‘Parasakthi’ audio launch: Sivakarthikeyan opens up on clash with Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’

Tamil star Sivakarthikeyan has said that he and the makers of his upcoming film, Parasakthi, wanted to avert a box-office clash with superstar Vijay’s swansong film, Jana Nayagan. The actor opened up on the critical topic at the audio launch ceremony of his film, which was held in Chennai on Saturday.

The actor said that Aakash Baskaran, the producer of Parasakthi, and he had initially decided to release their film in January for Pongal instead of in October for Deepavali, since Jana Nayagan was originally set to release for Deepavali. “That’s why we locked Pongal for releasing our film. But we then saw that Vijay sir’s Jana Nayagan has been postponed to Pongal. I called up Aakash, and he said that since it has a 10-day holiday window, it can hold two big films.” When Siva requested whether the release plans could be changed, Aakash said that there were two issues in doing so. “He explained how the entire business surrounding Parasakthi had been planned with this as the release window. Secondly, if we were to push the release date, we would have to release it in April or May, but that wouldn’t be wise since we have elections coming up. I also understood how well they had positioned the film’s business.”

Siva then called Vijay’s manager, Jagadish Palanisamy, who informed Siva that Jana Nayagan had to be postponed to Pongal due to some reasons and that the 10-day release window of Pongal can hold two big-ticket films. “I told him that I was worried because they are calling it Vijay sir’s last film. I urged him to inform Vijay sir about the scenario because some people might do some comedy between us. Jagadish spoke to Vijay sir and called me back, saying, ‘Bro. I told him, everything’s okay. He asked me to convey his wishes to you.’ That’s all that happened. But when some people twist this situation to spark some needless controversies, we can’t do anything.”

Siva then went on to narrate a sweet conversation he had with Vijay during which the latter thanked him for his cameo in the superstar’s previous film, The Greatest of All Time. “That’s the relationship we share. I urge you all to celebrate Jana Nayagan on January 9; when someone who entertained us for 33 years is saying that it’s his last film, we must celebrate it. Then, on January 10, let’s all celebrate Parasakthi. This Pongal is great for Kollywood. Those associated with a film will celebrate that film, but it’s good for cinema when we celebrate each other’s films as well. No matter who says what, this Pongal is an Annan-Thambi Pongal for all.”

In his speech, Sivakarthikeyan called Parasakthi a film as powerful as its title. Notably, the film borrows its title from 1952’s Parasakthi, directed by Krishnan–Panju and written by M Karunanidhi, which marked the acting debut of the late legendary Sivaji Ganesan. The film, thanks to its famous court scene in particular, is revered as a masterpiece in Tamil cinema. As revealed from the trailer, the Sudha Kongara directorial is a period political actioner set against the backdrop of a revolutionary student movement that happened in the 1960s. “Our aim has been to transport you to the 1960s. Students are a powerful force, and Parasakthi is a film that elucidates just that. This is not a film against anyone nor a film that shows anyone in a bad light. It is a tribute to those who sacrificed themselves for this language, for this land, and for the lives we are leading today,” said Siva.

Towards the end of his speech, an emotional Siva reminiced his journey in cinema, from being a contestant on a comedy show and up until Parasakthi, which marks his 25th film. Siva recalled a personal moment after his father’s death, when his mother cried over his father’s mortal remains, saying who would support the young man now. “That stayed with me. I didn’t know what to do in life, or whom to ask for help.” Siva then narrated how he felt when he was recognised for Kalakkapovadhu Yaaru and later for the reception he got when his debut film Marina was released. “Later, when subsequent films came, I realised life in cinema wasn’t going to be a cakewalk. There was a lot of opposition from some heroes, producers, associations and councils. I once again remembered what my mother told me and kept working hard. Now, as I stand today, there’s a lot of negativity that is being spewed against me. The attacks have gone to the extent that they even targeted my family. And once again, I recollect what my amma said: Who do I have to support me?’ But I can confidently say that I have all of you. Amma, even if 1000 people try to push me off, I have lakhs of people to support me. Today I feel like I have won in life, and that’s because of all of you,” said Siva, urging everyone to think like they are the heroes of their lives.

The audio launch of Parasakthi was attended by the film’s cast — including Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa Murali and Sreeleela — and the film’s technical crew. Ace director Mani Ratnam felicitated the event as the chief guest.

Parasakthi has music composed by GV Prakash Kumar. Notably, this is the composer’s 100th film. With cinematography by Ravi K Chandran, the film has editing by Sathish Suriya and production design by MR Karthik Rajkumar. Produced by Aakash Baskaran under his Dawn Pictures banner, the film is set to release in theatres on January 10.