After weeks of uncertainty, Sivakarthikeyan-starrer Parasakthi has finally cleared the censorship hurdle, with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granting it a UA 16+ certificate—just a day ahead of its scheduled release on January 10. The makers announced the development online on Friday.
Parasakthi receives UA16+ certificate
The official page of Dawn Pictures, the production house backing the film, shared the update, writing: “A fire that speaks to all ages. Parasakthi censored with a U/A—striking theatres worldwide from tomorrow.” The certification details are also available on the CBFC’s official website.
Earlier, the film’s release had been stalled due to delays in securing CBFC certification. With Vijay’s Jana Nayagan already missing its intended release date, January 9, uncertainty loomed over Parasakthi as well, raising concerns that both films would miss the crucial Pongal window.
However, Parasakthi is now set for a major theatrical release, as Jana Nayagan continues to face legal challenges in court over securing an uninterrupted release.
Parasakthi runtime
Directed by Sudha Kongara, Parasakthi also stars Sreeleela, Ravi Mohan, and Atharvaa in key roles. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 42 minutes and is described as a historical political action drama set in the 1960s. The project was initially conceived with actor Suriya in mind, but the plan was shelved. Sudha later revived the film with Sivakarthikeyan, officially announcing it in December 2024.
Parasakthi director believed in CBFC
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the censor process, the director expressed faith in the board. Speaking earlier to Galatta Plus, Sudha Kongara said, “When we went to the revising committee, there was this censor board head who was so democratic and fair. One tends to think the censor board is terrible, but that wasn’t the case. The questions and reservations they had were fair, and the way they allow a film to live and breathe is very reasonable.”
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The delay also prompted filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj to weigh in on social media. He wrote, “Bookings are yet to open in many centres due to the issue of certificate for other big-budget film #Parasakthi slated to release day after tomorrow.” He added that large-scale releases with overseas commitments require better streamlining and flexibility, warning that postponements of major films during festival seasons could eventually harm the industry.
Jana Nayagan in legal battle with CBFC
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court ordered CBFC to issue a UA certification to Jana Nayagan, Thalapathy Vijay’s last film. This came after makers approached the court after after failing to obtain a certificate despite submission over a month ago. On December 19, the board suggested cuts and muted dialogues. The changes were implemented. However, the film was asked to undergo another review over corncerns such as communal overtones, which were deemed potentially sensitive and in need of modification to avoid misinterpretation. The court ruled that CBFC’s objections appeared to be ‘afterthoughts’.
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