Kongara noted that Parasakthi reflects this trust through its protagonist, who reminds a Hindi-speaking character of Nehru’s assurance. “That’s exactly how they lived, and that’s how he was—a great leader,” she said, emphasising that the film draws from historical sentiment rather than political distortion
Filmmaker Sudha Kongara has firmly dismissed criticism that her latest film Parasakthi misrepresents Congress leaders, asserting instead that the narrative portrays them as progressive, democratic and deeply respectful of India’s diversity. In an exclusive interaction with IANS, the acclaimed director said her depiction of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was that of “one of the greatest leaders ever” to have led the country.
Responding to claims by the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress that leaders associated with the party were shown in a poor light, Kongara was unequivocal. “Not at all,” she said, adding that her film consciously highlights moments of political sensitivity and democratic values. Referring to India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, she recalled his assurances to non-Hindi-speaking states during debates on language policy. “Can there be a greater leader than Nehru who comes and says, ‘I want to allay your fears. Till my brothers from the south say yes, Hindi will not become the sole official language?’ He promised this in Parliament, and people believed him,” she explained.
Kongara noted that Parasakthi reflects this trust through its protagonist, who reminds a Hindi-speaking character of Nehru’s assurance. “That’s exactly how they lived, and that’s how he was—a great leader,” she said, emphasising that the film draws from historical sentiment rather than political distortion.
The director was particularly passionate while speaking about her portrayal of Indira Gandhi. In one of the film’s key sequences, Gandhi engages directly with the protagonist, despite attempts by others to stop the interaction. “Who in this world can go and meet a leader of that stature?” Kongara asked. “People try to pull him away, and she says, ‘Stop!’ She listens to him, she has a dialogue with him. How much better can a democratic leader be than this?”
According to Kongara, this moment encapsulates Indira Gandhi’s leadership style—authoritative yet attentive. “She’s great, and I’ve shown her as one of the greatest leaders ever,” she asserted. The filmmaker stressed that her intent was never to portray national leaders as authoritarian figures. “I have the utmost respect for Mrs. Gandhi and Mr. Nehru. I have shown them as extremely positive leaders who came here, who were democratic, not dictatorial,” she said.
Parasakthi is set against the backdrop of the anti-Hindi agitations that swept Tamil Nadu in the 1960s, a period marked by intense political and cultural upheaval. The film attempts to capture the emotional and ideological conflicts of the era while anchoring them in individual stories. Kongara said the narrative demanded nuance and sensitivity, especially while portraying national leaders and regional sentiments.
The film stars Sivakarthikeyan and Sreeleela in the lead roles, with Ravi Mohan as the antagonist and Atharvaa in a pivotal part. Touted earlier as #SK25, marking Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th film, Parasakthi features music by G V Prakash Kumar and cinematography by veteran Ravi K Chandran, with action choreography by Supreme Sundar.
Released on January 10 during the Pongal festival, Parasakthi has sparked debate alongside appreciation—something Kongara believes is inevitable when cinema engages with history. “If people are talking and questioning, it means the film has stirred thought,” she said, reiterating that her portrayal of leaders was rooted in respect, research and democratic spirit.
