Parasakthi, starring Sivakarthikeyan and Ravi Mohan in the lead roles, releases in theaters on January 10, 2026, coinciding with Pongal this year. Directed by Sudha Kongara, the film also stars Atharvaa Murali and Sreeleela in the co-lead roles.
If you are planning to watch the movie in theaters this week, here is the Pinkvilla review for you.
plot
Parasakthi, set in 1960s Tamil Nadu, is the story of Chezhaiyan, alias Che, a young and peace-loving man. He works in the railways and is the sole breadwinner for his family, and takes care of his younger brother, Chinna Durai, a college student and activist.
With the civil conflict taking center stage, Chynna actively fights against systemic oppression, even if her brother disagrees. However, when a vicious police officer named Thirunadan enters the equation, serving the government and using police brutality to stop the protests, things take a drastic turn.
Amidst all this, a life-changing event causes Che to undergo a significant shift in his psyche, putting him at odds with the protests that his brother was a part of. How Che’s life changes over time, his relationship with his siblings and the challenges he faces form the core of the film.
Good
Parashakti begins with a strong foundation. The struggle, intention and ideas behind the film deserve true appreciation. The expression of identity and freedom serves as the driving force of this nuanced story, which effectively connects with the audience.
The first half of the film successfully establishes its world, taking the audience to a period-specific, pastoral setting where social dynamics are quite different from the present day. The exploration of personal identity is layered within each character, highlighting their potential in carrying the narrative forward.
While Sivakarthikeyan does a commendable job as the hero, it is Ravi Mohan who completely steals the show with his performance. Putting aside his stereotypical mannerisms, the actor perfectly embodies the ruthless nature of a vicious opponent, showcasing how good of an actor he really is.
With Sudha Kongara well-written and crafting layered characters, the film breathes new life into its story, making it a tale that leaves a lasting impression, especially in the first half.
GV Prakash Kumar once again delivers the soulful musical track and background score which suits the genre of the film. Apart from this, Ravi K. Chandran captures beautiful frames enhanced by attractive lighting and thoughtful compositions.
bad
While Parashakti remains strong in the first half, it loses its way in the second half. It gradually loses momentum with each act, deviating from the basic plot it was initially intended to explore.
Although the bromance and bond between Che and Chinna Durai adds to the emotional weight of the film, other moments, especially the romantic subplot, hinder the overall experience.
At a certain point, the film devolves into generic writing with uneven execution, making it one of the weaker entries in Sudha Kongara’s filmography, despite her overall reputation as a competent filmmaker.
From a technical standpoint, the editing could have been too tight, with several parts requiring trimming. Ironically, additional cuts made to the film prior to release have affected the viewing experience, often feeling jarring and disjointed.
Display
Parasakthi sees Sivakarthikeyan portraying a nuanced and sometimes flawed character, which lends realism to his performance. However, it is Ravi Mohan who truly charms with his clever villainy, and once again reminds the audience of his exceptional acting ability.
Atharvaa Murali and Sreeleela also give strong performances with the material given to them, with Sreeleela remarkably redefining her image in Tamil cinema compared to her previous roles in Telugu films.
Watch the trailer of Parashakti:
Decision
Parashakti is a fantastic film that connects with the audience on a meaningful level. With impressive performances and a compelling first half, the film proves rich to watch, even if its strength wanes later on. Fans of the period drama can consider watching it in theaters or wait for its OTT release.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. Any statements made in this article are not intended to defame, harm, or discredit any person or entity.
Also read: Parashakthi Twitter review: 7 tweets to read before watching Sivakarthikeyan and Sreeleela’s political action drama