The wait is finally over. The official trailer for Parasakthi, perhaps the most politically charged film in Sivakarthikeyan’s career, has been unveiled, and it is nothing short of a cinematic riot. Directed by the national award-winning Sudha Kongara, the film is set against the volatile backdrop of the 1964-65 anti-Hindi imposition agitations in Tamil Nadu.
While the industry is currently buzzing with huge commercial successes like Nivin Pauly’s Sarvam Maya crossing ₹100 crore, Parasakthi seems to be aiming for something deeper—a blend of high-octane action and a searing social commentary that strikes at the heart of Tamil identity.
A Transformation Like Never Before: Meet Chezhian
Sivakarthikeyan portrays Chezhian, a coal tosser for the Indian Railways in Madurai. Unlike the “Prince” persona we are used to, the trailer introduces a grounded, sweaty, and intense protagonist. The character arc shown in the 3-minute 17-second glimpse is fascinating: Chezhian starts as a man trying to survive, even attempting to learn Hindi from Rathnamala (played by Sreeleela) to keep his job.
However, the tone shifts drastically when the state erupts in protest. The dialogue—“When a Madrasi goes to Delhi, he speaks in Hindi. When a Hindi guy comes to Madurai, he must speak in Tamil”—has already gone viral, setting the stage for a massive ideological face-off.
The Antagonist: Ravi Mohan’s Menacing Turn
The surprise package of the trailer is undoubtedly Ravi Mohan, who sheds his usual “chocolate boy” or “sophisticated hero” image to play a ruthless police officer sent from Delhi to crush the student resistance. His portrayal of Thirunaadan is chilling, providing the perfect foil to Sivakarthikeyan’s rising rebellion.
The dynamic between the two isn’t just physical; it’s a battle of philosophies. Much like the grit seen in recent war dramas such as Ikkis (read our Day 4 analysis), Sudha Kongara ensures that the violence feels real, painful, and necessary for the narrative.
A Multi-Starrer with Soul
Parasakthi isn’t just a one-man show. The trailer gives significant space to:
- Atharvaa: Playing Chezhian’s younger brother, Chinna Durai, he represents the “angry young student” who ignites the spark of the revolution.
- Sreeleela: Making her high-profile Tamil debut, her character seems to be more than just a love interest, acting as the bridge between different linguistic cultures before the conflict escalates.
- GV Prakash Kumar: Marking his 100th film as a composer, the background score in the trailer is hauntingly powerful, blending period-accurate melodies with aggressive percussion.
The “Jana Nayagan” Factor: The Battle for Pongal 2026
The release of the Parasakthi trailer comes at a time when the Tamil film industry is bracing for the biggest box office clash in recent memory. Parasakthi is slated to release on January 10, 2026, just one day after Thalapathy Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan.
At the grand audio launch, Sivakarthikeyan addressed this clash with immense grace. He revealed that he had even reached out to Vijay’s team to avoid the overlap, but eventually, both sides agreed that the Pongal holiday season is large enough to accommodate two “content-heavy” giants.
”We are not against the language Hindi or its speakers; we are only against the imposition. This is a story of our roots.” — Sivakarthikeyan at the Parasakthi Audio Launch.
Technical Mastery: Recreating 1964
Sudha Kongara is known for her meticulous world-building, and Parasakthi is no exception. From the vintage steam engines of the Madurai railway station to the crowded, protest-filled streets of Madras city, the production design by M.R. Karthik Rajkumar and cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran transport the audience back to a pivotal era in Indian history.
The film’s title, borrowed from the 1952 legendary classic, carries a heavy legacy of social reform. By choosing this name, the makers have signaled that they are ready to handle sensitive political themes with the seriousness they deserve.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for SK
With Parasakthi, Sivakarthikeyan is clearly transitioning from a “star” to an “actor-star.” After the lighter tones of his previous hits, this film puts him in a category where his performance will be scrutinized by critics and historians alike.
As we approach the January 10 release, the question remains: Will the raw emotion of the anti-Hindi agitations resonate with the Gen Z audience? Given the trailer’s reception, the answer seems to be a resounding “Yes.”
Parasakthi Movie Quick Facts:
- Director: Sudha Kongara
- Music: GV Prakash Kumar (100th Film)
- Lead Cast: Sivakarthikeyan, Sreeleela, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa
- Release Date: January 10, 2026
- Genre: Period Political Drama
Read our previous coverage:
