The much-anticipated Tamil period drama Parasakthi, starring Sivakarthikeyan, finally hit theatres on January 10 amidst significant pre-release hype. The film, directed by Sudha Kongara, delves into the politically charged backdrop of the 1965 Tamil Nadu anti-Hindi protests, setting the stage for a powerful narrative. However, its initial box office performance has surprised trade circles.
Opening Day Collections Fall Short of Predictions
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Parasakthi managed a net collection of only Rs 0.23 crore in India on its first day. This figure fell considerably below the trade's expectations, especially given the reported Zoom advance bookings worth Rs 6 crore. Analysts had projected an opening day gross of over Rs 12 crore, buoyed by Sivakarthikeyan's star power and the film's compelling historical premise.
Early indications suggest that the lower-than-expected turnout could be attributed to limited screen space in some regions and the traditional challenges of early morning shows. Despite the modest start, a majority of the premiere day audience felt the film was crafted specifically for the theatrical experience, applauding its scale and presentation.
Audience and Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
Initial reactions from moviegoers have been varied. The film's core premise, which follows two brothers on opposing sides—one working with the Railways and the other resisting the imposition of Hindi by the Central government—has sparked debate. Performances, particularly by Sivakarthikeyan and Atharvaa, have been widely praised.
The technical crew has also received commendation, with GV Prakash's music, Ravi K. Chandran's cinematography, and Sathish Suriya's editing being highlighted as strengths. The film marks the Tamil debut of actress Sreeleela, who brings a fresh perspective, while Ravi Mohan's portrayal of the antagonist has been deemed effective. However, some viewers noted that certain parts of the script felt slower, impacting the overall pacing.
All Eyes on the Pongal Weekend
The coming days are now crucial for Parasakthi's box office journey. With the Pongal festival weekend around the corner, the industry is watching closely to see if positive word-of-mouth can fuel a recovery. Trade experts believe that strong audience feedback from the initial shows could lead to a significant spike in collections, potentially turning the film into a sleeper hit.
The weekend numbers will play a decisive role in determining the film's commercial fate. As families and audiences flock to theatres during the festive period, Parasakthi's blend of historical drama and stellar performances could find its rightful audience and achieve the box office peak it was anticipated to reach.
