Movie Review : Parasakthi
Director Sudha Kongara's Parasakthi hit screens on 10th January. The film is based on the TN students anti Hindi imposition movement in the 1960s.
The story revolves around a student, Chezhiyan (Sivakarthikeyan) who starts an agitation against Hindi imposition along with co-students, on one dark night on the railway tracks. But when a tragedy befalls one of the members in the fire that ensues, he is shaken and gives it all up to continue with life.
However, years later events come a full circle when Chezhiyan is drawn again into the agitation, when his younger brother Chinnadurai ( Atharvaa Murali) is fired up by the circumstances prevailing, when Hindi imposition begins to affect lives and livlihoods of the common man. Chezhiyan finds a compatriot in Ratnamala ( Sreeleela), his neighbour, who aids the cause along with other youngsters.
But the past catches up with him in the form of the ruthless KGB trained special intelligence officer Thirunaadan (Ravi Mohan) who comes out in full force to quell the movement and has a special axe to grind with Chezhiyan who had injured him badly in a way that had impacted his entire life, in the train attack years ago.
What happens to Chezhiyan and the student movement when Thiru and his armed forces come after them in full force? Does the agitation achieve its goals?
The film is a compelling period drama which successfully transports the viewer to a bygone era of the 60's and attempts to throw light on the politics of language, how lives of the common man were affected by moves to impose Hindi and how students rallied to drive home the point of the significance of regional languages to the powers that be.
Technically sound with GV Prakash's elevating score ( in his 100th film), Ratnavels terrific visuals and well choreographed stunt scenes (like those between Ravi Mohan and Sivakarthikeyan for instance). Poornima Ramasamy's costume department deserves kudos for recreating the 60s as does the art and set design team.
While the hard-hitting dialogues strike a chord, the raw energy and fiery fervour of the student's movement mesmerises. Sudha has several points to drive home and she manages to do so successfully. The film builds up momentum and culminates on some tension -filled, emotional climax sequences.
The romantic interlude between Chezhiyan and Ratnamala is not just a light hearted diversion, but also plays an significant role in the proceedings, right up to the climax. Though Sreeleela has done full justice to her role, one wonders why her character is drenched in so much jewellery in almost every scene, and given a certain frivolity despite the important role she plays the the course of the story.
For Sivakarthikeyan, this a milestone performance and he plays the fiery youngster on a mission, fighting for a cause he strongly believes in with gusto, gravitas and steely determination. He brings an unmatched authenticity to his role which rouses an emotional response and connects with audiences and creates an impact.
Ravi Mohan as Thiru delivers an electrying performance as the relentless, brilliant, ruthless officer, and raises the bar with a career best performance with a controlled intensity in a nuanced performance.
Sreeleela plays her part with a refreshing, engaging sincerity while Atharvaa shines as the firebrand young brother.
The scenes when these actors come together on screen, are emotionally charged and compelling.
On the flip side, the film is dialogue heavy and at some places the characters enunciate too fast to be coherant. As several characters keep entering the fray from time to time, there is not enough time for the viewer to establish a connect and feel for them. While the romantic scenes have an innocent charm, they take away the edge of the chillng events unfolding around them. There is a lot of information to absorb and the pacing gets slow at times.
Overall however, Parasakthi is an engaging, informative and moving period drama with an emotional core, with superb performances, and technically sound making.
Rating 3.75/5
Parasakthi Cast & Crew Details:
Written & Directed by: Sudha Kongara
Produced by: Aakash Baskaran
Production Banner - Dawn Pictures
Starring: Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, Sreeleela, Chethan, Prithvi Pandiarajan, Kaali Venkat
Theatrical Release - Inban Udhayanidhi Presents Red Giant Movies
A G.V. Prakash Musical
Director of Photography: Ravi K. Chandran, ISC
Written by: Sudha Kongara, Arjun Nadesan
Expert Consultant: Professor Dr. A. Ramasamy
Production Design: M.R. Karthik Rajkumar
Action: Supreme Sundar
Editor: Sathish Suriya
Second Unit Director & Post Production head: Milind Rau
Art Director: S. Annadurai
Lyrics: Yugabharathi, Ekadesi, Arivu, Kaber Vasuki, Jayashree Mathimaran
Additional Screenplay: Ganeshaa
Additional Dialogues: Madhan Karky, Shan Karuppusamy
Costume Design: Poornima
Costumer: D. Arun Mohan
Choreography: Brinda, Kruti Mahesh, Anusha Viswanathan
Sound Design: Suren. G – S. Alagiakoothan
Visual Promotions: Deepak Bhojraj, E. Sangathamizhan
VFX Supervisor: K.V. Sanjit
Colorist: Ashirwad Hadkar
Hair & Make-Up: Serina, S. Shyed Malik
Stills: CH. Balu
PRO: Suresh Chandra, Satish (AIM)
Publicity Design: Gopi Prasannaa
Production Executive: T. Hariharasudhan
Marketing Head: Manoj Maddy
Post Coordinator: Gunashekar M
Creative Producer: Dev Ramnath
Executive Producers: M.P. Senthel, Rhea Kongara
