After a period of anticipation, the historical drama 'Parasakthi', starring Sivakarthikeyan, finally hit theatres on January 10, following clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification. Directed by Sudha Kongara, the film, which features a large cast and scale, had generated significant buzz for its period setting. As soon as the shows began, fans flooded social media platforms, particularly Twitter, to share their immediate and often conflicting first impressions of the movie.
First Half Reactions: A Mix of Praise and Disappointment
The initial wave of reactions on Twitter presented a divided picture. Some viewers expressed satisfaction with the first half of the film. One user highlighted that the opening segment was simple and drama-oriented, with a strong pre-interval and interval block. They praised the songs and visuals, calling it a 'one-man show' for Sivakarthikeyan and noted that co-star Atharvaa served as an 'energy booster'.
However, a contrasting viewpoint emerged simultaneously. Another viewer offered a more neutral perspective from the premiere show, rating the film 1.5 out of 5. They stated that while the first half was acceptable, the film ultimately fell short of its grand ambitions. Several tweets also pointed out that Atharvaa's role was a standout in the first half, whereas Sivakarthikeyan's presence felt surprisingly limited.
Second Half and Screenplay Face Severe Criticism
The consensus among a large section of the audience was that the film's second half failed to deliver. Criticisms were centred on the screenplay, emotional depth, and comedic elements. One detailed review pointed out that the comedy sequences felt forced and awkward, failing to blend organically with the period context. The review further added that the drama struggled to forge an emotional connection with the audience, as the core issue the film attempted to address remained vague and underdeveloped.
Echoing this sentiment, many users found the second half to be too lengthy and easily predictable. A common complaint was that the screenplay was stretched thin, leading to a loss of engagement. Several viewers specifically called out the climax, describing it as weak and ineffective, which left the overall narrative feeling unsatisfying.
Performances and Direction Receive Mixed Feedback
Feedback on the performances was also a mixed bag. While some appreciated Jayam Ravi's turn as a villain and hailed Atharvaa's role as one of the best in his career, others felt Sivakarthikeyan was relegated to a 'dummy role', similar to his part in 'Velaikkaran'. One tweet summarised this by stating the first half was filled with love and romance featuring a good role for Atharvaa, but the second half's plot, along with Ravi Mohan's acting, was mid-level, accompanied by a lengthy screenplay.
Amidst the criticism, there were pockets of praise for director Sudha Kongara. A positive review commended her for delivering a gripping drama packed with action, intrigue, romance, and songs. It also highlighted her excellent rapport with Sivakarthikeyan, whose boyish charm was reportedly put to good use in the narrative.
The overall mood on Twitter remains starkly divided. One harsh review called the first half very boring, with predictable scenes, below-average music, and labelled the climax as the worst in the director's career, advising audiences to avoid the movie. As 'Parasakthi' continues its theatrical run with more shows, it remains to be seen whether the word of mouth will shift or if the audience reactions will stay polarised in the coming days.
