Sivakarthikeyan’s Bold Leap into a Revolutionary Period Drama
Tamil cinema is gearing up for a seismic shift with Parashakthi, an upcoming period political drama that promises to blend history, emotion, and star power into a cinematic spectacle. Announced in December 2024 as Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th film (initially dubbed SK25), this ambitious project, directed by Sudha Kongara, has already ignited excitement with its title teaser, released on January 29, 2025. Set to hit theaters on July 31, 2025, Parashakthi—produced by Dawn Pictures and Red Giant Movies—marks a pivotal moment for Sivakarthikeyan, fresh off the blockbuster Amaran, as he steps into a role that’s both larger-than-life and deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu’s past. Here’s everything we know so far about this much-hyped venture.
The film’s genesis traces back to Sudha Kongara’s earlier collaboration plans with Suriya, tentatively titled Suriya 43 or Purananooru. Shelved due to scheduling conflicts with Kanguva and Sarfira, the script found new life with Sivakarthikeyan, who brings his everyman charm to a revolutionary tale. Parashakthi dives into Tamil Nadu’s anti-Hindi agitation of the 1960s, a pivotal movement against linguistic imposition that shaped the state’s identity. The teaser—a gripping 1-minute-48-second glimpse—introduces Sivakarthikeyan as a charismatic student leader rallying Pachaiyappa’s College students, his arm raised as he declares, “Perunjenai ondru thevai” (“We need a great army”). It’s a moment that echoes the fervor of Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar, hinting at a blend of political drama and emotional heft.
The cast is a powerhouse. Sivakarthikeyan leads as the fiery protagonist, while Ravi Mohan plays the antagonist—a dynamic poised to spark fireworks. Atharvaa Murali, in a key supporting role, and Sreeleela, making her Tamil debut as Atharvaa’s love interest, round out the ensemble, alongside Dev Ramnath and Guru Somasundaram. Sudha Kongara, known for her meticulous storytelling in Soorarai Pottru, is weaving a narrative that’s both period-specific and timeless, as producer Aakash Baskaran noted in a recent interview: “It’s a story relevant to this era.” The film’s scale is ambitious, with a reported ₹200 crore budget, promising a visual feast courtesy of cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran.
Production is in full swing. The first schedule wrapped in Chennai, followed by shoots in Puducherry and Chidambaram, with a Sri Lanka schedule next on the horizon. Sets recreating Madurai Junction and Delhi have been erected, and two of GV Prakash Kumar’s five songs—described as “amazing” by Baskaran—are already in the can. Prakash’s score, a blend of rousing anthems and soulful melodies, is set to amplify the film’s emotional and political stakes. Shooting is slated to conclude by July 2025, aligning with the summer release—a slot that could make Parashakthi a box-office juggernaut.
The title itself stirred a brief controversy when Vijay Antony claimed it for his Telugu-dubbed Sakthi Thirumagan. After discussions, Sivakarthikeyan’s team retained Parashakthi for Tamil and Telugu, with Antony opting for alternate titles in other languages. AVM Studios, original owners of the 1952 classic Parasakthi, endorsed Sudha’s version, adding a layer of legacy to this reboot. Fans on social media are buzzing, with posts praising the teaser’s “blast of scale” and Sivakarthikeyan’s “cool” retro vibe.
Parashakthi isn’t just a film—it’s a statement. With Sudha Kongara’s high-energy direction, a stellar cast, and a story that resonates across generations, it’s poised to be a defining moment for Tamil cinema in 2025. Mark your calendars—this revolution is coming!
