younger brother Sivakarthikeyan, who chose this story, worked tirelessly for it, and is set to achieve success through it."
The veteran actor also acknowledged other key contributors, including:
- Ravi Mohan and Atharvaa for their performances
- Sreeleela and all supporting actors
- Cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran
- Music composer G.V. Prakash
- Editor Sathish Suriya
- All technical artists involved in the production
Current Box Office Performance
Despite receiving mixed reactions from critics and audiences, 'Parasakthi' continues to run successfully in cinemas across Tamil Nadu and other regions. The film's exploration of historical political movements combined with star power has created a unique cinematic experience that resonates with viewers interested in both entertainment and historical narratives.
The endorsement from an industry veteran like Kamal Haasan adds significant credibility to the project and highlights the film's artistic merits beyond commercial considerations. This recognition from one of Tamil cinema's most respected figures underscores the film's achievement in bringing a sixty-year-old historical moment to contemporary relevance through compelling storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship.
