Director Addresses Controversial Scene in Parasakthi
Filmmaker Sudha Kongara has spoken out about the heated debate surrounding her latest movie Parasakthi. The film features a scene with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that has drawn sharp criticism from Congress party members. Kongara explained her approach to blending historical facts with cinematic storytelling.
Creative Liberty Meets Historical Events
"As filmmakers, our goal is to reach wide audiences," Kongara stated in a recent interview. She emphasized that certain elements in the film are based on actual events. "Indira Gandhi did visit Madras against protocol during that period. She came to assess the situation firsthand. This forms the factual foundation we worked with."
The director clarified that she used these historical details to create engaging narrative moments. "I took these real incidents and made them compelling for viewers while serving the story's purpose," she added.
Student Perspective Drives the Narrative
Kongara highlighted that Parasakthi presents events through students' eyes. "The entire film unfolds from the viewpoint of students. Even the political developments are filtered through their perspective," she explained.
The director pointed to specific historical context. "Between January 26 and February 12, 1965, when protests peaked, authorities jailed all non-Congress leaders. Students overwhelmingly drove this agitation," Kongara asserted.
Congress Leaders Voice Strong Objections
The film's portrayal has triggered significant backlash within Congress ranks. Tamil Nadu Youth Congress has demanded removal of several scenes they consider historically inaccurate and defamatory.
Arun Bhaskar, INC's Tamil Nadu State Senior Vice President, issued a detailed statement. "Under the guise of filmmaking, the creators have twisted facts," he declared. Bhaskar identified at least four problematic sequences in the movie.
"First, the Congress government never officially declared Hindi as India's sole mandatory language. Showing such a scene deliberately tarnishes our party's image," Bhaskar stated.
Specific Scenes Under Scrutiny
Bhaskar focused particularly on scenes involving Indira Gandhi. "In one sequence, Sivakarthikeyan's character travels to Delhi and confronts her. Their exchange concludes with dialogue that portrays her negatively," he explained.
The Congress leader challenged another scene's historical accuracy. "The film places Indira Gandhi in Coimbatore on February 12, 1965. Records show she wasn't there that day. This completely distorts facts," Bhaskar emphasized.
He saved his strongest criticism for the railway station scene. "They show Indira Gandhi at a station where Sivakarthikeyan and Ravi Mohan's characters fight. A burning train stops near her. This portrayal makes no sense historically," Bhaskar concluded.
Certification Challenges and Industry Context
Parasakthi faced uncertainty during its certification process. Until January 9, producers weren't sure if the film would clear censorship hurdles. After submission, authorities sent it directly to the Revising Committee.
Initially, filmmakers received praise and were told only audio cuts might be needed. However, on January 9, they received a list demanding over 25 cuts and modifications. Following these changes, Parasakthi finally earned a UA16+ certificate.
Meanwhile, another film titled Jana Nayagan, originally scheduled for January 9 release, still awaits certification. The Supreme Court will hear this matter on January 15.
The controversy continues as Parasakthi prepares for wider release, balancing creative expression with historical representation in India's vibrant cinematic landscape.
