Parasakthi (film)

Parasakthi
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Krishnan–Panju
Screenplay by	M. Karunanidhi
Based on	Parasakthi by Pavalar Balasundaram
Produced by	P. A. Perumal Mudaliar
Starring	Sivaji Ganesan S. V. Sahasranamam S. S. Rajendran Sriranjani Jr. Pandari Bai
Cinematography	S. Maruti Rao
Edited by	Panjabi
Music by	R. Sudarsanam Background score: Saraswathi Stores Orchestra
Production company	National Pictures
Distributed by	National Pictures
Release date	17 October 1952 (1952-10-17)
Running time	188 minutes[1]
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Parasakthi (/pərɑːsəkθi/ transl. The Supreme Goddess) is a 1952 Indian Tamil-language satirical drama film directed by Krishnan–Panju and written by M. Karunanidhi. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, S. V. Sahasranamam, S. S. Rajendran, Sriranjani Jr., and Pandari Bai. It is the cinematic acting debut of Ganesan and Rajendran. Based on Pavalar Balasundaram's play of the same name, Parasakthi narrates the misfortunes that befall the members of a Tamil family during World War II.

Central Studios initially planned on creating a film based on the Parasakthi play and T. S. Natarajan's play En Thangai; however, the idea was dropped after Natarajan objected. The film rights of Parasakthi were later bought by P. A. Perumal of National Pictures, with the patronage of A. V. Meiyappan. The soundtrack was composed by R. Sudarsanam, cinematography was handled by S. Maruti Rao, and Panju edited the film under the alias "Panjabi". Filming began in mid-1950, but took over two years to complete.

Parasakthi was released on 17 October 1952, during the festive occasion of Diwali, and faced controversies because of its portrayal of Brahmins and Hindu customs and practices in a negative light. The elitarian society including the then ruling State government even demanded that the film be banned. Despite these protests, the film was praised for its dialogues and the actors' performances, and became a commercial success with a theatrical run of over 175 days. Parasakthi acquired cult status in Tamil cinema and became a trendsetter for dialogues and acting for later Tamil films.