The much-anticipated Tamil film Parasakthi, starring Sivakarthikeyan, has successfully navigated its final hurdle, securing certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) just in time for its scheduled worldwide release. The board granted the film a UA certificate, clearing the path for its arrival in cinemas on January 10, 2026.
Last-Minute Clearance Ends Suspense
In a dramatic turn of events, the clearance from the censor board arrived on Friday, January 9, merely a day before the film's global premiere. This last-minute approval ended weeks of uncertainty surrounding the film's release. The certified runtime of the Sudha Kongara directorial is 162.43 minutes.
Following the official nod, the production house, Dawn Pictures, swiftly confirmed the release. Producer Aakash Bhaskaran took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce, "A fire that speaks to all ages #Parasakthi censored with a U/A – striking theatres worldwide from tomorrow." The film's official handle also shared a new poster with the release confirmation.
Controversy and Clash Averted
The release of Parasakthi was initially held up after the CBFC reportedly suggested approximately 38 cuts. These edits were related to the film's depiction of the 1960s anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu, a sensitive historical period. Director Sudha Kongara, determined to preserve the film's historical context, approached the revising committee in Mumbai to contest the suggested changes.
According to industry sources cited by PTI, the filmmaker stood firm against alterations that could dilute the narrative's authenticity. This persistence ultimately paid off with the board granting clearance without compromising the film's core depiction of Madras in the 1960s and the state's resistance to the imposition of Hindi.
The uncertainty had a direct impact on advance bookings. Until the clearance was confirmed, exhibitors were hesitant to open sales. Initially, only three theatres in Chennai were listed on platforms like BookMyShow for advance booking until January 8. However, following the Friday clearance, advance bookings opened up extensively across many more theatres, with tickets now available online.
Star-Studded Cast and Changed Box Office Dynamics
Helmed by acclaimed director Sudha Kongara, Parasakthi features Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role. The ensemble cast includes Ravi Mohan, Sreeleela, Atharvaa, Daali Dhananjaya, Rana Daggubati, Basil Joseph, and Guru Somasundaram, among others.
The film was originally poised for a massive box office clash with Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan, which was also scheduled for a January release. However, that clash has now been averted. Jana Nayagan, which also received a U/A certificate following a Madras High Court directive, has been postponed from its January 9 date. Its makers announced a difficult decision to delay, with a new release date to be announced soon. This shift means Parasakthi will now have a relatively open window for its theatrical run.
With the censor certificate secured and advance bookings live, the stage is finally set for Parasakthi to ignite screens and present its take on a pivotal chapter of Tamil Nadu's socio-political history to audiences worldwide.
