Parasakthi Movie Review: Flaws and all, still a rousing resistance drama

Parasakthi Movie Synopsis: It's the 1960s and protests against Hindi imposition are happening, with Tamil Nadu as the epicentre. Amid the unrest, two brothers find themselves at the centre of the movement.Parasakthi Movie Review: In Parasakthi, Sudha Kongara gives a cinematic spin to history. The film is rooted in the agitations against the Hindi imposition, led predominantly by students, which took place across Tamil Nadu in the late 1950s and ’60s. Parasakthi travels across Tamil Nadu during that phase.It's not easy to convey years of resistance in under three hours of runtime while also making an interesting film with characters to root for. But, despite Parasakthi’s flaws, Sudha Kongara is successful in doing just that. The film does a good job of educating while also entertaining. There are times when it goes overboard but it always manages to come back on track.Sivakarthikeyan plays Chezhiyan, who heads the Puranaanooru squad that spearheads the resistance. The actor is confident, restrained and brings a sense of masculinity without being overbearing. But this isn’t a mainstream film where the male lead has to do all the heavy lifting alone. Offering SK able support is Atharvaa, appearing as Chezhiyan’s strong-spirited younger brother, Chinnadurai. With his screen presence, Atharvaa commands the attention in every scene.Sudha treats the story with conviction and ensures that the intensity of the protests and the reasons behind them are properly articulated, even for those unfamiliar with it. With that said, Parasakthi could have definitely benefited from a tighter runtime.This is not at all a subtle film. It's cinematic, deliberately dramatised, emotionally charged and stylised. But Parasakthi proudly embraces its heightened tone. Every dialogue feels like a punchline, and it's a welcome choice in a film where there are so many conversations and speeches involved.Ravi Mohan’s antagonist, Thirunaadan, works more as an idea rather than a fully fleshed character. But the detailing that is given about his background and roots is a very nice touch. Ravi also brings in a gravitas through his presence.The makers have made sure to not turn Parasakthi into an anti-Hindi film. The fight for freedom remains the driving force throughout the film. Though, there is no denying that there are a few scenes in there that feel too curated.GV Prakash Kumar’s background score provides the goosebumps and amplifies the highs. However, the songs feel stretched. The placing of a romantic song (though the song itself is good) at the very beginning of the second half, when we are all set to deep dive into the film's world, is a bit frustrating.Ravi K Chandran’s cinematography elevates the film and captures the period flick with richness. Meanwhile, the censor cuts act as minor distractions. We hear the actors lip-syncing but don't hear the words they are speaking. It's noticeable but doesn't derail the overall experience.Parasakthi is flooded with characters. It also incorporates prominent real-life figures into the mix. However, credit goes to the makers that they have tried to give an arc to each and every character, including the cameo roles. With that said, some of these arcs are more effective than the others.The cameos are 'pan-Indian', quite literally. Both in terms of the guest stars and the roles they play. The surprise appearances help in creating the wow factor. The acting is solid across the board. Kulappulli Leela, as the film's motherly figure, Muthamma, is a standout.Sreeleela as Ratnamala is not just Sivakarthikeyan’s love interest; she is also Tamil Nadu chief minister’s daughter, Atharvaa’s collegemate, a National Radio employee and the All India Anti-Hindi Council’s secretary. It's debatable whether another filmmaker would have fleshed Ratnamala out to this length like Sudha has done, without relegating her to a mere love interest.The relationship between Chezhiyan and Ratnamala feels like one between equals. Just like it was the case with Bommi and Maaran in Soorarai Pottru. While the love angle might not be as effective as it was in Soorarai Pottru, it's still beautifully portrayed. The film gives Sreeleela, who makes her Tamil debut, enough space to explore her emotional and comic side.The quieter human interactions lend sensitivity to an otherwise hard-hitting subject but do sometimes take you out of the central conflict. The bond between the brothers (Chezhiyan and Chinnadurai), Sreeleela and SK’s relationship, and especially the interactions between Muthamma and a group of elderly women add sensitivity to the otherwise heavy subject.Parasakthi is nowhere near flawless. But it's a powerful and ambitious attempt to capture a defining chapter in history. In every sense, the film wears its politics on its sleeve and brings in an emotional heft.