The Cinematic Resurrection of a Movement
In a year where the political climate is charged with debates over the National Education Policy and federal autonomy, director Sudha Kongara has delivered a lightning rod of a film: Parasakthi. Released in January 2026, the movie has transitioned from a mere period drama to a modern-day anthem for linguistic pride. By chronicling the 1965 anti-Hindi agitations, Kongara doesn’t just look back at history; she holds a mirror to the present.
The film stars Sivakarthikeyan in a career-defining role as Chezhiyan, a student revolutionary-turned-fireman whose personal losses fuel his return to the frontlines of the movement. Alongside him, Atharvaa portrays the brash and spirited Chinnadurai, embodying the fiery youth of the 1960s. Together, they represent the “Dravidian Brotherhood” that forever altered India’s political landscape.
“Not Against Hindi, But Against Imposition”
The film’s core philosophy is captured in its most viral dialogue: “We are not against Hindi speakers; we are against Hindi imposition.” This distinction has become the rallying cry for the DMK and other Dravidian outfits, especially as the film’s release coincided with Language Martyrs Day on January 25th.
“Language is not just a tool for communication; it is our breath. To stifle it is to stifle our very existence.” — A poignant line from the film’s courtroom climax.
The movie meticulously recreates the sacrifices of martyrs like Thalamuthu and Natarasan, whose faces prominently featured in the film’s promotional posters. These visuals served as a haunting reminder of the lives lost in the struggle to maintain the two-language policy (Tamil and English) that Tamil Nadu continues to uphold in 2026.
Box Office Power Meets Political Impact
Despite facing hurdles with the CBFC, which demanded nearly 25 cuts, Parasakthi has crossed the 100-crore mark globally within its first two weeks. Produced by Dawn Pictures, the film’s success is a testament to the audience’s hunger for stories rooted in their cultural identity. While critics have debated the film’s pacing, none can deny the power of G.V. Prakash Kumar’s score, particularly the track “Senai Kootam,” which has become the de facto anthem for student protests across the state.
A Legacy Beyond the Screen
On this Language Martyrs Day, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the busts of Thalamuthu and Natarasan, further cementing the link between the film’s narrative and the state’s official history. As the film continues its theatrical run, it stands as a reminder that the “fire” of the 1960s is far from extinguished.
