Review: Parasakthi

Film: Parasakthi
Director: Sudha Kongara
Cast: Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, Sreeleela
Music: G.V.Prakash
Director of Photography: Ravi K. Chandran, ISC
Action: Supreme Sundar
Editor: Sathish Suriya
Rating: 4 stars

Parasakthi is a gripping, intense social drama that gives a laud worthy glimpse at a movement that continues to serve as a symbol of Tamil pride. It is a fantastic effort that not only entertains but also creates an awareness. Full marks to director Sudha Kongara for coming up with a script that keeps you spell bound for a good two hours and forty minutes.

What makes the film click is not just the story but also the manner in which it is narrated. Sudha picks certain important developments during the period and seamlessly connects one development to another, making the narration a coherant and enjoyable one.

Synopsis:

The story begins in 1959 with high ranking intelligence officer Tiru (Ravi Mohan) being sent by Delhi to Trichy to quell the anti-Hindi protests in the state. The train he arrives in is set on fire by a bunch of college students led by Chezhian (Sivakarthikeyan), who are looking to protest the Union government’s decision to change the existing policy of advertising vacancies in the Railways in both English and Hindi publications to only Hindi publications. The protest succeeds and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru promises on the floor of the house that Hindi will not be imposed as the sole official language on non-Hindi speaking states.

The assurance of the Prime Minister restores peace and life goes on with Chezhian now working in the railways. But little does he know that the fight that he had with a top ranking Intelligence officer on the night of the arson incident in 1959 is going to resume in 1964 and that this time, the stakes will be higher…

Performances:
Sivakartikeyan as Chezhian does a fantastic job of carrying the film on his shoulders. In fact, he does it quite effortlessly. He fits the character of #Chezhian like a T and comes up with a stellar performance that breathes credibility into both the protagonist’s cause and the film.

Ravi Mohan delivers one of his finest performances as the antagonist Thiru. Having to play a character that is mean yet measured in its behaviour, Ravi Mohan has a challenging ask. But he responds with a brilliant performance that is simply extraordinary. His performance not only adds intensity to the proceedings, it is so powerful that it actually draws viewers into the plot.

Atharvaa Murali as the younger brother of Sivakarthikeyan sparkles like a freshly cut diamond in this film. Having been given a character that suits him, the actor latches on to it with both his hands and delivers a performance that shines like a newly minted penny! The talented young actor shows us the potential he has been blessed with and gives an idea of the kind of performances he can whip up, should right opportunities come his way!

Sreeleela’s performance in the film is a mixed bag. Sree Leela’s performance in the initial portions appear a tad too exaggerated. Also, the loud costumes and the jewellery that she wears don’t help her cause. One knows the actress can dance like a dream but strangely, in this film, her dancing performances have more speed than grace. However, her performance becomes more meaningful in the second half.

On the technical front, G V Prakash’s music is just mind-blowing. But this is something we’ve always experienced and know. So, it comes as no surprise to see him deliver again in a period film. Ravi K Chandran’s visuals are a delight to watch.

A shout out to art director S Annadurai and production designer M.R. Karthik Rajkumar for their outstanding work in the film. They bring to life, quite convincingly, the sixties era.

In short, Parasakthi is a winner and a worthy one at that!