10 Days of Parasakthi: How Sudha Kongara’s Film Withstood the “Apology” Brigade
As the sun sets on the Pongal festivities of 2026, the real fireworks have not been in the sky, but on social media timelines. Sivakarthikeyan’s period political drama, Parasakthi, directed by the National Award-winning Sudha Kongara, has survived a tumultuous 10-day run at the box office. Despite what the filmmakers describe as a “malicious, targeted attack,” the film is inching closer to the ₹50 crore mark globally, proving that while Twitter trends can make noise, they cannot entirely silence a film.
Released on January 10, 2026, the film was initially poised for a titan clash with Thalapathy Vijay’s political thriller Jana Nayagan (directed by H. Vinoth). Although Jana Nayagan pushed its release, leaving the Pongal window open, the “war” did not end—it simply moved online.
The “Apology Certificate” Ultimatum
In a recent, fiery interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Sudha Kongara exposed the dark underbelly of this fan rivalry. She addressed a specific, viral threat from a handle named ‘BlastingTamilCinema’, which issued a bizarre ultimatum to the Parasakthi team.
“There is slandering, defamation of the worst kind, hiding behind unknown IDs… You wonder where it is coming from – and you know where it is coming from,” Sudha remarked, clearly alluding to the toxic fringe of a rival fanbase.
The controversy centers on a tweet that mocked the film’s struggle with the Censor Board (CBFC), stating: “CBFC kitta Certificate vangurathu perusu illa… Anna fans kitta Sorry keetu, Apology Certificate vaangu.” (Getting a CBFC certificate is nothing; ask for an apology certificate from Anna’s [Vijay’s] fans). This sense of entitlement—that a filmmaker must bow to a star’s fanbase to ensure a smooth release—has sparked a debate about the “rowdyism” prevalent in Kollywood’s digital spaces.
Political Backlash: “Historical Distortion”?
The attacks weren’t limited to fan wars. Parasakthi, which deals with the 1965 Anti-Hindi Agitation, has also faced political heat. Reports indicate that sections of the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress have called for a ban, alleging “historical distortions” regarding the portrayal of the central government’s role during the 1960s.
Sudha Kongara, however, stands firm. Having secured the rights to the legendary title Parasakthi from the family of Sivaji Ganesan—who reportedly felt the “content required the title”—she maintains that the film is a tribute to the student power of that era. “The biggest ‘sakthi’, or strength, in this film are the students,” she explained in an earlier press meet.
Box Office Reality: Steady Amidst the Storm
Despite the hashtag campaigns labeled #BoycottParasakthi, the film has shown resilience. Produced by Aakash Bhaskaran of Dawn Pictures, the movie opened strong with ₹12.5 crore on Day 1. While it saw a dip during the weekdays—common for serious political dramas—trade analysts report a steady recovery over the second weekend.
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Day 1 Collection: ~₹12.5 Crore
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Day 9 Status: Approaching ₹50 Crore (Worldwide Gross)
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Verdict: Not the blockbuster initially hoped for, but certainly not the “disaster” the trolls campaigned for.
The Story: A Railway Worker’s Revolution
The film stars Sivakarthikeyan as Chezhian (Che), a coal tosser in the Indian Railways who initially shies away from conflict. His transformation is triggered by the brutality faced by his activist brother (Atharvaa Murali) and the oppressive tactics of a police officer, played by Ravi Mohan. The inclusion of Sreeleela and a powerful cameo by Rana Daggubati has helped the film retain audience interest in B and C centers, even as urban reviews remain mixed regarding the film’s pacing.
As Parasakthi enters its second week, it stands as a case study for the industry: Can a film survive without the “blessing” of rival fan armies? Sudha Kongara believes the answer is yes, provided the content speaks louder than the trolls.