parashakti The title of the 1952 film holds significance in Tamil cinema for several reasons. The original was important in catapulting Sivaji Ganesan to stardom and popularizing the ideology of the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), promoting Dravidian politics in Tamil Nadu. Decades later, Sivakarthikeyan’s parashaktiWhich tackles the imposition of Hindi, hits the theaters before Pongal. Does this ignite a fire among the audience? Let’s find out!

Chezhiyan (Sivakarthikeyan), leader of the student group Purananuru Padai, gathers a gang of 20 people and attacks a train carrying politicians and chief officer Thirunadan (Ravi Mohan). The initial part shows a face-off between Chezhiyan and Thirunadhan, where the hero seriously injures Chezhiyan’s finger (used for the trigger) and his right hand. But a member of Puranaanuru Padai lost his life in the train attack, forcing Chezhiyan to give up his fight.

Meanwhile, Chezhiyan’s younger brother Chinnadorai, an impulsive youth, carries the same zeal and years later brings together college students and organizes an anti-Hindi protest. When the central government imposes Hindi throughout the country and it impacts non-Hindi speakers, it leads to a revolution.

Director Sudha Kongara Prasad parashakti Begins in 1959 and then reaches 1965 when a youth revolt against the imposition of Hindi shakes the country. The politics of the film is established in the opening train sequence, where the youth are not against Hindi, but against the imposition of the language. As Chezhiyan is selected for a job in the railways, he is rejected despite learning Hindi. His character says that officers expect people to learn the basics of Hindi, and then goes a step further and rejects them, saying that they are not speaking like natives.

The strongest point of the film is its powerful dialogues. In another key moment, Sivakarthikeyan’s character says that unity and uniformity are two different things and people in power need to understand the difference. Those who know the politics of Tamil Nadu will be able to place veteran politicians CN Annadurai and Karunanidhi among the characters associated with the film.

A character named Karuna, who runs a printing press, says ‘Sooriyan Udhikkum Podhu Kandeepa Murasolikkum‘ (When the sun rises, he will definitely make a loud sound). The cultural and political context behind the dialogue in the film is clear.

parashakti Gives its protagonist Chezhiyan a great arc, which keeps the story moving forward. When Chezhiyan stops his brother from protesting, you understand the concern. But his stance changes when he sees an IAS aspirant commit suicide after being influenced by the language war, and he inspires his brother to fight him.

Srileela’s character Ratnamala acts as a catalyst parashaktiHelping Chezhiyan and Chinnadorai. Despite being a Telugu girl in the film, she understands the intention behind fighting against the Center to maintain her identity, which works in the film’s favour. His character summarizes the ill effects of imposing language on people, how it suppresses people’s capabilities and oppresses them.

But parashakti This is not a film without flaws. While individual scenes come across powerfully – be it Chezhiyan’s police station scene, the playful fight between the brothers, or Thirunadan’s anger – the film struggles with the narrative flow. The transitions between these moments feel sudden rather than natural, disrupting emotional construction.

parashakti It also suffers from pacing issues which hamper emotions at certain points before picking up pace towards the climax. The screenplay delivers some moments hurriedly without allowing them to overwhelm you. The romance part between the characters of Sivakarthikeyan and Sreeleela hardly adds any value to the story, though their pairing looks good.

Sivakarthikeyan as Chezhiyan gives an emotionally strong performance with the right dose of aggression, wisdom and anger. Atharva perfectly portrays Chinnadorai, an impulsive young man fighting for the language. Although he mesmerizes us with his performance, it would be better to know more about his character and where his love for the language started.

Sreeleela plays the character of a Telugu girl who helps people in gathering crowds. Her character starts off as a bubbly girl and fights for a cause. Ravi Mohan as the villain seems like a weak link in the film. Although his physical actions are dangerous, he still maintains a uniform expression everywhere.

of super power The core is interesting, and it still resonates today as the imposition of Hindi still exists decades later. The film shows how it is not only Tamils ​​who are fighting against it, but people from other states are also fighting with their native languages ​​to preserve what is rightfully theirs. While the film takes a commercial route, ending with Tamil Vazga (Long Live Tamil), it also speaks for the people of other states who are suffering from the imposition.

especially the music of GV Prakash Senai Kootam And the background score elevates the conflict scenes. With stunning cinematography by Ravi K Chandran and editing by Satish Surya, the film takes us back to the 60s.

parashakti is an emotionally and politically strong film that reflects the fight of our ancestors and reminds us of the fight we need to continue for the next generation. Director Sudha Kongara delivers a relatable period drama that resonates with contemporary India, even if the execution falters at places.