The Tamil film Parasakthi, directed by Sudha Kongara and starring Sivakarthikeyan, has ignited a political firestorm in Tamil Nadu, escalating from censor board troubles to a confrontation involving the DMK, TVK, Congress, and BJP. Released on January 10, 2026, the film, set against the backdrop of the 1965 anti-Hindi imposition agitation, has faced allegations of historical distortion and political bias.
The controversy initially centered on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which mandated 25 cuts and modifications before granting the film a U/A certificate. Sivakarthikeyan stated that the filmmakers agreed to the changes to meet the release date, though he believed they didn't significantly impact the storyline.
However, the political temperature soared when the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress demanded a ban on Parasakthi, alleging that it deliberately distorts historical facts and misrepresents the Indian National Congress and its leaders. Arun Bhaskar, Senior Vice President of the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress, claimed the film is "pro-DMK" with a "pro-Tamil, anti-Hindu stand" and includes "fabricated" incidents intended to spread misinformation about the Congress party. He specifically criticized scenes depicting the 1965 language controversy, alleging that the film falsely suggests Hindi was the only language permitted on post office forms and portrays Indira Gandhi in a negative light. Bhaskar asserted that there is no evidence to support the film's allegation that the Congress party was responsible for the killing of over 200 Tamil people in Pollachi.
Director Sudha Kongara has defended her film, asserting her right to freedom of expression and denying any historical distortion. Despite the controversy, Parasakthi has received praise from industry heavyweights like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, with Sivakarthikeyan expressing his gratitude for their support.
Adding another layer to the complex situation, reports suggest that the release date of Parasakthi was strategically advanced to clash with actor Vijay's Jana Nayagan, potentially impacting Vijay's political momentum ahead of the 2026 elections. Vijay's political party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is seen as a significant emerging force, and Jana Nayagan is considered his last film before fully entering politics. Some analysts believe the DMK, threatened by Vijay's growing popularity, orchestrated the release date conflict to undermine him. Parasakthi's title, borrowed from a 1952 film scripted by the late M. Karunanidhi, adds political symbolism to the clash between the DMK's legacy and Vijay's rise.
Furthermore, Parasakthi faced a title dispute with Vijay Antony's film, which was resolved by Sivakarthikeyan's film retaining the title in Tamil and Telugu, while Vijay Antony's film uses "Parashakthi" for its Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam releases. The film also faced plagiarism allegations, with K. V. Rajendran claiming it plagiarized his script about the 1965 anti-Hindi agitation. The Madras High Court ultimately refused to stay the film's release.
As Parasakthi navigates these turbulent waters, the film's journey from censor scrutiny to political battleground highlights the intricate relationship between cinema and politics in Tamil Nadu. The controversy reflects the intense competition among political parties and the strategic use of cinema to influence public opinion.
