Delhi: Director Sudha Kongara’s Parasakthi team made this year’s Pongal celebrations memorable by flying to the national capital and meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The courtesy visit ahead of the festival was attended by lead actor Sivakarthikeyan, actor Ravi Mohan and National Award-winning music composer GV Prakash Kumar, among other members of the film’s core team.
The interaction, which coincided with Pongal festivities in Delhi, quickly became a talking point in Tamil cinema circles. Photographs and videos from the meeting began circulating widely on social media, with fans and industry observers calling it a proud and celebratory moment for the Tamil film industry.
GV Prakash shares moment from the meeting
GV Prakash took to social media on Wednesday to share a photograph from the meeting, describing it as a significant and memorable occasion for the Parasakthi team. The image drew instant attention from fans, many of whom praised the recognition received by the film and its artistes at a national level.
Sharing the photograph, Prakash wrote, “#thiruvaasagam was performed in #pongal2026 celebration at Delhi in front of our honourable prime minister @narendramodi sir @murugan_tnbjp (sic).” The post was widely shared and commented on, with followers expressing pride over the cultural representation of Tamil music and cinema during a national celebration.
Sivakarthikeyan’s moment captures attention
One of the photographs from the meet that stood out featured Sivakarthikeyan smiling warmly as Prime Minister Narendra Modi shook hands with GV Prakash. Fans were quick to notice the actor’s visibly proud and emotional expression, which made the image instantly viral across social media platforms.
Several fan pages and cinema portals reposted the image, calling it an “endearing” and “historic” moment. Many felt that the photograph symbolised the growing national visibility of Tamil cinema and its artistes beyond regional boundaries.
Another image from the event showed the Prime Minister seated alongside Sivakarthikeyan, GV Prakash, Ravi Mohan, Kenishaa and other dignitaries in the front row during the programme, further underlining the importance of the occasion.
Thiruvaasagam performance marks milestone
Adding to the significance of the visit, GV Prakash also performed a track from his Tamil pride album Thiruvaasagam during the gathering on January 14. The performance, held in the presence of the Prime Minister, marked the first time a composition from the album was presented at such a high-profile national event.
The composer described the performance as an important milestone for Thiruvaasagam and its creators. Music enthusiasts and cultural commentators noted that the inclusion of Tamil devotional and classical elements in a Pongal celebration at the national level highlighted India’s cultural diversity.
Videos of the performance soon surfaced online, receiving praise for both the composition and the context in which it was presented.
Parasakthi release and certification hurdles
Sudha Kongara’s Parasakthi, starring Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role, was released in cinemas on January 10. The film faced a last-minute hurdle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), receiving clearance only a day before its scheduled release.
The CBFC granted the film a U/A certificate along with 25 modifications, a development that drew attention within the industry due to the timing and number of changes suggested. Despite the challenges, the film made it to theatres as planned.
Industry observers noted that the certification issue added to the film’s pre-release buzz, with discussions around creative freedom and regulatory processes resurfacing in cinema circles.
Mixed reviews, but producers remain optimistic
Following its release, Parasakthi has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While some praised the performances and thematic ambition, others felt the execution could have been stronger. The divided response has sparked discussions among fans and reviewers alike.
Despite the mixed reception, the film’s producers have stated that Parasakthi has turned profitable for exhibitors and stakeholders. According to them, steady audience turnout and effective distribution have helped the film perform well commercially.
Trade analysts pointed out that Sivakarthikeyan’s strong fan base and Sudha Kongara’s reputation as a filmmaker played a key role in ensuring sustained interest in the film.
Symbolic moment for Tamil cinema
The Parasakthi team’s meeting with the Prime Minister during Pongal has been widely viewed as a symbolic moment for Tamil cinema. Many in the industry believe such interactions reflect the growing recognition of regional cinema on national platforms.
Fans described the visit as a celebration not just of a single film, but of Tamil culture, music and storytelling. Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages, highlighting pride in seeing Tamil artistes participate in national-level festivities.
Conclusion
The meeting between the Parasakthi team and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coupled with the Thiruvaasagam performance during Pongal celebrations, marked a culturally significant moment for Tamil cinema. While Parasakthi continues its theatrical run amid mixed reviews, the Delhi visit has added a memorable chapter to the film’s journey, reinforcing the presence of regional cinema in national cultural conversations.