The release of Parasakthi, Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th film, on January 10, 2026, has reignited discussions on one of Tamil Nadu’s most pivotal historical moments: the 1965 anti-Hindi imposition protests. Directed by Sudha Kongara and produced by Dawn Pictures, the movie delves into the fierce student-led agitations against the Indian government’s push to make Hindi the official language, a move seen as threatening Tamil identity and culture. With a budget of Rs 150 crore and a UA certificate from the CBFC, the film stars Sivakarthikeyan as a college student activist, alongside Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, and Sreeleela. It portrays themes of brotherhood, patriotism, and linguistic pride, drawing directly from real events that shaped the state’s political landscape.
The 1965 protests erupted when the Congress government, under Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, attempted to enforce Hindi as the sole official language post the 15-year transition period after India’s independence. Tamil Nadu, a stronghold of Dravidian politics led by the DMK party, viewed this as cultural imperialism from the north. Students in Pollachi and other areas spearheaded massive demonstrations, boycotts, and strikes, leading to widespread violence. Over 70 people died in police firings, including student leader M. Rajendran, whose story forms the emotional core of Parasakthi. The agitation forced the central government to backtrack, amending the Official Languages Act to allow English’s continued use alongside Hindi. This victory solidified Tamil as a symbol of regional autonomy and fueled the DMK’s rise to power in 1967.
Yes, Parasakthi is firmly based on true events. Screenwriters drew from documented accounts of the Pollachi protests, incorporating real figures and incidents to authentically capture the era’s turmoil. Producer Aakash Bhaskaran emphasized this in a recent X post: “தமிழ் வெல்லும்” (Tamil will win), celebrating the film’s clearance and its message of linguistic triumph. The movie’s preponed release, originally set for January 14, responded to theatrical demand during the Pongal festive season, distributed by Red Giant Movies.
However, the film’s launch wasn’t without controversy. A title dispute emerged last year when Vijay Antony’s 25th film, titled Sakthi Thirumagan in Tamil but Parasakthi in Telugu, clashed with Sivakarthikeyan’s project. Vijay Antony Pictures registered the Telugu title first with the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce on July 22, 2024. Sivakarthikeyan’s team announced their Parasakthi on January 29, 2025, claiming rights from AVM Studios, owners of the original 1952 Parasakthi—a classic starring Sivaji Ganesan that critiqued social norms. The overlap in Telugu titles sparked accusations of regulatory violations and confusion in bilingual markets. AVM clarified that rights were lawfully transferred, but the row highlighted flaws in digital title registration systems.
This modern controversy echoes the film’s theme: language as a battleground for identity. While the 1952 Parasakthi faced bans for its anti-Brahmin dialogues and atheistic tones, the 2026 version spotlights anti-Hindi resistance, reminding audiences of Tamil’s enduring fight against imposition. Critics praise its socio-political depth, but some question if it romanticizes history. As Tamil cinema evolves, Parasakthi stands as a testament to how language controversies continue to define regional narratives.
