Sivakarthikeyan’s much-anticipated multi-starrer Parasakthi has run into uncertainty just days before its scheduled January 10 theatrical release, as the film is yet to receive clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification. With Pongal being one of the most crucial release windows for Tamil cinema, the delay has triggered widespread concern across the industry, especially among exhibitors and theatre owners who are closely watching the situation unfold.

According to reports, Parasakthi was referred to the CBFC’s revising committee after the initial screening raised concerns regarding its content. While the exact objections have not been officially disclosed, the lack of a censor certificate at this stage has intensified speculation. The delay has inevitably drawn comparisons with the recent censor issues faced by Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, which struggled to secure clearance due to scenes allegedly affecting religious sentiments. That film’s team was forced to approach the court, leading to a delay that disrupted release plans and theatre allocations.

Despite the ongoing censor uncertainty, the Parasakthi team has continued its promotional activities without slowing down. Sivakarthikeyan, along with co-stars Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, and Sreeleela, recently participated in promotional events at a college in Kerala. Industry insiders suggest the makers still have a short window of two days to receive the censor certificate. If clearance does not arrive within this timeframe, legal intervention could be the next step, mirroring the path taken by the Jana Nayagan team.

The delay in certification has had a direct impact on Pongal theatre bookings across Tamil Nadu and overseas markets. While a few single-screen theatres have tentatively opened advance bookings in anticipation of last-minute clearance, many major multiplex chains remain cautious. Several exhibitors are reportedly holding back screen allotments until an official CBFC certificate is issued, creating uncertainty in planning and revenue projections for the festive season.

Adding another layer of complexity is the political context surrounding Parasakthi and Jana Nayagan. The clash between the two films is widely seen as more than just a box office competition. Jana Nayagan is perceived as aligned with the ideology of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, the political party associated with Vijay, while Parasakthi explores the anti-Hindi agitation of the 1960s, a foundational movement of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. This ideological contrast has fueled speculation that political sensitivities may be influencing the censor scrutiny, though no official confirmation supports this claim.

Directed by Sudha Kongara Prasad, Parasakthi is inspired by true events linked to the anti-Hindi protests in then Madras, which reportedly claimed several lives. The film has generated significant pre-release interest due to its subject matter, ensemble cast, and large-scale production values. It also marks a major milestone for composer GV Prakash Kumar, as Parasakthi is his 100th project in the film industry. As the release date draws closer, all eyes are now on the CBFC’s final decision. The outcome will not only determine Parasakthi’s fate at the box office but also shape the overall dynamics of the Pongal 2026 theatrical race. With high stakes, political undertones, and festival expectations riding on it, the censor clearance has become one of the most closely watched developments in Tamil cinema right now.