Parasakthi (2026) Movie Review: Sivakarthikeyan’s Ambitious Drama Opens to a ‘War of Words’ Between Fans and Critics

Sivakarthikeyan and Jayam Ravi in Parasakthi 2026 movie scene

The release of Parasakthi (2026) was meant to be the first massive Tamil cinema celebration of the year. Starring Sivakarthikeyan, Sreeleela, and Jayam Ravi, this 2026 ‧ Drama/Adventure ‧ 2h 34m spectacle carries a title that weighs heavy with history.

However, the early Parasakthi movie review 2026 landscape is a battlefield. While the box office numbers are ticking upwards, the word-of-mouth is sharply divided. Is this the “bold attempt” fans claim, or the “unbearable” drag critics are warning about?

For our UAE readers deciding on their weekend plans, here is a deep dive into the Parasakthi 2026 review, the Parasakthi new movie rating, and the reality behind the hype.

Important Note: A New Era, Not a Remake

Before booking your tickets at Vox or Reel Cinemas, a crucial disambiguation: this is not a remake of the 1952 classic starring the legendary Sivaji Ganesan. While the producers have invoked Tamil pride (claiming “Tamil will win” regarding the film’s themes), this is a distinct Parasakthi drama adventure review. It is a modern narrative helmed by director Ravi Mohan.

The Internet Verdict: “Unbearable” or “Masterpiece”?

The Parasakthi movie public audience response has been polarised, creating a massive gap in the Parasakthi 2026 critic review vs audience rating.

According to trending reports, a significant section of the internet has been ruthless. NDTV reports that many netizens found the experience tedious, with some harsh tweets comparing it to other recent flops, stating they “should have watched Dhurandhar again instead.” The frustration largely stems from a screenplay that reportedly loses its way.

However, the “SK Squad” (Sivakarthikeyan fans) is fighting back. Reports from the Times of India highlight that fans are celebrating the lead star’s performance and the film’s emotional core, calling it a “career-best effort” in the drama genre.

While some reviewers praised it, some reviewers rated it 1.5/5 on X. See below screenshots

Parasakthi movie public audience response and twitter reviews 1
Parasakthi movie public audience response and twitter reviews 2

Another reviewer criticised the acting of Siva Karthikeyan and the slow movie and narration, whereas praised the cuteness of Sree Leela and the acting of Atharva and Ravi.

Parasakthi movie public audience response and twitter reviews 2

Contrary to the above, some are praising the acting of Siva and Ravi.

Parasakthi movie public audience response and twitter reviews 4

Story & Analysis: A Game of Two Halves

The Parasakthi 2026 movie story and plot is a period-heavy drama touching upon socio-political themes (hinted at by the producer’s reference to 1965 protests), wrapped in an adventure format.

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Parasakthi movie first half vs second half review:

  • First Half: Most Parasakthi FDFS (First Day First Show) reviews, including those from Deccan Herald, agree that the setup is “bold”. It establishes the conflict and the period setting effectively.
  • Second Half: This is where the Parasakthi 2026 movie climax explained by critics falls apart. The narrative reportedly drags, with the adventure elements feeling forced rather than organic.

Is Parasakthi 2026 worth watching in theatres? If you enjoy slow-burn dramas with high production values and historical context, yes. If you are looking for a fast-paced commercial entertainer, you might find yourself checking the time.

Cast Performance: The Saving Grace

If there is one aspect immune to criticism, it is the acting. The Parasakthi 2026 cast performance review is overwhelmingly positive for the lead.

  • Sivakarthikeyan: Moving away from his comic roots, Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi movie acting is intense and grounded. Hindustan Times notes that coming after Jana Nayagan, this film cements his versatility.
  • Supporting Cast: The inclusion of Jayam Ravi (a popular name in the UAE markets) and the female lead Sreeleela adds significant weight. Kerala Kaumudi highlighted the excitement surrounding the “popular Malayali actor’s role,” which adds pan-South Indian appeal.

Box Office: The 140 Crore Challenge

The stakes for this film are incredibly high. According to trade analysts at Koimoi, the Parasakthi box office equation is strict. The Sivakarthikeyan starrer needs to score 140 crore globally just to enter the “safe zone”.

With mixed reviews flooding in, the Parasakthi 2026 hit-or-flop verdict will depend entirely on how it performs this Saturday and Sunday. The Parasakthi adventure drama trailer breakdown promised scale, and the budget reflects that—meaning the film cannot afford a drop in collections.

UAE Guide: Tickets, Timing & OTT

Parasakthi 2026 movie poster

For expats in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah:

  • Parasakthi movie ticket booking UAE: Advance sales have been strong, particularly in locations like Al Ghurair Centre and Deira City Centre.
  • Parasakthi movie showtimes Dubai: The film has a wide release. Given the visual scope, we recommend Dolby Atmos screens.
  • Runtime: The Parasakthi 2026 movie runtime is 2h 34m. Plan your break accordingly!

What about streaming? For those deciding to skip the theatrical run, the Parasakthi movie OTT release date and platform has not been officially confirmed. However, typical trends for big-budget Tamil films suggest a release on platforms like Netflix or Prime Video after a 28-40 day window.

Final Word

Parasakthi movie director Ravi Mohan direction style aimed for the stars but perhaps landed on the moon. It’s a visual spectacle with a wandering soul. Watch it for Sivakarthikeyan; temper your expectations for the screenplay.

Rating: 2.75/5

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